About Albany, California

Albany is a city on the east shore of San Francisco Bay with an estimated population of 19,696 at the 2019 census. Albany today combines a small-town ambience with its central location in a major metropolitan region.

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 also have an outstanding reputation with student test scores at the elementary, middle and high school levels among the highest in the state.

Recreational opportunities abound, including the newly created East Shore State Park, the San Francisco Bay Trail, Golden Gate Fields Race Track, and a plethora of organized sports for adults and children. Albany and its surrounding environs offer a wide variety of recreational uses, including walking, hiking and bicycle paths along the shoreline, hills, and creeks of the East Bay area.