Quality of Life

The Capital Region offers residents amenities often found only in more urbanized settings. Award-winning schools, high-quality health care and cultural attractions are combined with open spaces and environmental treasures to produce a well-rounded lifestyle. Along with those benefits, county residents enjoy an average annual salary that compares favorable with the state. The region also offers affordable housing ranging from historic urban residences and modern suburban homes to spacious rural residential properties.

Sports
The American Hockey League Albany River Rats , the National Lacrosse League's Albany Attack , the Albany Conquest arena football team and the Siena Saints MAAC basketball team call the Times Union Center home. The arena also hosts events like the NCAA basketball championship regional games, NCAA hockey national championships and NCAA wrestling national championships.

Beyond the Times Union Center, sports fan have more reason to cheer with the 2003 launch of the region’s major-league-affiliated baseball team, the Tri-City ValleyCats , at the Hudson Valley Community College field.

Also, in 2005 the Albany Patroons returned to the Continental Basketball Association calling the Washington Avenue Armory its home. After several years out of the league, the team once coached by NBA greats Phil Jackson, George Karl, and Rick Carlisle, brought professional basketball back to the Capital Region.

Arts, Culture and History
Albany County is home to several first class entertainment venues as well as some exciting historic landmarks.

The Times Union Center
The Times Union Center has become a major venue in the Northeast. Serving a nine county area, the Times Union Center is more than just an entertainment center. The 2000 New York State Democratic Convention trade shows, home shows and other events keep the center’s 50,000 square feet of exhibit space busy year round. Sold out concerts at the Times Union Center have included, Billy Joel, U2, Elton John, Neil Diamond, Garth Brooks, Britney Spears and Celine Dion.

The Egg
An improbably shaped building hovering over the Empire State Plaza, the Egg is a significant part of Albany’s cultural life. Designed by Wallace Harrison as a place where the people of New York State could enjoy a variety of events, The Egg houses two theaters used for performances ranging from chamber music concerts to dance productions.

Theaters
The Capital Repertory Theater, located nearby, has been a leading arts institution in the region for decades. Albany residents also enjoy entertainment at The Palace Theatre, which opened in 1931 as an RKO movie house. In addition to two resident companies, Albany Symphony Orchestra and Albany—Berkshire Ballet, the theater hosts popular musicians, comedians, shows and community events. The Palace Theatre, restored to its former glory recently reopened its doors.
 
Historic Landmarks
Steeped in the nation’s history, the city offers a banquet of architectural gems, from the state Capitol Building to the historic 200 year old Ten Broeck Mansion, now headquarters of the Albany County Historical Association, and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the oldest Neo-Gothic Cathedral structure in the County.

Best of the Capital Region
Each year, two newspapers in the Capital Region conduct surveys of its residents to decide what is the “Best of the Capital Region.” The Metroland and the Albany Times Unions ask readers their preferences on a wide array of topics from favorite restaurants to best museum. Click the links below to see the results of this year's surveys:

• Metroland: “Best of Capital Region 2007”
• Albany Times Union: “Best of 2007”