$360,940Average Value$224Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Center Square’s historic charm draws modern convenience seekers
Center Square is a small Albany neighborhood with deep roots dating back to the 1800s and early 1900s. Just a few blocks wide, the area developed due to its proximity to the old state capitol building and the prominent Washington Park. The community quickly became a hub for wealthy and socially notable residents of the late 19th century. Today, the neighborhood attracts a different clientele, but for the same reason – proximity. "There is a large array of young professionals and post-grad students… You have several colleges within the local vicinity," says Colin McDonald, founder and broker of McDonald Real Estate Company LLC. Doctors, government workers and professors who want to live within walking distance of work also choose Central Square. The neighborhood is not just convenient, it's historic, alive and vibrant, McDonald says. "If you're looking for city living or something that has that Brooklyn, East Village or West Village vibe but on a much smaller square, that's Center Square."
Old-world charm and employment proximity drive renter demand
Federal, Colonial Revival, Italianate, Second Empire and Queen Anne rowhomes from the 1830s through the mid-1900s line tree-filled streets, their brick facades often colorfully painted. The area is renter-heavy, with fewer than 20% of residents owning their properties. "People who want to live in those two or three-story townhouses typically owner-occupy one of the studios or one-bedroom units on the garden level," McDonald says. The other units are then rented out, usually by students or professionals. He notes that investors are drawn to the area due to its architecture and proximity to major employers. "They like that old-world historic feel. And because you're near the hospitals and schools, you can garner some of the highest rents in the city," McDonald says. Multifamily homes, which range in size from two to 10 units, typically sell between $220,000 and $1.1 million. Single-family rowhomes sell for $210,000 to $650,000. Townhouses and condos range from $140,000 to $540,000.
Walkable streets near hospitals, colleges and downtown Albany
The area is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with buses stopping along Lark Street, Madison Avenue and Washington Avenue. Along with the office buildings and significant employers in Downtown Albany and Empire State Plaza, performing arts centers, hotels and museums are within walking distance of the neighborhood. Albany Medical Center and Albany Stratton VA Medical Center are less than a mile west, so many doctors and staff walk or bike to work. Russell Sage College, another prominent employer, is just past the hospitals. McDonald says that Center Square residents can get by without a car, but those with vehicles can park on the street with valid passes. U.S. Route 20 and New York state Route 5 are nearby main streets that head south towards downtown Albany and north towards Interstate 90 and 87. Albany International Airport is less than 10 miles away.
Two historic locations for recreation offer year-round activity
For over 150 years, Washington Park has been the city's premier outdoor gathering space. The nearly 90-acre green space features playgrounds, a skate park, sports courts and walking trails, including some that encircle the park's lake and lake house. Activities are year-round, with ice skating in winter, the Tulip Festival in spring and open-air theater performances in summer. Shows at Park Playhouse, the outdoor performing arts center, are free of charge. Albany residents can swim free at Lincoln Park Pool. Initially opened in 1930, the lake-like swimming pool was demolished in 2023 and reopened in 2025 with updated facilities.
Shops, art fairs, parades and markets bring neighbors to Lark Street
Those seeking nightlife, diverse restaurants and shops close to home may consider Center Square to put down roots. "Lark Street is the main thoroughfare with boutique-style restaurants and shops," McDonald says. "There's a plethora of desirable coffee shops, eateries, art galleries, clothing shops and gift shops." The main avenue hosts several community events, including Lark Out Loud, a free music festival, and Art on Lark, an arts-centered street fair where vendors can sell their wares. The Capital Pride Parade also makes its way down Lark each June. Taverns, cafes and restaurants are throughout the neighborhood, with Dove + Deer and Rosanna's amongst the most popular, McDonald says. Specialty markets and natural food stores are in Center Square, and Market 32 is a short walk south.
Public schools reflect the city’s racial and cultural diversity
City School District of Albany earns an overall grade of B by Niche and a diversity grade of A-plus. According to the district site, about 45% of students are Black, 20% are Hispanic, 9% are Asian or Pacific Islander, and 7% are multiracial. Giffen Memorial Elementary School is rated C, and William and Harriet Myers Middle School earns a C-plus. All students in the city feed into Albany High School, which earns an A-minus.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Center Square neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Center Square
US
Homicide
7
4
Sexual Assault
8
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
6
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Center Square Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Center Square, Albany sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Center Square, Albany over the last 12 months is $265,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Own an entire corner of Center Square overlooking iconic Washington Park! This rare Albany offering features 6 doors across 3 buildings, all tied together by a shared basement and conveyed as one exceptional property. For owner-occupants, the vacant 4-bed, 3.5-bath brownstone is turn-key and ready for you to call home. Live in one of Albany's most beloved neighborhoods while enjoying instant
Prime mixed-use building in Albany's vibrant Center Square neighborhood. Over 3,100 sq ft with a street-level commercial space (rented at $2,200/mo) approved for a variety of uses. Existing equipment provides a great starting point for food service operation. Three well-maintained residential units above generate $3,350/mo. One unit is a 1BR facing Lark St; another offers skyline views and
A TRUE LEGACY INVESTMENT PROPERTY! SUPER RARE. This All Brick Beauty would cost multiple times the listing price to rebuild today! Own a piece of History in a very desirable area of Albany between Lark St. and Washington Park. Offers new flooring in many units, new luxury vinyl flooring in hallways and freshly painted hallways and some apartments, on street parking, large back yard, exterior
Brand New 3 Bedroom, Everything New. New Kitchen, New Bath, New Window, New hardwood Floor, New Appliance, New Central A/C. The Most Vibrant Street in Albany. Walk to Washington Park, Empire State Plaza, Albany Med, Albany Law, Albany Pharmacy School. So Many Good Restaurant and Bars Within Walking Distance. First floor has a running bar Larking Hi-Fi The 1600 sq ft bar is for lease too.Monthly
TNewly Renovated 1 bedroom/1 bath apartment with private outdoor balcony!!!Avoid the stress of a commute after a long day and come home to style, convenience, and location that is located in an "A+" area of Albany.Stainless Steel Appliances, Dishwasher, Newly Remodeled Bathroom with tiled shower, Built in book-case, Plenty of closet space and LVT Flooring. The private balcony is
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
