12 Best Places To Live In The Adirondack Mountains In 2025
The Adirondack Mountains of northern New York are not only a natural treasure but also home to a variety of communities that blend scenic beauty, community spirit, and a high quality of life. This article presents twelve standout towns within the Adirondacks region that are ideal for residency in 2025. Each location was evaluated based on affordability, employment opportunities, educational infrastructure, healthcare access, lifestyle offerings, safety, and proximity to nature. Whether you seek vibrant cultural hubs or quiet, nature-filled havens, the Adirondacks offer something for everyone.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is the largest community within the Adirondack Park, with a projected 2025 population of approximately 4,833. This picturesque village is widely recognized for its strong sense of community and vibrant arts culture. The annual Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, established in 1897, attracts visitors from across the state and celebrates local traditions through parades, sports, and the iconic Ice Palace. Its historic downtown is walkable and filled with local shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés. Residents benefit from comprehensive medical services provided by Adirondack Health. Education is handled by the well-regarded Saranac Lake Central School District, which offers rigorous academic programs and extracurricular activities that emphasize student achievement and community involvement.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid, with a projected 2025 population of 2,381, offers the charm of a mountain village alongside a rich Olympic legacy. The village famously hosted the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980, and continues to draw sports enthusiasts for skiing at Whiteface Mountain and skating at the Olympic Center. Outdoor lovers enjoy kayaking on Mirror Lake, hiking in the surrounding peaks, and exploring scenic drives like the Whiteface Veterans Memorial Highway. Cultural life thrives at the Lake Placid Center for the Arts, which hosts performances, film screenings, and gallery exhibits. The economy centers on tourism, hospitality, and sports training facilities. Adirondack Health meets healthcare needs, and education is delivered through the Lake Placid Central School District, known for personalized learning in small class settings.
Ticonderoga
Located between Lake George and Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga has a 2025 population estimate of 4,605. This historic town is best known for Fort Ticonderoga, a critical military site during the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The town's name, derived from the Iroquois word meaning “land between two waters,” reflects its beautiful natural setting. Residents enjoy a peaceful lifestyle with access to water sports, hiking trails, and scenic drives. Housing is affordable, and the cost of living remains below the national average. The local economy includes tourism, small-scale manufacturing, and retail. Students are served by the Ticonderoga Central School District, which is praised for its focus on academic rigor and innovation. Healthcare services are provided by regional facilities in nearby towns such as Glens Falls and Middlebury.
North Creek
North Creek, a small hamlet in Warren County with a 2025 population of around 592, is a haven for winter sports lovers and outdoor adventurers. The town is famous for its proximity to Gore Mountain, one of New York State's premier skiing and snowboarding destinations. During warmer months, the Hudson River provides excellent opportunities for white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing. The region also features a network of hiking and biking trails. Tourism, outdoor recreation, and locally-owned businesses drive the economy. Educational needs are met by the Johnsburg Central School District, which offers a tight-knit, student-centered environment. While North Creek lacks a large medical center, residents can access primary care locally and more advanced services in Glens Falls. The area's rustic charm and natural appeal continue to draw both seasonal visitors and full-time residents.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake, projected to have 5,055 residents in 2025, is a scenic village nestled in the heart of the Adirondacks. Known for its natural beauty and community-oriented atmosphere, the town is home to The Wild Center, a modern natural history museum and outdoor adventure site featuring a treetop walk and interactive exhibits. Tupper Lake offers access to vast forests, pristine lakes, and numerous hiking trails, making it ideal for nature lovers. Housing is more affordable compared to larger upstate towns, and the cost of living is lower than the national average. The economy is bolstered by tourism, healthcare, and public services. Education is managed by the Tupper Lake Central School District, offering comprehensive programs for all grade levels. Healthcare services are provided by Adirondack Health and regional clinics, ensuring residents have access to primary and urgent care services.
Old Forge
Old Forge, in Herkimer County, is a quintessential Adirondack town with a projected 2025 population of 527. Despite its small size, it stands out as a vibrant tourist destination and gateway to the Fulton Chain of Lakes. In the summer, boating and fishing draw crowds, while winter brings snowmobilers to over 500 miles of groomed trails. The Enchanted Forest Water Safari, New York’s largest water theme park, is a major draw for families and tourists alike. The local economy heavily relies on seasonal tourism, hospitality, and outdoor recreation. Students in Old Forge attend schools in the Town of Webb Union Free School District, known for its strong community support and academic performance. Healthcare is available through local medical clinics, with more comprehensive services located in Utica. Old Forge’s scenic environment and active lifestyle continue to appeal to residents and visitors.
