Why Live in West Hill
West Hill in Albany is a neighborhood undergoing significant transformation, featuring a large nature preserve and a diverse food scene. The area has multi-family rowhouses from around 1900, many with brick facades, bay windows, and balconies, though most need repairs. The city offers grant money to help buyers with down payments and closing costs, making homeownership more accessible. Public transportation is convenient, with CDTA bus stops and bike-sharing stations throughout the neighborhood. Major routes like Northern Boulevard connect residents to Interstates 787, 90, and 87, and Albany International Airport is about 10 miles away. Amtrak services are accessible at Albany-Rensselaer Station, 5 miles away.
West Hill offers a variety of international cuisines along Central Avenue, including Caribbean, Indian, Vietnamese, and Afghan dishes. Local favorites include Oaxaqueña Triqui for Mexican food, Shining Rainbow Restaurant for Cantonese cuisine, and Allie B.'s Cozy Kitchen for Southern comfort food. Tivoli Lake Preserve, one of New York State's largest urban parks, provides trails and a lake for fishing, while Swinburne Park offers playgrounds, a splash pad, and seasonal skating rinks. Bleecker Stadium serves as a multi-purpose sports complex. The West Hill Farmers Market, held from July to October, brings fresh produce to the community.
Efforts are underway to improve safety, including the relocation of a methadone clinic and plans for a new community center. The neighborhood is supported by local organizations and volunteers working to enhance living conditions and community engagement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is West Hill a good place to live?
West Hill is a good place to live. West Hill is considered car-dependent and bikeable with good transit options. West Hill has 9 parks for recreational activities. It is somewhat dense in population with 7.7 people per acre and a median age of 33. The average household income is $44,580 which is below the national average. College graduates make up 17.7% of residents. A majority of residents in West Hill are renters, with 81.3% of residents renting and 18.7% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving West Hill can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
West Hill neighborhood guide.
Is West Hill, NY a safe neighborhood?
West Hill, NY is less safe than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 7 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in West Hill?
The median home price in West Hill is $336,718. If you put a 20% down payment of $67,300 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.74%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $1,750 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $75K a year to afford the median home price in West Hill. The average household income in West Hill is $45K.
What are the best public schools in West Hill?
The best public schools that serve West Hill are:
What are the best private schools in West Hill?
The best private schools that serve West Hill are:
What are the most popular zip codes in West Hill, Albany, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near West Hill, Albany, NY?
Home Trends in West Hill, NY
On average, homes in West Hill, Albany sell after 90 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in West Hill, Albany over the last 12 months is $285,000, up 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$285,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$285,450
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$312,495
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$385,000
Median 1 Bedroom Sale Price
$325,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$360
Number of Homes for Sale
9
Last 12 months Home Sales
65
Median List Price
$336,718
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
17%