Let the numbers do the talking.
Albany, OR vs Portland, OR
Albany, OR vs Portland, OR: What the data shows
Albany, OR is in Albany, OR while Portland, OR is in Portland, OR — both in the same state. On home prices, Albany, OR is the more affordable option at $397,600 median — $296,200 less than Portland, OR's $693,800. WYLT rates Albany, OR as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing — and Portland, OR as “Think twice” — a neighborhood that warrants careful research before committing.
Portland, OR has the stronger safety profile of the two. Albany, OR has High violent crime and Moderate property crime. Portland, OR has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Albany, OR has Low flood risk and Portland, OR has Low flood risk.
Portland, OR is the more walkable neighborhood. Albany, OR scores 3/100 (car-dependent) versus Portland, OR's 61/100 (somewhat walkable). For families weighing school quality, Portland, OR has the higher school rating — Albany, OR rates 8.1/10 and Portland, OR rates 8.4/10.
| Category | Albany, OR | Portland, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Think twice | Think twice |
| Median Price | $398K ✓ Lower price | $694K |
| Median Rent | $1K ✓ Lower rent | $2K |
| Median Income | $94K ✓ Higher income | $89K |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 3/100 | 61/100 ✓ More walkable |
| Transit Score | Minimal transit | 42/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | N/A | 57/100 ✓ More bikeable |
| Commute | 45 min | 8 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | F | D+ ✓ Safer |
| Violent Crime | High | Moderate ✓ Lower risk |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Good ✓ Cleaner air | Moderate |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 ✓ Better schools |
| Best for | Families with school‑focused kidsBudget‑conscious buyers looking for a foothold in the regionSuburban commuters who can drive | Families looking for good schoolsRemote workers needing city proximityYoung professionals who can afford the cost |
Bottom line
If you're a family with school-focused kids, looking for an affordable foothold in the region, and are willing to prioritize driving over public transit, Albany might be a better fit, despite its rising crime concerns. However, if you can stretch your budget and prioritize walkability, city proximity, and a higher-end quality of life, the Portland neighborhood might be more suitable, especially for young professionals or remote workers. In general, neither Albany nor Portland are our top recommendations due to their "Think twice" verdicts.
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