Keene Valley
Keene Valley is a hamlet located within the town of Keene in Essex County, with an estimated 2025 population of 1,122. Nestled in the heart of the High Peaks region, the area is a premier destination for hikers, mountaineers, and nature enthusiasts. It serves as a base for climbs to over a dozen 4,000-foot peaks, including Giant Mountain and the Dix Range. The community values environmental stewardship and has a laid-back, creative energy with many artists and conservationists calling the area home. Keene Central School District serves the educational needs of the town, and is known for its personalized, high-quality instruction and environmental education programs. Although the town lacks a major hospital, residents rely on nearby healthcare facilities in Elizabethtown and Lake Placid. The small-town atmosphere and spectacular natural surroundings make Keene Valley a unique and sought-after place to live.
Speculator
Speculator, a small village in Hamilton County with a projected 2025 population of 394, is an idyllic retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life amid nature. Known as the “All-Season Vacationland,” Speculator is surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountain trails. Residents and visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and hiking year-round. The town's peaceful lifestyle and low housing costs make it attractive to retirees and remote workers. The economy revolves around tourism, hospitality, and seasonal construction. The Lake Pleasant Central School District provides education for local youth with a focus on community engagement and outdoor learning. Healthcare services are limited within the village but are available in surrounding towns such as Gloversville and Amsterdam. With its rich natural resources and welcoming community, Speculator offers a uniquely tranquil Adirondack living experience.
Schroon Lake
Schroon Lake, located in Essex County, is a charming hamlet with a projected 2025 population of 1,843. The town boasts a picturesque lakefront that provides opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing in the summer, while nearby trails attract hikers and campers year-round. Cultural life thrives through events like the Seagle Festival, the oldest summer vocal training program in the U.S., which hosts public performances throughout the season. Tourism and hospitality form the backbone of the local economy, supported by inns, restaurants, and boutique shops. Education is delivered through the Schroon Lake Central School District, offering a supportive learning environment for K-12 students. Medical care is available through clinics in the area and hospitals in Ticonderoga or Elizabethtown. Schroon Lake's peaceful yet vibrant environment makes it a favored destination for both seasonal and permanent residents.
Elizabethtown
Elizabethtown, the county seat of Essex County, has a projected 2025 population of about 1,190. Often referred to as “E-town” by locals, it blends small-town charm with administrative significance, housing county offices and essential public services. The Boquet Valley Central School District serves the area, offering two campuses that emphasize academic achievement and extracurricular development. The Elizabethtown Community Hospital, part of the University of Vermont Health Network, provides 24/7 emergency services and routine care. The town's location makes it a strategic base for exploring the surrounding High Peaks, with easy access to trails, fishing spots, and kayaking routes. Civic events, a farmers' market, and small businesses contribute to a close-knit community vibe. Elizabethtown’s blend of public services, educational quality, and outdoor access make it a practical and scenic place to live.
Indian Lake
Indian Lake, located in central Hamilton County, is a close-knit and nature-oriented town with a projected population of around 1,200 in 2025. It offers an immersive outdoor lifestyle, with residents enjoying activities such as canoeing, hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling. The town is home to the Great Adirondack Moose Festival, which draws visitors each fall and celebrates regional wildlife. The Indian Lake Central School provides K-12 education with a strong focus on individualized learning and community involvement. The Indian Lake Health Center provides basic medical services, with more specialized care available in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs. The town's economy relies on tourism, public service jobs, and small enterprises. With its breathtaking landscape, community-focused events, and peaceful way of life, Indian Lake represents the rustic heart of the Adirondacks.
Wilmington
Wilmington, located in Essex County and home to approximately 1,300 residents as of 2025, is a thriving outdoor community best known for Whiteface Mountain. This ski resort attracts winter sports enthusiasts from all over the country, while in summer, mountain bikers, hikers, and fly fishers enjoy the Ausable River and surrounding trails. The town's infrastructure supports tourism-driven businesses, including lodges, gear shops, and restaurants. The Ausable Valley Central School District serves local students, and healthcare is accessible through the High Peaks Health Center. Wilmington maintains a balance between recreational appeal and everyday livability. Its scenic setting, active lifestyle, and sense of camaraderie make it one of the most desirable small towns in the Adirondack Park.
The Adirondack region of New York is home to a diverse range of communities that cater to varying lifestyles—from adrenaline-loving adventurers to retirees seeking peace and quiet. These twelve towns exemplify what makes the Adirondacks special: a deep connection to nature, accessible community living, and a focus on sustainability, education, and wellness. Whether you're seeking cultural enrichment, outdoor adventure, or a slower pace of life, these towns offer compelling reasons to call the Adirondacks home in 2025. With careful planning and local pride, they continue to thrive in harmony with the surrounding natural beauty.
