South End - Albany, NY Area Guide

Several small neighborhoods make up South End including Mansion District with beautiful Victorian-style row houses from the 19th century. Gothic and Greek Revival styles of architecture can also be seen throughout this neighborhood. The Mansion District has been dubbed Albany's Little Italy due to the high Italian population.

Kenwood is the oldest neighborhood in South End, originating in the early 17th century. In this neighborhood sits the Schuyler Mansion Historic Site that also houses a small museum. This estate has plenty of Revolutionary-era history and artifacts. Located on Catherine Street in the heart of South End the historic site makes for an educational family outing. Admittance is free, and donations are welcome.

The USS Slater Museum, located on the Hudson River, hosts the last remaining WWII-era destroyer escort ship in the United States. General guided tours run for 20 minutes and cost $8.00 for adults and $6.00 for children.

Plenty of dining and nightlife options are available in and around South End in Albany. Betty Boop Diner, located on Philip Street, serves breakfast and lunch as well as dinner. The diner stays open six days a week but is closed Mondays. The diner serves classics like steak and eggs and corned beef hash for breakfast. The lunches are amazing with options such as homemade meatloaf and mashed potatoes and dinner specials like rigatoni with vodka sauce and chicken.

For those looking for a more elegant or fancy dinner option in the area of South End, V & R Italian Restaurant provides a quiet dining experience perfect for date night. Located on Madison Avenue the restaurant finds itself on the north side of South End. The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner and also takes catering and take-out orders. V & R serves traditional Italian-style dishes like stuffed shells and fettuccine primavera which can be on the higher end in terms of Italian flare, but the food is incomparable to other Italian restaurants in this area.

Plenty of clubs located in the downtown Albany area make it easy for those living in or visiting South End to go out and enjoy the weekend. Fuze Box is a popular nightclub located on the junction of Washington Avenue and Central Avenue in downtown Albany about a five- to eight-minute drive or bus ride from the middle of South End. The nightclub features theme nights like 80s Dance Night. The club, open from Tuesday to Saturday, also acts as a small concert venue with live music and singing in genres like punk and hardcore as well as dance and hip-hop.

South End located south of downtown Albany provides a convenient location for travelers. A five to 10 minute drive or bus ride takes visitors and residents into downtown Albany with ease. Plenty of Amtrak train stations dot downtown Albany and can be found by car or bus from South End. Train ticket costs vary depending on destination. A one-way ticket to a neighboring town or city can run about $8.50 per person.

Multiple taxicab services make it easy for travelers as well as locals to get around South End and Albany. Yellow Cab provides quick and friendly service to patrons of South End and Albany. A cab ride from one side of South End to the other starts at around $8.00. For trips farther outside the city, fares start at $20.00.

The streets of South End, and the neighborhoods that make it up are fairly safe and easy to travel by foot or by bicycle. Many residents ride bicycles because of the ease of travel and navigation of the town's streets. Because of the abundance of bike riders, the townspeople know to watch out for them in the street.

CDT city bus services as well as Greyhound bus services are available to those looking to travel outside of the city limits. Uber is not an option in Albany or the surrounding areas, but bus travel is quite popular and affordable. A CDT one-way trip costs $2.50 per person.

The major highway route 787 runs along the east side of South End and its neighborhoods making transportation out of the area a breeze. South Pearl Street, which also goes by route 32, runs north and south through the middle of South End's neighborhoods, also making it easy to leave or arrive to the area. Metered city parking on the streets costs $1.00 per hour to park.

South End houses several free parks, although you'll need to leave your pooch behind. Philip Street Park located in the Mansion District neighborhood of South End and is kid-friendly with a clean playground and basketball courts.

Bleeker Park contains Albany's oldest fountain and was established in the mid-19th century. The park provides a small yet safe playing environment for children.

Lincoln Park was Albany's first public park. It can be found on the north and west side of South End and its neighborhoods. Enjoy fishing and sports on the recreation fields and courts. Many people come to this park to bird watch or take their children to the playground.

The cost of living in South End can be quite reasonable. A typical one-bedroom apartment in any of the South End neighborhoods run between $700 per month to around $1,500 per month, depending on the facility.

Take the city bus for $2.50 one way or by taxicab with prices starting at $8.00 a trip. Gas prices in South End are about 10 percent below the national average in the United States and run about equal to the New York State average.

Plenty of options exist for locals looking to go out for a beer at a restaurant or local pub. Beer prices vary depending on the type of beer and the establishment. Folks can find a local craft brew for around $7 a pint or a regular bottle or can of beer for around $3.

South End has a few hidden gems in terms of boutique and specialty shops. On the north side of South End, Downtube Bicycle Works provides custom bikes and parts. Because of the amazing city views of downtown Albany and the mountain views far off in the distance many people take up bike riding for pleasure, so specialty bike shops like Downtube thrive.

Albany Express located on South Pearl Street in the heart of South End provides high-end clothing and accessories. This specialty shop may be perfect for ladies looking for a new outfit before spending a night out on the town with friends.

The Cottage Herb Farm Shop smells sweet and spicy upon entering. Locals browse the unique handmade crafts and country-style fare. Purchase herbs and spices as well as vinegars and oils here.

Price Chopper acts as the main grocery store for South End and the Albany area. The 24-hour store houses a pharmacy department for added convenience. Another smaller local grocery store called Frank and Giovanni's Market, located on Morton Avenue in the heart of South End, provides unique foods that cannot be found at main grocery stores. This family-owned shop employs local residents who greet customers with warmth.