20 apartments for rent in Center Square, Albany, NY

Albany Apartments For Rent

History echoes through the streets of Albany. It is in the cobblestone streets, in the brick of buildings built more than a century ago, and in the rushing water of the Hudson River, first explored by Henry Hudson in 1604.

Since 1614, pioneers have settled in this beautiful location on the Hudson River. The Dutch set up the Fort Nassau trading post in 1614 and Fort Orange in 1624. In 1664, the British captured Fort Orange and Albany became one of the original 13 colonies. It became a city in 1664– the oldest continually-chartered city in the country – and was named for the Duke of Albany. The city became the state capital in 1797.

There’s a reason settlers have been drawn to Albany for four centuries.  The beautiful landscape, for one, is a huge attraction. Located in the Hudson Valley, Albany is surrounded by mountains. The rolling hills, waterfalls, the Hudson River, and the Albany Pine Bush combine to create an awe-inspiring backdrop for the city. The Dutch influence is still obvious in Albany, and the city holds an Annual Tulip Festival in historic Washington Park.

Architecture – especially in Downtown Albany – is extraordinary. The historic blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Moorish creates a unique cityscape of arched windows, soaring towers, and imposing spires. The city resembles something out of a fairy tale, but the history of Albany is both real and inspiring.

Albany is home to 14 historic districts, five national historic landmarks, and dozens of other historic sites. Washington Park began as the Middle Public Square in 1806 and is one of 60 parks in Albany. The Albany Institute of History and Art is one of the country’s oldest museums – it was founded in 1791. The Schuyler Mansion, constructed around 1761, is a fascinating museum and a National Historic Landmark. It was built of Philip Schuyler, a general in the Continental Army who became one of the nation’s first senators. Schuyler’s daughter, Elizabeth, married Alexander Hamilton in the house on December 14, 1780.

Things to Do in Albany:

Be sure to take a walking tour through the city after choosing your Albany apartment to rent – the city is fascinating. Lafayette Park Historic District is a National Historic District that consists of gorgeous row houses, the New York State Capitol, and City Hall. The Capitol Building was finally completed in 1899 after 32 years of difficult, often-delayed construction and two architects. Because the architects had very different styles, the building is at odds with itself –parts resembling the Renaissance Revival style of original architect Thomas Fuller and other parts taking on the Romanesque Revival style of later architect Henry Hobson Richardson. Other historic sites in Lafayette Park include the Joseph Henry Memorial, built in 1815; the New York Court of Appeals Building, built in 1842; the Cathedral of All Saints, built in 1884; and the Elk Street Row Houses, build in the early-to-mid 1800s.

Downtown Albany contains the oldest part of the city. This historic district contains 160 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, completed in 1860, and the Van Ostrande-Radliff House, the oldest structure in Albany. It was built in 1728.

The beautiful city of Albany is inspiring to artists, and Albany has an impressive arts scene. For a unique way to enjoy it, hop on the trolley! The free trolley is available the first Friday of every month, from 11 am until 2 pm. The trolley takes visitors through downtown Albany to enjoy artwork and exhibitions, and there’s live entertainment available in the evening, starting at 5 pm.

Once you’ve settled into your apartment in Albany, the month of May will be your favorite! This is when the tulips erupt and cover the city in a blanket of color. It is also the month of the annual Tulip Festival, an event that celebrates Albany’s Dutch heritage and includes live music and great food.

Another thing you’ll love about living in Albany: Cardona’s Market! This Italian market will transport you back in time (and place!) and is filled with cheese, olives, and other Italian specialties. Of course, if it’s farmers markets you enjoy, Albany is filled with them – there’s a Downtown Albany Farmers Market, Goold Orchards, the Empire State Plaza farmers market, and several more.

While the farmers markets are seasonal, there’s always something happening at the Empire State Plaza! The Plaza is home to an impressive art collection, a convention center, the Cultural Education Center, and the EGG Center for the Performing Arts. In winter, the plaza has a tree-lighting ceremony and an ice skating rink.

Shoppers will appreciate having the Colonie Center Mall and Crossgates Mall nearby. Downtown Albany is home to several specialty shops, gift stores, art galleries, and antique stores. After sunset, there’s even more to do in Albany – everything from wineries, jazz clubs, Irish pubs, and bars are ready to welcome you. Make your way from your new Albany apartment to Pearl Street, the downtown strip known for its nightlife. Midtown is another great nightlife hotspot – it draws the college students from SUNY Albany and the College of Saint Rose.

Of course, the nearby Adirondacks and the Hudson River provide a terrific playground for outdoor adventurers. Choose an apartment in Albany and soon you could be skiing, snowboarding, whitewater rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing.

What to Consider When Moving to Albany:

Albany is located in the heart of New York’s Tech Valley, an area of high-tech industries stretched across 19 counties. SUNY Albany is home to the Polytechnic Institute, a leader in the field of nanotechnology. In fact, the Institute is considered the best in the nation for micro- and nanotechnology. Albany is also the heart of New York government and has a strong, diverse economy.

You’ll love exploring Albany neighborhoods – they offer a terrific blend of old and new, each with its own charm. Downtown Albany, the oldest part of the city, contains the original main street. Downtown Albany consists of historic row houses and older residential areas. Lark Street is a great downtown neighborhood, featuring 19th-century brownstones, cobblestone streets, and a variety of cafes, art galleries, boutiques, nightclubs, and restaurants.

Mansion Hill is located on the south side of the Empire State Plaza. It contains 19th-century townhouses and row houses, and is listed on the National Register as a US Historic District. Pine Hills is home to many college students, due to its proximity to the University at Albany and Saint Rose College. Pine Hills is a hip neighborhoods consisting of apartment buildings, duplexes, and a commercial center filled with shops, a movie theater, restaurants, a community playhouse, and grocery stores.

Why Albany Apartments Are Hot:

Move aside, Manhattan – there’s a new “apple” in town! Albany was recently named one of the state’s happiest cities, based in part by the number of restaurants available (an impressive 250/person), short commutes (averaging just about 18 minutes), a low cost of living, and a very low divorce rate (averaging just about 7 percent).

Of course, if you factor in great locations – such as Jennings Landing, home to year-round events that include the Riverfront Jazz Festival and a summer concert series – exciting events, and a beautiful location filled with year-round outdoor adventures, chances are good living in Albany will make you very happy!