Need Info on Buying a Condo in Albany (Colonie: apartments, condos)

[SteveRuby]

My wife and I are interested in buying a condo, preferably in an apartment building, in the city of Albany. We are both commercial artists and like the idea of coming out of our building into a neighborhood (cafes, restaurants, markets, etc.). We saw a few buildings (online only so far) on North Pearl Street, State Street and Irving Street. What are these areas like? Can anyone recommend a neighborhood in Albany or is it not the best place for us (the crime stats that I saw online were a bit alarming). We live about an hour south and plan to make a lot of trips, but would appreciate feedback from people who know the area.

Thanks in advance.

[Vaedur]

The "lark street' area is very Artsy.. but in all honestly being from albany county, albany is definitely not the greatest place.. i don't understand people fascination w/ living there..

It's such a small city, you can live right outside, hop a bus, and be downtown in like 10 minutes.. think south colonie (west albany) it's suburbia, with the heart of albany right around the corner..

North pearl / state street are basically imo slums...

You can get a condo with lots of room right outside for the mid 100's easily in the capital region.

[SteveRuby]

Thanks Vaedur. Are there condos in S. Colonie that are in apt. buildings or in those three story brownstone type buildings? You mentioned it being suburban so I'm wondering if it's just townhouses/duplex styled condos (which isn't what we want...so far anyway)? Any other capital region locales that might fit the bill?

[Vaedur]

Most of the condos are townhouse / duplex style in the capital region, their isn't many "high rise" buildings, the few in downtown aren't exactly nice, although i'm sure their are some. The capital region is very "small city"..
Saratoga might be more your style. it has a very artsy theme, and really removes most of the crime from the area.. it's pricey, but i'm guessing you can afford it ...

[albbuffny]

Saratoga would be a great choice. But I think you would like Albany too. The "center square" area which surrounds beautiful Washington Park (madison Ave. , Lark Street, State Street) has many nice historic brownstones and has a vibrant neighborhood with taverns, markets, festivals. It is relatively safe - but it is a downtown neighborhood - so as long as you are aware -you will know which spots to avoid. Parking is hard to come by-so find a place with off street space. It seems as though you want a place where you can walk around to shops very close by. Colonie or the other suburbs are not real condusive to walking in most places--you'll need the car or a bus to go to most stores etc. Another nice neighborhood is Delaware Ave. just south of downtown.

[Vaedur]

Plenty of luxuary apartments in colonie and latham..

[SteveRuby]

Thanks all. We went to see some today and love the center square area. Will check out Delaware Ave next.

[NYLooking]

The Albany suburbs are not what you are looking for, stick with your first idea.

[SteveRuby]

Originally Posted by NYLooking

The Albany suburbs are not what you are looking for, stick with your first idea.

-We went today again and are pretty settled on getting a condo around State Street/Lark St. We like that area a lot.

I thank you all for your help. You were very kind.

[Vaedur]

Just don't plan on taking any evening strolls..

Gets pretty bad in that area imo..