7 Budget-Friendly Towns in The Adirondack Mountains for Retirees
Are you looking for the perfect beach town to retire in? How about settling in a beautiful town with cooler temperatures? These towns offer no shortage of healthcare and recreation. Enjoy affordable housing costs and an active community, feeling safe while doing the things you love. With an attractive mix of vibrant culture, history, and modern amenities, these seven towns in the Adirondack Mountains in upstate New York may be the place for you to call home.
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a standout choice for retirees because of its affordable living, low crime rates, and excellent amenities. This picturesque town boasts a unique blend of rich history and natural beauty. Rest assured that your health will be in good hands with Adirondack Medical Center, a top-notch medical facility with various healthcare services. Providing a secure and comfortable environment, enjoy late-night walks with the town’s low crime rates. Compared to some other Adirondack towns, Saranac Lake offers more affordable housing options, with a median sold home price of $370,000.
With Saranac Lake’s vibrant culture, you will never be bored. Participate in the art scene at Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery or NorthWind Fine Arts Gallery. Are you an artist yourself? Consider joining an Artist guild. With an extensive history as a health resort, explore Saranac Lake’s cure cottages or the Saranac Laboratory Museum. Get into water sports like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Or try skiing in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. Join the fun at Saranac Lake Winter Carnival, an annual festival with parades, performances, and the famous ice palace.
Ticonderoga
Between the serene waters of Lake George and Lake Champlain, Ticonderoga is a haven for retirees. Offering a tranquil yet lively lifestyle, stay safe and entertained year-round with affordable and safe living conditions and plenty of recreational opportunities. The affordable housing market is a standout feature of Ticonderoga, with properties significantly lower than other towns. Ensuring peace of mind, this town has low crime rates, making for a safe and secure lifestyle for all residents. Access quality and comprehensive healthcare with Ticonderoga’s Elizabethtown Community Hospital, part of the University of Vermont Health network. All your daily needs will be met with Ticonderoga’s many amenities, pharmacies, shops, and grocery stores.
Steeped in history and nature, you’ll have no shortage of fun in Ticonderoga. Visit the iconic Fort Ticonderoga to delve into the French and Indian War and Revolutionary War. Tour the meticulously restored Hancock House, a historic Georgian mansion that serves as a museum and library. Visit Lake George or Lake Champlain for boating, fishing, and swimming, or hike the gorgeous Adirondack Mountains. Hit a hole-in-one at the Ticonderoga Country Club or try out a winter sport like skiing or snowshoeing. Enjoy Ticonderoga’s charming boutiques, cozy cafes, and family restaurants if that isn't your cup of tea.
Old Forge
Tucked away in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, Old Forge is a delightful haven for retirees seeking a peaceful and enriching lifestyle. With a superb combination of affordability, safety, and community, savor your golden years to the fullest. Enjoy a comfortable living style without financial stress with Old Forge’s moderate housing prices. And relish in a safe and secure environment with the town’s low crime rates. MVHS Medical Group provides you with access to a range of medical services. Boasting various amenities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and shops, daily living will be convenient and stress-free.
Old Forge may be a small town but vaunts a vibrant cultural and recreational scene. Take in an art show or learn a new skill at a workshop at the View Arts Center. Join in on Old Forge’s many events and festivals, like Oktoberfest, Arts in the Park, and the Adirondack Mountain Bike Festival. Step back at the Adirondack Experience, offering exhibits and programs highlighting the Adirondack Mountain Region's unique cultural and natural heritage, looking for something more adventurous? With many outdoor activities, pick a new hobby to stay active. Try watersports on one of the Fulton Chain of Lakes or a leisurely hike through the Adirondack Mountains. During the winter months, try snowmobiling or skiing, getting a true taste of the stunning Adirondack Mountains.
Speculator
Experience Speculator, a hidden gem in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains for retirees seeking peace, natural beauty, and a strong sense of community. Remarkably less expensive than many other retirement hotspots, you can guarantee affordable living with Speculator’s cost of living. Have peace of mind and enjoy a safe environment with the town’s low crime rates. Rest assured, knowing your health is in excellent hands with Nathan Littauer Hospital, a medical center offering comprehensive services for various ailments and conditions.
