Best Neighborhood Overview
Best, often stylized as "BEST," is a small, historic, and architecturally distinct neighborhood located just west of downtown Albany, New York. Its name is an acronym for the "Bishop, Elm, Spring, and Ten Broeck" streets that form its core boundaries, nestled between Washington Park and the Mansion District. Developed primarily in the mid-to-late 19th century, the area was originally home to prosperous merchants and professionals, reflected in its stunning collection of Victorian-era row houses and standalone mansions.
The neighborhood's character is defined by its remarkable preservation and intimate, village-like atmosphere within the city. Quiet, tree-lined streets with brick sidewalks and historic gas lamps create a picturesque setting that feels removed from the urban bustle just blocks away. Best's location is highly strategic, offering immediate proximity to the New York State Capitol complex, Albany Law School, Albany Medical Center, and the cultural amenities of Washington Park, making it a quiet residential enclave with unparalleled urban access.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in Best is almost exclusively historic, featuring beautifully maintained Italianate, Second Empire, and Queen Anne-style homes. The neighborhood is renowned for its rows of intact brownstones and brick townhomes, as well as several grand, standalone mansions, particularly along Ten Broeck Street. Architectural integrity is fiercely protected, with the entire neighborhood listed on the National Register of Historic Places and governed by strict preservation guidelines.
Given its limited size and historic desirability, housing inventory is low and turnover is relatively slow. Prices are among the highest in the Albany area, with single-family homes and large townhouses typically ranging from the high $500,000s to well over $1 million. The market is predominantly owner-occupied, with very few multi-family buildings or traditional rental complexes, underscoring the neighborhood's stable, invested residential character.
Schools & Education
Best is situated within the Albany City School District. Families in the neighborhood may be zoned for nearby elementary schools such as Eagle Point or the dual-language program at Delaware Community School. Students typically progress to Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School and then to Albany High School. The district offers a range of magnet and specialty programs, though some residents opt for private or parochial institutions.
The neighborhood's immediate vicinity is also home to several notable higher education and specialty institutions. Albany Law School, the oldest independent law school in the United States, borders the neighborhood to the west. The prestigious Albany Medical Center and its college are also just a short walk away. This proximity creates a subtle academic and professional influence, with faculty, medical professionals, and graduate students often residing in the area.
Parks & Recreation
Best's greatest recreational asset is its adjacency to the 81-acre Washington Park, designed by the same landscape architects responsible for New York City's Central Park. Residents have direct access to its walking and jogging paths, picturesque lake, tennis courts, playgrounds, and vast open lawns. The park is the vibrant heart of community events, including the famous Tulip Festival in spring and Park Playhouse summer theater productions.
Within the neighborhood itself, the small but significant Best-Luther Forest Park provides a dedicated green space with a playground and seating areas, serving as a casual gathering spot. The neighborhood's walkable, quiet streets are themselves a form of recreation, ideal for strolls to admire the historic architecture. For more extensive facilities, the Albany YMCA and the Washington Park Tennis Courts are both within easy reach.
Local Dining & Shopping
Best is primarily a residential sanctuary, so its immediate borders contain few commercial establishments. However, its central location places a wealth of dining and shopping options just a few blocks away. The vibrant Lark Street district, known as Albany's "Greenwich Village," is a short walk to the east, offering an eclectic mix of cafes, restaurants, bars, and boutique shops. Madison Avenue to the south provides additional popular eateries and services.
For daily necessities, residents often frequent the Price Chopper supermarket on Madison Avenue or the Honest Weight Food Co-op on Watervliet Avenue. The neighborhood's commercial presence is more about quiet professionalism, with several law offices and small businesses housed in converted historic buildings. The lack of through traffic and commercial noise is a deliberate part of Best's charm, with dining and shopping treated as a brief, pleasant excursion.
Who Lives Here
Best attracts a demographic that values history, architectural beauty, urban proximity, and quiet. The neighborhood is home to a mix of established professionals, including lawyers, state government executives, physicians, and university professors. Many residents are empty-nesters or couples who appreciate the cultural amenities of city living without the density, while a smaller number of families are drawn by the unique character and park access.
The community vibe is one of quiet pride and active stewardship. Residents are deeply invested in preserving the neighborhood's historic fabric and tranquil atmosphere, often participating in neighborhood associations and preservation groups. This creates a strong, albeit low-key, sense of community among neighbors. Ultimately, Best appeals to those seeking a meticulously preserved, aesthetically rich urban neighborhood that functions as a serene retreat just minutes from the core of New York's capital city.