Is Albany, NY or Rochester, NY more walkable?

Albany, NY is more walkable. Albany, NY has a Walk Score of 96/100 and Rochester, NY has a Walk Score of 68/100.

Which has better schools, Albany, NY or Rochester, NY?

Albany, NY has higher-rated schools. Albany, NY has a school rating of 7.2/10 and Rochester, NY has a rating of 6.9/10.

Let the numbers do the talking.

Albany, NY vs Rochester, NY

Albany, NY vs Rochester, NY: What the data shows

Albany, NY is in Albany, NY while Rochester, NY is in Rochester, NY — both in the same state. WYLT rates Albany, NY as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Rochester, NY as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration.

Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Albany, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Rochester, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Albany, NY has Low flood risk and Rochester, NY has Low flood risk.

Albany, NY is the more walkable neighborhood. Albany, NY scores 96/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Rochester, NY's 68/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Albany, NY has the higher school rating — Albany, NY rates 7.2/10 and Rochester, NY rates 6.9/10.

Category	Albany, NY	Rochester, NY
Housing
Verdict	Think twice	Good for now
Median Price	N/A	$678K
Median Rent	$827 ✓ Lower rent	$1K
Median Income	$46K	$60K ✓ Higher income
Price Volatility	Moderate	Moderate
Getting Around
Walk Score	96/100 ✓ More walkable	68/100
Transit Score	45/100	62/100 ✓ Better transit
Bike Score	54/100	74/100 ✓ More bikeable
Commute	120 min	N/A
Safety & Environment
Safety Grade	D+	D+
Violent Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Property Crime	Moderate	Moderate
Flood Risk	Low	Low
Air Quality	Moderate	Moderate
Community
Schools	7.2/10 ✓ Better schools	6.9/10
Best for	WalkersRentersStudents	RentersStudentsYoung professionals

Bottom line

If you're a renter who loves walking and has a moderate commute budget, Albany is likely the better choice. Families with young children may prefer Rochester despite its higher crime rates, while young professionals may prefer the urban atmosphere of Rochester.