Speculator has a lively cultural scene. Join one of their annual festivals, such as the Speculator Craft Fair or Beer and Wine Festival. Visit the Adirondack Museum to taste local history or delight in the mix of local business Speculator offers. Peruse the Farmers Market for fresh produce, homemade goods, and local crafts. The outdoor enthusiast will have no shortage of opportunities, with fishing and boating on Lake Pleasant or hiking, biking, or picnicking in the spectacular Adirondack Mountains.
Lake Placid
Known for its Olympic heritage, Lake Placid is a picturesque town, offering natural beauty, safe living, and an exciting community. Though pricier than other retirement destinations, Lake Placid offers upscale housing and chic living, along with affordable housing opportunities. Enjoy worry-free, safe living with the town’s low crime rates. Served by Adirondack Health and Lake Placid Health Center, residents are guaranteed quality healthcare. The facility provides top-notch medical services for a variety of issues. Additionally, with the nearby Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake, you can rest easy knowing you will have easy access as well.
Known for its vibrant art scene, Lake Placid Center for the Arts hosts various performances, exhibitions, and workshops year-round, catering to diverse artistic tastes. Whether summer or winter, enjoy Lake Placid’s many events and festivals. Take in a concert with Songs at Mirror Lake Music Series or watch the Ironman Lake Placid, an event where athletes worldwide test their limits. Try dog sled rides, tubing, sledding, or sleigh rides during winter. Tour the Olympic Center and Museum to learn about the town’s fascinating Olympic heritage. Or enjoy Lake Placid’s charming town. Shop at a local boutique shop, then grab a cup of coffee at a cozy café, all while taking in the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
Elizabethtown
Discover the charm of Elizabethtown, offering a serene and welcoming environment perfect for retirees. Notable for its affordable cost of living, it is an ideal town for retirees on a budget with reasonable housing prices compared to other towns in the region. Like many other towns in the area, Elizabethtown offers low crime rates, offering residents a safe environment and peace of mind. A top priority for retirees, you’ll have access to the University of Vermont Health Network—Elizabethtown Community Hospital. This medical center offers comprehensive services, ensuring access to top-notch healthcare.
Offering a wealth of historical attractions, outdoor recreation, and a lively cultural scene, you will never be bored. Enjoy a concert at the Lawn Concert Series or learn something new at the Elizabethtown Fairy and Magickal Creatures Festival. Tour the Adirondack History Center Museum and learn about centuries of Essex County history. In the warmer months, try hiking, fishing, or wildlife watching. Or visit the Farmers Market for produce and local creations. During wintertime, try cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating. Or enjoy wildlife watching or a picnic in the beautiful Adirondack Mountains.
Indian Lake
Known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities, Indian Lake offers a quiet, rural lifestyle with affordable living costs. Housing prices are remarkably lower compared to other towns in the region. Find your dream home without the financial strain. Enjoy a safe and secure environment with Indian Lake’s low crime rates, offering a tranquil environment for families and retirees. Served by Glens Falls Hospital, you’ll have access to emergency care, outpatient services, and specialized treatment. With everything you need in easy reach, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, life in Indian Lake will be convenient.
Indian Lake hosts many events throughout the year, such as the Poker Paddle, Open Mic nights, and Farmers Markets. Peruse the Adirondack Artisan Festival, where you can find handcrafted paintings, furniture, clothing, sculptures, specialty foods, and more. Take a dog sled ride or horse-drawn wagon ride, or try a new hobby at a craft workshop during Indian Lake’s Winter Festival. Don’t miss taking in the grand finale event, featuring music and fireworks. If the outdoors is more your thing, you’ll have plenty to do. Enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, or wildlife watching in the warmer season. In winter, give skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling a go, taking in the natural beauty of the Adirondack Mountains.
The Adirondack Mountains offer natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and vibrant community life. With access to renowned healthcare services and being some of the safest towns in the region, retire easily in Saranac Lake, Old Forge, Speculator, Lake Placid, or Elizabethtown. Enjoy the affordable living of Ticonderoga and Indian Lake and all they have to offer. You’ll never run out of things to do with each town's many festivals and events. Discover the charm and beauty of the Adirondack Mountains by making it your retirement haven.
