SUNY- Albany? (Dickinson, Rose: apartments, crime rates, homes)

[BPerone201]

I narrowed down my search to 5 colleges and universities, my first choice is Albany because it's one of the farther universities from where I currently live so that I can stay away from any distractions I have at home, with close friends, etc.

How is Albany's downtown? Would I be able to get a 1 bedroom apartment for $900/mo tops in the downtown section (I'm not going to dorm)? How is the cities economy? Is it better than Montclair University in NJ?

The reason why I ask is because I've heard and seen mixed feelings towards Albany, like that it's crime rates are high, it's poor, it's rundown, but I also heard things like it's downtown is fantastic and that it's very historic. Can anyone provide with more in-depth information on Albany so that my research is top-notch?
I will be visiting in December, but any prior input or cautions are well appreciated.

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by BPerone201

I narrowed down my search to 5 colleges and universities, my first choice is Albany because it's one of the farther universities from where I currently live so that I can stay away from any distractions I have at home, with close friends, etc.

How is Albany's downtown? Would I be able to get a 1 bedroom apartment for $900/mo tops in the downtown section (I'm not going to dorm)? How is the cities economy? Is it better than Montclair University in NJ?

The reason why I ask is because I've heard and seen mixed feelings towards Albany, like that it's crime rates are high, it's poor, it's rundown, but I also heard things like it's downtown is fantastic and that it's very historic. Can anyone provide with more in-depth information on Albany so that my research is top-notch?
I will be visiting in December, but any prior input or cautions are well appreciated.

Here's some information you might like: The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID)
Home: Albany Downtown Association
Downtown Albany Historic District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Welcome to Albany, NY!


SUNY-Albany is a very good school and I think you would like it. What would you be majoring in?

[ckhthankgod]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Here's some information you might like: The Downtown Albany Business Improvement District (BID)
Home: Albany Downtown Association
Downtown Albany Historic District - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Welcome to Albany, NY!


SUNY-Albany is a very good school and I think you would like it. What would you be majoring in?

Here's a list you might like and it does mention SUNY-Albany: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Colleges and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Schools | USCS

[annerk]

Not sure why you'd want to live in downtown if you are attending SUNYA. You probably want to be no closer to downtown than the St. Rose area.

[BPerone201]

Originally Posted by annerk

Not sure why you'd want to live in downtown if you are attending SUNYA. You probably want to be no closer to downtown than the St. Rose area.

This is the reason why I'm asking for any further information since I'm not so familiar with Albany at all. And the distance of the college doesn't bother me as long as I'm living in the same city.
What information do you have about the St. Rose area?

[BPerone201]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Here's a list you might like and it does mention SUNY-Albany: Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Colleges and Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology Schools | USCS

Thanks for the link!
But my main decision right now is still Albany because it's not too far from home (NNJ) but not too close.

[annerk]

Originally Posted by BPerone201

This is the reason why I'm asking for any further information since I'm not so familiar with Albany at all. And the distance of the college doesn't bother me as long as I'm living in the same city.
What information do you have about the St. Rose area?

Seriously, I suggest you pull out a map of Albany and familiarize yourself with the area at least a little bit.

SUNYA is on the far outskirts of Albany. Albany is much more spread out than anyplace in northern NJ. Living downtown (let's say the Lark Street or AMC area) and attending SUNYA would be like commuting from Dumont to FDU every day. Doable but not all that convenient.

The St. Rose area has a lot of older homes broken up into apartments. Some acecept students, some don't. It's (in my opinion) a much safer area than some of the downtown areas. It will remind you of South Orange around Seton Hall. Some parts of downtown Albany are comparable to the worst parts of Hackensack or Elizabeth.

[BPerone201]

Originally Posted by annerk

Seriously, I suggest you pull out a map of Albany and familiarize yourself with the area at least a little bit.

SUNYA is on the far outskirts of Albany. Albany is much more spread out than anyplace in northern NJ. Living downtown (let's say the Lark Street or AMC area) and attending SUNYA would be like commuting from Dumont to FDU every day. Doable but not all that convenient.

The St. Rose area has a lot of older homes broken up into apartments. Some acecept students, some don't. It's (in my opinion) a much safer area than some of the downtown areas. It will remind you of South Orange around Seton Hall. Some parts of downtown Albany are comparable to the worst parts of Hackensack or Elizabeth.

Well a map can only reveal so much. (I've looked)
If your referring to Farleigh Dickinson in Hackensack, your drive to Dumont is probably a 5-6 mile drive... nothing dreadful, I commute 20 miles to work as it is.
~
Refering to your Albany-Hackensac/Elizabeth comparison, I've heard these kinds of things, but I expect it. Is there parts of the downtown that are pretty safe and affordable (max 900/mo)? (I'm not asking for anything VERY safe)

I rather not live in a multi-family home, which is why St. Rose doesn't appeal to me (it actually looks a lot like parts of Hackensack from the looks on google maps) This is why i wanted more info on the downtown section more than just its cons.

But thanks for your input