Grad student moving to Albany (Madison: apartments, lease, neighborhoods)

[dt1005]

Hello, I will be moving to Albany in mid-August and am seeking advice regarding finding a place to live. I will be 25, single and attending grad school at SUNY-Albany (uptown campus). I am looking for a 1-bedroom in a lively neighborhood, but would prefer a spot not immediately on a busy road. After doing some research, the Center Square neighborhood seems like a good fit. A couple of questions though:

1) Are there affordable 1-bedrooms to rent in Center Square? I would prefer spending less than $600 per month.

2) If not, is there a comparable neighborhood that is a bit cheaper?

3) Are there a decent amount of 20-somethings living in Center Square, or is it more of an older crowd?

4) I have heard parking is hard to come by in Center Square, is this true?

5) When do the lease periods typically start in Albany?

6) Are there any landlords to avoid?

Thanks for your help

[ckhthankgod]

This might help you get started and give you an idea of what is there:
MapsKrieg - Albany, NY - Apartments & Housing For Rent
http://www.rentersguidealbany.com/index.cfm?page=browse

Center Square Association : HomePage
Center Square Neighborhood
Lark Street BID :: Welcome
WPNA - Washington Park Neighborhood Association
Home
Mansion Neighborhood - Albany, NY
Delaware Area Neighborhood Association, Albany, NY | Facebook
Delaware Area Neighborhood - Albany NY
http://www.hnaalbany.com/

[dt1005]

Thanks for the help. From what I gathered, most of the lease periods begin June 1. Has anyone heard of the Enclave on Dana apartments? I have seen a few ads for them, and they seem to be reasonably nice. They are on Dana St. south of Madison Ave. Is this location nice, or does it get bad on the other side of Madison?

[jaykibs]

It's not all that nice of an area but it's not too bad. There has been a lot of reinvestment in that neighborhood.