Albany prides itself on being a safe, community-oriented city, with strong services and programs for youth, families and the elderly. It is a city made up largely of single-family homes and small businesses.  Albany's small town character is exemplified by its "Main Street," Solano Avenue, a pedestrian friendly business district composed primarily of small "mom and pop" shops, and home to some of the Bay area's best restaurants!

 

Albany's public schools have an outstanding reputation with student test scores at the elementary, middle and high school levels among the highest in the state. Albany is heavily invested in funding its public arts, and has several notable installations all across the town, including the Albany Loop, an interactive sculpture that doubles as both a sign and a space for play. Every year it hosts the Solano Stroll, an annual event that closes over one mile of the street of Solano to traffic.

 

Recreational opportunities are notable, including the East Shore State Park, the San Francisco Bay Trail, the Golden Gate Fields and Race Track, and a variety of organized sports for both children and adults.