7 Towns in The Adirondack Mountains That Are Ideal for Seniors
The Adirondacks are a collection of mountains in the upper region of New York State. In the region is Adirondack Park, which, as a part of New York's Forest Preserve, helps preserve much of the local wilderness, including many forests, lakes, and rivers. This protected area is filled to the brim with welcoming and cozy communities, usually small, with many activities. It's ideal for seniors because there is that sense of fellowship while being in nature, away from a lot of the crowds, and in the heart of New York's gorgeous forests and mountains.
Lake George
On the southern tip of Lake George lies a town that shares the same name. Year-round, there is no shortage of things to do, whether or not people want to just relax or have an adventure! The people of Lake George make the most of their waters, with boat charters, rentals, and tubing being readily available alongside beach swimming and fishing, which is perfect on any warm day. The Million Dollar Beach Lake is a wonderful open space for picnics, grilling, and fun in the sun. Winter adventuring involves ice skating and a new interactive experience called Winter's Dream, which is in the historic fortress of Fort William Henry. The nightlife in town is apparent, with several bars and breweries that offer a chance to socialize and have a good time. According to Niche.com, most residents own their houses in Lake George, with a median home value of $318,600.
Ticonderoga
At the junction of Lake Champlain and Lake George is Ticonderoga, which is a popular tourist spot during the summer and fall months. The reason is its location and the amount of history it holds, even going into sci-fi! While Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance both hold significant history, with the Heritage Museum in tow teaching people about Ticonderoga's history, there's also a Star-Trek museum with recreations of sets from the original series. Outdoor ventures are accessible through both of the lakes mentioned previously, with boating and fishing being unforgettable at either of the two. The town has a fine fresh farmers' market that runs from July until October with a large variety of locally grown produce along with live music, which is popular among locals. In Ticonderoga, the majority of people own their properties, with a median home value of $136,400.
Long Lake
The town of Long Lake gets its name from the 14-mile-long lake it's situated on, with the same name. It's located almost in the center of the Adirondack Park itself, so the community is very in tune with the nearby nature and wildlife. While more of a vacation town, Long Lake is a comfy and welcoming town with plenty of relaxing activities, like sitting on or swimming at one of the many beaches along the local lakes or getting a bite to eat at the heart of the Adirondacks! People come together after heavy snowfall every year to enjoy warm fires and ice fishing, bringing warmth and fun during the colder months of the year. More than 90% of the population in Long Lake owns rather than rents, with a median home value of $200,000. The town has a medical center located right next to their fire department, just off Route 28N.
Speculator
Speculator is a town that once attracted local lumberjacks trying to make a living. Some of the land they used would later be acquired by the state, which then started the forming of the Adirondack Park in the late 19th century. Now, people enjoy outdoor activities that the southern Adirondacks have to offer, like hiking, golfing, or boating and fishing on Lake Pleasant, which Speculator sits on. Charlie John's Grocery store in town is well known because of its wide selection of goods alongside camping gear and outdoor supplies, which is superb for gearing up before spending a day outside. During the summer, people of all ages enjoy locally made ice cream at the Speculator Creamery, usually open from May to September. 70% of this small town's residents own their houses, with a median home value of $160,400. The town's main medical center is Nathan Littauer's Primary & Specialty Care.
Keeseville
Along the well-known Ausable River is Keeseville, which is a hamlet in the counties of Essex and Clinton. It should be considered among nature lovers for its closeness and relationship with the outdoors. The Ausable Chasm attracts people of all ages to hike or raft through, offering incredible sights along the way. The Ausable River Campsite offers campsites for those who want to spend the night outdoors as well. Close by are both the Wickham Marsh and Ausable Marsh State Wildlife Management Area, which are on the shore of Lake Champlain. Both of these have easy access to different hiking trails and opportunities to fish and watch the local wildlife, which includes white-tailed deer, hares, and raccoons. In town is both a railroad museum and the Ausable Brewing Company, offering great food and drink, along with merchandise! Just around 67% of the Keeseville population own rather than rent, with a median home value of $100,700.
North Creek
North Creek is a hamlet in Johnsburg with a small population of less than a thousand. A lot of people in the area are retirees, which is more than welcoming for seniors in the area looking for a place to live. The hamlet is best known for its outdoor activities, including hiking and skiing, particularly at the local Gore Mountain ski area, with the local economy booming around it. A local art project called the North Creek Mosaic had many volunteers paint and decorate a large concrete wall, bringing color and life to Main Street. On the wall are North Creek's natural features, including rivers, mountains, and local wildlife. Also, art-wise is Tannery Pond, which has both local galleries and a theater that can hold more than a hundred people. Train lovers enjoy the North Creek Depot Museum, which has a collection of antique locomotives and train cars alongside tour guides to show visitors around. Most of North Creek's residents are homeowners, with a median home value of $169,000.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake is the name of both a town and a village west of Lake Placid. It features amazing views for all to see at both the Adirondack Public Observatory and the Wild Center, where people can either watch the stars or look out above the trees. The Wild Center itself is a natural history museum where visitors can learn about the local natural history and walk above the aforementioned trees that are everywhere by using specially made paths and walkways. Also in town is Little Wolf Beach, which has many opportunities to swim or catch some sun during the summer months. Tupper Lake is a mix of suburban and rural town life, with most of its population owning their homes at a median value of $108,500. Medical centers in the area include a physical therapy clinic, a nursing home, and a medical clinic, which are all in the south of town.
Upstate New York is generally overlooked when it comes to buying a house and settling down, and it shouldn't be because of the amount of things to do combined with cozy small-town areas throughout. The Adirondack Mountain region has plenty of good food, affordable living, and places to just sit back and relax. For seniors who enjoy the cold winters and warm summers, hiking, or sharing a drink with townsfolk, head to the Adirondacks.
