Albany NY Moving Companies

Albany, New York

The slogan for the City of Albany, New York, reads quite simply “Your City, Your Future.” Backing up this unambiguous statement you will find a strategic plan that looks not just through to 2011 or even 2020, but, would you believe right through to 2030. The Albany Comprehensive Plan is a transparent planning tool that involves interested citizens and planners in initiatives ranging from neighborhood revitalization proposals to recreational and greenway studies. Sounds like a real nice place, so why not consider moving to Albany.

Economy:
As part of the Capital District, Albany finds its economy dependent on government, health care and education sectors, and this has shielded the City from the worst affects of the recent recession. There is no escaping the reality of gaps in the budget down to lower tax revenues though, brought about by the financial corrections experienced on Wall Street.

Notwithstanding this, the opening of Suny’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering has brought a welcoming diversification away from the more traditional forms of employment and wealth generation in the City. So too the expansion of high-tech industries, as Albany finds itself at the center of a 19-County development region in Eastern New York that has been branded “Tech Valley.” For example, last year chipmaker Global Foundries broke new ground with the opening of its $4.6 billion chip manufacturing facility, and the creation of many new job opportunities that came with it.

History:
In 1540, French explorers sailed up the La Grande River (later renamed Hudson River by the Dutch) hoping to find a way through to the East. French Walloons were the first settlers in what was to become the Albany area under French rule. The British seized the area without a fight in 1664 and renamed what had been Fort Orange to Albany an area granted to the Duke of Albany by his brother, King Charles 2nd. In the 18th Century, African-Americans were imported to Albany to work for European settlers operating a trading center there. Between the years 1757-1763 Albany found itself at the heart of the repulsion of the French. During the 18th century and through most of the 19th century, Albany served as a transportation hub between the Hudson River and the Erie Canal. Albany benefitted from the first dedicated railroad system in operation and, in addition, the City opened one of the first commercial airports in the world. Albany’s development continued at a similar rate in the 20th century with the City skyline expanding rapidly during the 1960s. In more recent times, Albany has benefited substantially with the arrival of high-tech industry, and this has in turn spawned developments in the nanotechnology sector.

Tourism:
Whether you are planning to move to Albany or are perhaps just visiting, you will experience a tremendous welcome when you arrive in this fine City. There is a visitor’s center located at 25, Quackenbush Square on Broadway and a visit there will help you plan your time and get the most out of your stay. There are walking tours, and well thought out sightseeing City trolley tours departing regularly too. If you are a sports enthusiast you will find plenty of action with football, basketball and hockey all on view. Horse racing can be enjoyed at nearby Saratoga. If it is Arts and Culture you want then there are so many options that require you to make a decision to suit your taste. The Empire State Plaza is a sight to behold and well worth visiting. It occupies the area between New York State Capitol building and the New York State Museum and offers a variety of attractions from free concerts to Blues Festivals and Rock concerts. If you are in the area on July 4th, brace yourself for a spectacular fireworks display.

Colleges/Universities:

• University at Albany
• The College of Saint Rose
• The Sage Colleges
• Siena College

Interesting Facts:

• In the Prohibition Era, Albany was a major center for smuggling of alcohol in from Canada.
• The Clermont became the first successful steamboat in 1807, after making its maiden voyage from New York City to Albany.
• A mysterious youthful ghost inhabits Mohican Hall in Indian Quad at the University of Albany. The jury is out on whether it is actually a student bunking classes.
• The Palace Theatre, Albany is a classic place where stars were born and built to cheer up residents during the Depression in 1931. This sole survivor of a grander era hosts diverse entertainment acts to this very day.