Downtown Albany is the Central Business District in the City of Albany. Or as the Downtown Albany Bid describes it …

“Exciting Entertainment. World-Class Dining. Exquisite Art and Culture. Urban Residential. Whether you work or live in New York’s Capital District or are lucky enough to make a visit, downtown Albany offers the unique opportunity to explore a city rich in history, framed by nearby mountains and over 400 years in architecture.”

There are a lot of jobs downtown, and decent public transit. You have to go there on the weekdays to make a buck or two.

http://www.downtownalbany.org/