Is Albany, GA, a Good Place to Live? Pros & Cons

If you’re considering moving to Albany, you’re probably wondering if Albany, GA is a good place to live. We understand it’s important to research before you decide where to move, so we’ve put together this guide to help you make a decision.  

In 2020, Albany’s population was 69,647 people, roughly a 10% decrease from the last census in 2010. Albany is still the 13^th largest city in Georgia.  

Before you decide whether or not to move to Albany, here are a few things you need to know.  

What is Albany Like? 

These key statistics will give you an idea of Albany’s size and population. Find even more information about Albany’s history, cost of living and crime further below.  

*Data from Census.org 

History of Albany 

The first inhabitants of present-day Albany were the Creek Indians. They called the area “Thronateeska” which meant “the place where flint is picked up.” The name of the river that runs through Albany is appropriately named the Flint.  

In 1836, Nelson Tift founded the city, in hopes that the area would become a trade center like Albany, New York. By the 1900s, the people of Albany came to realize the Flint River wasn’t suitable for steam navigation, so the city pivoted and became a rail center instead. The railroad stop became known as Union Station, and connected seven railroads. Today, it still stands as the Thronateeska Heritage Center.  

Albany is in the process of redeveloping the downtown area, featuring the Flint River. As the town continues to modernize, residents and visitors can still enjoy the rich historic sites and experiences.  

Cost of Living: Is it Expensive to live in Albany? 

Albany’s cost of living is below the average for the state of Georgia. The city’s health and utility costs are above the national average, but very low housing costs bring the overall cost of living in Albany below the state and national averages.  

The median home cost in Albany Georgia is $98,200, less than half of the median home cost in the state of Georgia and the nation.  

*Data from BestPlaces.net 

Safety – Is Albany Georgia safe? 

Albany, Georgia, has a crime grade of D- according to CrimeGrade.org. A crime occurs every 1:16 in the city, and Albany is in the 8^th percentile for safety (which means that 92% of cities are safer). The rate of crime is 71.38 per 1,000 residents per year, with a chance of being a victim of a crime as low as 1 in 8 in central neighborhoods.  

Food/Entertainment: What to do in Albany 

There are a variety of entertainment opportunities in Albany, ranging from historic sites to must-see attractions. Plus, a number of delicious dining options.  

The historic experiences in the area include the Thronateeska Heritage Center, where visitors can explore the historic Union Station, Albany Civil Rights Institute and Ray Charles Plaza, a musical sculpture honoring the famous musician.  

Radium Springs Gardens is one of Georgia’s seven natural wonders. The park includes crystal clear water, scenic views and plant life. There are a number of other outdoor activities in Albany, including RiverFront Park and Turtle Grove Play Park.  

Albany is also home to the Chehaw Zoo, where the whole family can learn about the animals, listen to keeper talks, and participate in feedings. The Flint RiverQuarium is a one-of-a-kind experience with a 175,000 gallon open-air aquarium.  

Not only are there plenty of things to do in Albany, there are also plenty of things to eat! Check out Albany Fish Company for some tasty seafood, The Catch for fresh fare, The Flint for some classic southern favorites, or Harvest Moon for some tasty pizza.  

Pros and Cons of Living in Albany  

Pros  

The low cost of living in Albany, GA attracts many residents. Albany’s housing costs are half as much as the state of Georgia and the national average. Albany also has lower grocery and transportation costs.  

There are more renters than homeowners in Albany (60% to 40%), and median rent in Albany is lower than the national average ($738 in Albany versus $1,062).  

Albany is also home to two universities, Albany State University and Albany Technical College. These universities provide jobs as well as mold students to become effective contributors to a diverse city. 

Cons 

One major deterrent of living in Albany is the crime rate. With a grade of D-, Albany is in the 8^th percentile for safety. 

According to Niche.com, Albany has a below-average school district, with only 27% of students proficient or higher in math, and only 25% in reading.   

Albany also has a very high poverty rate. According to Census.gov, the town’s poverty rate was 30.8% in 2019. The United States poverty rate in 2019 was 10.5%. 

Quality of Life in Albany 

Albany offers a community atmosphere as well as a variety of opportunities for residents. The town is home to numerous entertainment options, fun for the family, educational experiences and many incredible restaurants and eateries.  

The city also offers unique outdoor activities along the Flint River and scattered across town. There are golf courses and many community events in the area.  

Some of the top neighborhoods in Albany include Doublegate, Lake Park and Rawson Park.  

Wrapping Up: Is Albany a Good Place to Live? 

Only you can decide if Albany, Georgia is the place for you, but hopefully, this guide has helped you come to a decision.  

Albany’s low cost of living, wide array of entertainment, activities and unique attractions are major draws to the area.  

However, the high crime rate and below-average public schools and a high poverty rate are not attractive factors to future residents.  

No matter where you decide to move, or even if you stay put, give us a call if you need self-storage. You can find Store Space in Albany, GA, or use our storage location finder to locate our other facilities around the United States.