SUNY- Albany? (New York, New Scotland, Dickinson: apartments, crime rates, homes)
Albany areaAlbany - Schenectady - Troy - Saratoga Springs metro area
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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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
Take a look at Madison Ave (the area between Knox St and S Lake Ave.) I think this is a pretty good spot for you to look in terms of night life and closeness to campus. It's also right across from the park and is very close to downtown. You can search for it on google maps by pasting this in there: Madison Ave & New Scotland Ave, Albany, New York 12208
I think your idea of living downtown -- Center Square? -- is a great idea. There is a lot going on.
I'm surprised that anyone would say it is far from SUNY. There are SUNY buses along Western Ave, so you'd just have to cross a few blocks to get a ride. And there are SUNY buses because there is SUNY space downtown too.
And the drive east to west is easy, if you have a car.
Your plan makes a lot of sense.
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(I've looked)
Madison Ave.
