Albany Local Guide

Albany Real Estate

Rich in architecture, Albany builds bright new future

Albany, New York, is a city built from the culture of several European nationalities, a fact showcased in the city’s vast heritage of historical buildings throughout its neighborhoods and business districts. Soon after Henry Hudson discovered the area in 1609, Albany became a trading post for Dutch merchants for the trade of furs and other goods. As news of this new territory reached Europe, more settlers arrived and Albany became a major gateway to the Northeast Passage. Albany’s enviable location at the point where the Hudson River ended and the Erie Canal began inevitably led to the settlement and establishment of New York State’s capital city.

The arrival and integration of these differing cultures is still visible today in the style of the public buildings and homes that still dot Albany’s streets and countryside. But the bricks and mortar is just one facet of this capital city. Take a walking tour or board one of the guided city trolleys and explore Albany’s educational and historic sites. The Visitor's Center can also supply information on concert and theater performances; dining and lodging options; or help you book a tour on one of the sightseeing boats that sails on the Hudson River.

For sports enthusiasts, there is hockey, football and basketball at the Pepsi Arena, baseball at nearby Heritage Park or, in August, horse racing at the thoroughbred racetrack at Saratoga. Albany is also noted for its annual Tulip Festival in May and for its free Alive-at-Five concert series at the Corning Preserve on the riverfront in summer.

At the crossroads of other urban areas such as New York City, Boston and Montreal, Albany is considered to be the economic and cultural center of the Capital Region of New York State. The Albany International Airport and the Amtrak train station are both first class transportation centers that allow for convenient travel to Albany. Fabulous natural resources including proximity to the Adirondack Mountains, the Catskill Mountains, the Hudson River and the Mohawk River add to the high quality of life in Albany.

From the Adirondacks to the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region has fun and attractions for visitors and residents of all ages and interests. When you have seen all that Albany has to offer, take some interesting day trips which could find you on a riverboat cruise or at high speed car races. Think about Albany and the surrounding areas for your next getaway. It’s a capital idea.

Fast Facts

Albany is within easy driving distance from New York City, Boston, Buffalo and Montreal on major interstate highways. Directions to Albany:

From the North: Take Northway (I87) south to I90 East to I787 South. Exits for downtown Albany are 4B, 4 and 3.

From the South: Take NYS Thruway (I87) north to exit 23 to I787 north. Exits 3, 4, and 4B.

From the West: Take I90 East to Exit 24 of the NYS Thruway. Continue on I90 to I787 to exits 4B, 4, and 3.

From the East: Take I90 West to 787 south. Exits are 4B, 4, and 3. If approaching from Routes 9 and 20, cross the Dunn Memorial Bridge and use the same exits.

Amtrak service is available at the Albany/Rensselaer Station on East Street in Rensselaer for travel to New York or cities outside of the region.

The newly refurbished and expanded Albany International Airport is the pride of the Capital Region. Several major airlines offer direct and affordable flights to destinations across the nation with direct links to international flights out of New York City. The airport is easily accessible from the New York State Thruway, I-90 and the Adirondack Northway.

The Albany area is also fortunate to have an outstanding network of bus service provided by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). Many of the buses are handicapped accessible and the Authority also operates the STAR buses that provide door to door transportation for handicapped individuals.