the rochester/albany debate (New York, York: to rent, houses, job market)

[good_ruby]

i stumbled across this forum and was surprised to see others who asked the same question…albany or rochester? i live in rochester about 20 years ago and i loved it-very nice neighborhoods to live in and places to walk to! after living in NYC for 20 years this is important b/c while i definitely need a change of (slower) pace, i like a neighborhood you can walk in.

so does albany have that? i remember lark st area as being nice.

the real question for me is whats the best job market? i would think albany b/c of government seat would have a steady economy- and have heard plenty about kodak/xerox tanking. rochester area has very affordable housing it seems. although i will rent for first year, i do want a place where i can buy a home…

so with that in mind i welcome any comments or suggestions, etc

thanks

[rochacha]

Depends on what your job is. Rochester has reinvented itself with lots of small businesses and plenty of telecom and technology. Albany is lots of public sector jobs and service industry. It will be interesting to see what happens in Albany without Pataki pumping funds into it left and right. As you can see I am biased towards Rochester, but if you give us an idea of your desired job and what you are looking for (housing costs, culture, etc.), we can probably help you more.

[rochacha]

One more thing, Wikipedia has a great reference all about Rochester. Rochester, New York - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. An important fact not mentioned is that Rochester was named #6 Most Livable City out of 379 US Metro Places in the 25th Places Rated Almanac (published this year I believe)

[good_ruby]

Thanks for your reply.

Well I am a designer (new career) interested in publishing, non-profit or any print media (newpaper magazine, etc.)

Looking to rent (likely within city) initially but the most important thing is that I will be able to buy a house in a couple of years. So for that, I am looking for rural-type suburb of a city with affordable older houses. As I said I have been looking at Rochester area housing market and am pleasantly surprised about the abundance of well-priced older homes.

Thanks again for any additional insights into your city.

[garmin239]

In that line of work , either city will be fine. It sounds like either city will suit you for your housing needs too. I'd go with the place thats closer to where you are from.

[Dingler]

Albany has more transplanted New York City people and has that famous attitude. Rochester has that Midwestern nice feel. I liked it better.

[acnemaster]

Originally Posted by Dingler

Albany has more transplanted New York City people and has that famous attitude. Rochester has that Midwestern nice feel. I liked it better.

This man is brilliant. I agree with him...therefore he must be right.