US News' 2024-25 Best Places to Live: Where does Albany rank?
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- U.S. News & World Report has released its 2024-2025 Best Places to Live rankings. The publication ranked 150 major U.S. cities based on value, desirability, job market, and quality of life.
This year, U.S. News shifted from metropolitan area-based data to city-based data, which changed up the rankings from previous years. The publication also adjusted its scoring weights for a city’s value and job market.
"Rising concerns about career prospects, housing affordability, and increased cost of goods and services are reflected in this year’s rankings," said Erika Giovanetti, loans expert and reporter for U.S. News. “While quality of life remains the top priority for many Americans, a city’s value and job market are becoming increasingly important for those looking for a place to live."
Since the methodology shifted, Albany's ranking on the Best Places to Live list has changed drastically. While Albany was ranked 17th last year and 21st the year before, the city has now moved all the way down to 81st.
Albany received an overall rating of 6.2 out of 10 with a 6.9 for quality and a 6.4 for value. According to U.S. News, the city has a population of about 99,737 and an unemployment rate of 8.7%.
Albany also used to be the number one place to live in New York when compared to the four other major cities: New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse. Now, Albany is ranked fourth.
However, Albany is ranked 47th on U.S. News' Best Places to Retire list. Last year, Albany ranked the 61st best place to retire.
According to U.S. News, the top three best places to live for 2024-2025 were Naples, Florida, Boise, Idaho, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. You can view the full Best Places to Live rankings on the U.S. News & World Report website.