8 Towns Perfect for Retirement in The Adirondack Mountains
Despite being known for big cities like Buffalo, Albany, and, New York, New York State is home to a beautiful cluster of cliffs, jagged rocks, and waterfalls that make up the Adirondack Mountains. Featuring endless lakes, trails, and lookouts, the region is also home to dozens of picturesque small towns. Are you looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and embrace nature and peace instead? There is a mountain town in New York calling your name.
Saratoga Springs
Located near Saratoga Lake and under an hour's drive to Albany, Saratoga Springs is constructed with gorgeous historical architecture. Old brick buildings line the downtown streets, making your commute feel like a fairy tale. Victorian-inspired homes are speckled throughout the neighborhoods, and old clocks and fountains decorate the parks and greenways. Embrace your creative side at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Go for a swim at Saratoga Lake or a local outdoor pool. Golf at the Ballston Spa Country Club, Pioneer Hills Golf Club, or the Saratoga National Golf Club.
Take visiting relatives down to the country fair or explore the trails of Saratoga Spa State Park. Head down to the races at the Saratoga Race Course, or educate yourself on its history at the National Museum of Racing. Know that Walmart and Target cover your shopping needs in town. Prepare to spend around $850,000 for a home with beautiful paneled windows and a large yard for gardening (according to realtor.com)
Lake George
Fall foliage by Lake George at sunset.
Just off Interstate 87 is Lake George, a waterside town full of stunning lake houses that are perfect for finally docking that boat you've been wanting. Don't want a boat of your own but still want to experience life on the waves? Attend a dinner cruise or ride the steamboat. Love shopping? Spend the day at the Factory Outlet, featuring stores such as Old Navy, Michael Kors, and Yankee Candles. Give in to your wild side and venture into the Stone Bridge Caves.
Get your tan on, spend the day relaxing at Million Dollar Beach, or hike/drive up Prospect Mountain and admire the entirety of Lake George from the lookout. In the winter, head on over to the Hickory Ski Center and ride the slopes. Visitors will love staying at the lakeside hotels and campgrounds. Homes in Lake George go from around $679,000.
Tupper Lake
Sunset over Moody Tupper Lake in the Adirondacks, New York, captured in early fall from an aerial perspective.
On the Raquette Pond portion of Tupper Lake sits an old-fashioned town surrounded by trees. Take things slow with easy shopping at the local IGA or the stores alongside Main Street. Feel comforted in the fact that there is a health center, dental office, salon, and spa for you to take advantage of. Love to learn? Take in the universe at the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory. Start a book club at the library. Browse the artifacts at the Piercevield Museum or the antiques at Wildwood.
Join a curling team at the Tupper Lake Memorial Civic Center or play a round at the Tupper Lake Golf Club. Spend the afternoon driving the road that wraps around Simon Pond, and after, stop in at one of the many restaurants in town, including grills, breweries, sub shops, and international cuisine. Homes are on the cheaper end, sitting around $314,000.
Morrisonville
Colorful fall foliage surrounds the Saranac River in the Adirondacks of New York State during the autumn season.
Morrisonville is on the west side of Plattsburgh, NY, and brings you small-town charm next to city amenities. Walk the Saranac River with a cup of coffee or sit and people-watch at River Street Park. An on-site pharmacy and ambulance depot can help put one's mind at ease should you need it. Take the grandkids down to the Clinton County Fair or swim at Lake Champlain. Plattsburgh is a five-minute drive away and offers everything else you could need, including an international airport, hospital, department stores, and all your favorite restaurants.
And while everyone else endures the endless traffic and noise of city living, retire away to your secluded community and listen to the sounds of nature at night instead. Homes cost around 304,000, while homes in Plattsburgh run around $340,000.
Lowville
Located at the crossroads of three major roadways, Lowville is also only an hour and a half drive from Syracuse or just under two hours from Kingston, Ontario, Canada, if you feel like exploring the other side of the border. With old-fashioned brick-and-mortar buildings lining the main streets and Victorian-style homes, Lowville is as beautiful as it is functional. Despite its small size, it has its own hospital, Walmart, and Tractor Supply Co. But if larger stores aren't your style, don't worry, as it also has more lowkey supermarkets and ma and pa shops.
In the summer, enjoy the Lewis County Fair or watch some racing at the Adirondack International Speedway. For the golfers, attend the Cedars Golf Course. For the adventurers, explore Whetstone Gulf State Park or the nearby waterfalls, including Roaring Brook and Whitaker. Homes go for an astounding $187,000, fitting into almost anyone's budget.
Glenn Falls
Glenn Falls is between Lake George and Saratoga Springs, meaning it's also close to Albany, making it easy for both you and visiting relatives to get to. Situated on the Hudson River, Glenn Falls caters to everyone's creative side, especially those who appreciate the performing arts. Attend the Adirondack Theatre Festival in the summer or the indoor Park Theatre year-round. Browse the vintage shops and knick-knack stores while sipping on a delicious latte from a local cafe. Sit down for lunch at one of the eateries, or try something new at one of the many breweries. Go bowling, or take the family up to Six Flags for the day.
Want to get out and explore nature? Trek the trails of the Hudson Point Nature Preserve, or push your limits and hike West Mountain. In the summers, experience the Adirondack Balloon Festival and watch colorful hot air balloons float across the sky. Prices remain affordable compared to many other locations in the United States, hovering around $187,000.
Old Forge
Named the 'snowmobile capital of the east,' Old Forge is a forest town located on the North Branch Moose River. It is also next to Thendara, a neighboring town that is home to the Thendara Golf Club. Surrounded by trees, watch the leaves change color in the fall, turning the town a magnificent orange. When the snow falls, head over to McCauley Mountain for some skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. During the summer, enjoy walking around the Old Forge Pond or join visiting relatives at the Calypso's Cove Family Fun Park or the Enchanted Forest Water Safari.
On a quiet day, head to the library or treat yourself to breakfast at Keye's Pancake House. Grab some coffee at Ozzie's Coffee Bar and take it to go while you spend some time at the local dog park with your furry friend. Want to meet other like-minded souls? Take a class at the View Arts Center. Homes in Old Forge go for around $634,000 for beautiful big window homes with classic painted shutters.
Potsdam
Affordable yet still gorgeous, Potsdam is near the US/Canadian border. The Raquette River runs down the middle, providing you with endless trails and riverside parks, including Ives Park, which hosts a concert series in September. It is also home to the Potsdam Summer Festival and Frosty Fest. Enjoy the several ways to stay active, including public skating at the arena, brand new pickleball courts, cross-country skiing paths, and boat launches perfect for kayaking. Or enjoy the abundance of areas for freshwater fish. In the warmer months, attend the farmers market and pick up some fresh fruit and veggies.
Have all your bases covered with the Canton-Potsdam Hospital, as well as on-site firefighters, police, and EMS. The town is also supplied by a Walmart, Aldi, and Lowes Home Improvement store. The municipal airport is also a nice bonus. One thing for sure about the Adirondacks is the beautiful, historic architecture, from adorable bungalows to larger two-story homes. Properties in Potsdam average about $200,000.
Your Dream Retirement Awaits in the Adirondacks
Stretching across the State of New York and near Quebec, Canada, the Adirondack Mountains are a nature lover's dream. Providing endless opportunities for exploration, learning, and fun activities, the Adirondacks have no shortage of stunning towns, trails, and parks. Whether you are looking to keep things quiet and simple with a town sporting a population under 1,000 or somewhere larger with all the amenities, you will find the perfect place to retire and live out the best life has to offer.
