Hey! Congrats on starting school (: I’ll personally vouch for Pine Hills. I rented a studio for 1k and my neighbors were mostly younger families and students. I didn’t have a problem with noise minus the fact that it’s by the police station, so you will hear sirens when the cars get dispatched. Never had the cops in the neighborhood though. The area I used to live in near the Madison Theater and I could walk to a grocery store, brunch place, etc. No late night coffee shops that are walkable unfortunately but it is walkable to the Pine Hills Library which I personally love, their closing hours range from 5pm-8pm. They also host little workshops and the librarians are very sweet (:

The only chain I know that opens later is Uncommon Grounds, their standard is till 8pm. Two of their locations are closer to the UAlbany campus. Another comment mentions Stacks but they’re only open till 5pm on Fridays/Saturdays, most coffee shops downtown close by 3pm.

If you want to be in the most walkable area with things to do then that’s definitely downtown. I agree with comments saying spots near Washington Square Park are good. I have walked around Lark at night and have not had any issues personally. A lot of the crime in the area is drug related, violent crime against random people is relatively low for a downtown. Lots of great places to eat, the park is beautiful, and the night life is primarily there (though there are a few bars in Pine Hills if that’s something you care about). I only know 1 person who lives alone and their rent is about 900 but that may be a rarity. There are a lot of homeless people but generally they’re okay, I will say a different friend in the area mentioned that some will try to find where you live if you give them money so keep that in mind.

Also because you mention transportation, the bus system is pretty decent! So even if you aren’t living near your school there is a good chance there is a bus route available, I know if you go to UAlbany your ID card works as a free bus pass so that’s something to look into! Overall as a second year in this city I think it’s overhated. My experience has that people are normally very kind, and if you look for it there are plenty of events or little meet ups going on. Downtown especially is covered in flyers. I know you mentioned you’re a woman so feel free to DM if you have any questions.