$357,967Average Value$211Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes 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 46 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Center Square, Albany over the last 12 months is $317,500, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Single-family residence in sought after Center Square neighborhood currently rented for $2,300/ month (tenant pays all utilities). 3-story brick townhouse offering 4 bedrooms & 2 baths. Renovated in 2019 w/ modern finishes, on demand heating system, walk-out basement w/ fenced yard & built-in cabinets. Close proximity to local parks & attractions. Top floor could be converted to additional unit.
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
Spacious Victorian townhome in Albany's Center Square neighborhood is ''turn key''. Tasteful updates and modern amenities blend nicely with the numerous historic architectural details that remain. The large living room, with period crown moldings, beautiful mantle mirror and marble fireplace, opens into a dining area and updated eat-in kitchen. A perfect floor plan for entertaining!! Large 2nd
Classic townhouse style brick duplex in the heart of Center Square. Renovated 1st and 2nd floor apartment with beautiful features. This building boats the perfect mix of updated modern living and classic feel. Perfect for an owner occupant or an investor.
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
Discover an exceptional opportunity in one of Albany's most sought-after neighborhoods! This well-maintained 4-unit multi-family property sits in the heart of the vibrant Center Square district steps from Washington Park, trendy restaurants, boutique shops, and the energy of downtown Albany. With its classic architecture, tree-lined streets, and walkable lifestyle, Center Square consistently
Unique Tudor style townhouse in Albany's historic Center Square neighborhood! First floor features gracious entry, formal living and dining rooms with original built-ins, updated kitchen with solid surface countertops, and glass garden room that can be used in a variety of ways. 2nd and 3rd floors have 5 spacious bedrooms and 2 full baths. Walk-up attic is great for storage. Mini-splits (A/C &
Four Stories of Living Space. First Floor is large open dining/living room with separate eat in kitchen with bay window overlooking the deck and garden. Half bath. Central A/C. Five Fireplaces. Parquet and Hardwood Floors, Tall Ceilings, Large Windows, Original Moldings and Medallions throughout. Second and third floors have two bedrooms with full baths and top floor laundry. Bonus study on top
PACKAGE PURCHSE AVAIABLE. 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
Single-family residence in sought after Center Square neighborhood currently rented for $2,300/ month (tenant pays all utilities). 3-story brick townhouse offering 4 bedrooms & 2 baths. Renovated in 2019 w/ modern finishes, on demand heating system, walk-out basement w/ fenced yard & built-in cabinets. Close proximity to local parks & attractions. Top floor could be converted to additional unit.
Multi Use Building with first floor commercial space and three full floor apartments above. A Studio, a One Bedroom and a Two Bedroom apartment. The building was renovated around 2000, with modern updates, including high efficiency forced air heat and air condition in each residential unit. Rents are under market rates. The Laundry has been closed for 3+ years. Tenants pay heat, hot water, air
Brand new one bedrooms. 90 Swan Street is brand new construction - never lived in, never touched. Built from the ground up and completed in 2025, every detail was designed from scratch: wide-plank flooring, premium quartz countertops with a marble finish, full stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer stacked and ready to go. These are not renovated units. Not
Center Square Living – 1 Bedroom + Studio Available | Steps to NYS Capitol | Available NowDiscover two unique rental opportunities in the heart of Albany’s highly sought-after Center Square neighborhood. Located just steps from the New York State Capitol, Legislative Office Building, and Alfred E. Smith Building, these apartments offer convenience, charm, and access to the best of
Move in the Winter and Save$$$$$$ Price Just Reduced!!!!Newly 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,
Property Id: 2576757Welcome to your new home at 326 State St in Albany, NY! This charming 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit is perfect for anyone looking for a cozy living space. With utilities included and pet-friendly policy for cats and small dogs, you'll have everything you need. Don't miss out on this opportunity - schedule a viewing today!
Property Id: 475672A nice one bedroom apartment with heat ,hot water and garbage disposal included tenant only pays electric available for rent in a very safe and quiet building near to transportation and just walking distance to Washington park, all restaurants, pubs and state offices. No pets. No smoking.
Property Id: 2576756Welcome to your new renovated cozy 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit located at 326 State St in Albany, NY. This multi-family property is perfect for those looking for a peaceful living environment. Rent includes utilities such as sewage, garbage, water, gas, and recycling. Pets are allowed (cats, small dogs) and smoking is not permitted. Amenities include an oven,
Completely remodeled duplex apartment on beautiful Hudson Avenue! Newly installed kitchen and baths, hardwood floors throughout with tons of amenities. Master bedroom with en suite bath, second bedroom also has private bathroom complete with tub. Spacious living spaces throughout including a private fenced backyard area compete with porch, fire pit, and room to create your own garden! A
Very nice two bedroom plus.This apartment is in the heart of center square.Hardwood throughout. Granite counters and beautiful wood cabinets. Apartment has central air conditioner. Apartment is conveniently located half a block to the capital, empire state plaza, lark streetMust see. $1950.00 per month.We are pet Friendly.Coin laundry in building.
Don't miss out on this newly renovated 1 bedroom/ 1 bath apartment in the heart of Albany/ Center Square (near corner of Dove St). Everything has been redone, from top to bottom. New appliances includes a dishwasher, stove, microwave and refrigerator. Working kitchen includes tile backsplash and gorgeous countertops. Modern bathroom is complete with ceramic title and contemporary vanity. Unit
Discover charm, character, and modern updates in this spacious 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in the heart of Albany. This unique historic home features gleaming hardwood floors, generous living space, and a beautifully renovated kitchen complete with granite countertops and a center island — perfect for cooking and entertaining.Apartment Features:3 Spacious Bedrooms1 Full
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