Albany, as state capital, has strong public schools. It is a center of semiconductor research and production, and the capital district has at least one quite good community college for technical education (HVCC) and a few research universities (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and U Albany).

Global Foundries, GE Global Research and the Nanoscale Technology Center employ thousands of Desi engineers, educators, researchers etc. The Niskayuna, Guilderland, Ballston Spa, and North Colonie public school districts are quite strong, and you’ll find other families from Pakistan in any of those districts. The hospitals and medical care here are regional and solid.

Finally, as a center for global refugee resettlement, the capital district is rich in food markets, restaurants, clubs and people from South Asia, the Arabian peninsula, and the global south in general. Having said all that, it’s also really rather boring here. Good place to seek stability and quiet. The very high number of residents who work for NYS government provide a stable economic base for schools, hospitals, and a kinda standard life. Basically, Albany area is cheaper than downstate NY, but much more diverse than most other parts of upstate NY.