Upstate New York's 10 Best Retirement Towns Ranked
Upstate New York is the sweet spot for anyone who wants to trade in the rush of city life for peaceful lakes, rolling hills, and enough activities to keep things interesting. Whether you are looking to settle by a lake, explore small-town culture, or find your perfect outdoor adventure, these towns have you covered.
These ten spots are ideal for those ready to kick back and enjoy retirement in one of the most scenic corners of the state.
Ithaca
Ithaca is one of those places that seems made for lazy afternoons and hiking trips to waterfalls. With about 34,000 people, it is big enough to keep you busy but still has that cozy atmosphere. If you are into hiking and wine tasting, Cayuga Lake is just waiting to be explored. There are over 100 waterfalls in the area, and Buttermilk Falls State Park is a popular spot with the locals. Whether you are strolling through the Ithaca Commons or enjoying a quiet day on the lake, you will always find something to do here without feeling rushed.
When it comes to healthcare, Cayuga Medical Center offers everything from routine check-ups to specialized senior care. Ithaca is perfect for retirees who want to be surrounded by nature but still tap into a little bit of that college town energy.
Saratoga Springs
Saratoga Springs is best known for its racecourse, but it’s got way more than that. This town combines historic charm with a touch of glamour, all while keeping that small-town feel. At around 28,000 people, it’s just the right size — big enough to offer cultural experiences and entertainment but small enough to avoid feeling overcrowded.
The Saratoga Race Course is an obvious draw, but there is also the famous Saratoga Spa State Park, where you can relax in natural mineral baths. For healthcare, Saratoga Hospital has great services, from senior care to physical therapy, so you are in good hands. If you love horse racing, spas, and a mix of history and culture, Saratoga Springs is a great spot to hang your hat.
Kingston
Kingston is one of those towns where you will feel like you are part of the community right away. With a population of around 23,000, Kingston has the charm of a small town but with enough going on to keep life interesting. Situated on the Hudson River, it is a beautiful spot for outdoor lovers.
For history buffs, The Senate House State Historic Site and the Hudson River Maritime Museum are places you will want to visit again and again. Additionally, HealthAlliance Hospital is just around the corner for all your medical needs. Whether you are walking along the Hudson River Greenway or exploring Kingston’s historic district, there is always something to keep you entertained here.
Schroon Lake
If you are looking for a quiet, lakeside retirement, Schroon Lake is the place. This tiny town (around 1,500 people) sits in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, offering some of the most serene views you will find in Upstate New York. If you are into fishing, boating, or hiking, Schroon Lake gives you all the space to enjoy the outdoors at an easygoing pace fit for retirement.
Healthcare is available through Adirondack Medical Center, so you are well taken care of. Schroon Lake is perfect for retirees who want to be surrounded by nature, peace, and a bit of adventure.
Lake Placid
Lake Placid is known for hosting the Winter Olympics twice, but it is also one of those towns that offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town tranquility. With only about 2,200 people, you get a lot of nature, peace, and plenty of things to do, including Whiteface Mountain skiing in the winter and kayaking on Mirror Lake in the summer. Lake Placid is all about staying active.
Adirondack Health offers services close to home to meet your healthcare needs. When you are not outside, visit the Lake Placid Olympic Museum or enjoy the local shops. It is the ideal retirement spot for those who want to embrace both adventure and calm.
Ticonderoga
Ticonderoga might be small, but it packs a punch. Located just off the shores of Lake George and Lake Champlain, this town is rich in history, especially if you are into early American military history. Fort Ticonderoga is a must-see and gives you a deep dive into the past. With just about 4,000 people, Ticonderoga offers a sleepy town lifestyle while still offering plenty of activities to keep you busy. For healthcare, Moses Ludington Hospital is nearby and ready to help.
Whether you are the type to spend your day on the water or hiking Mount Defiance, Ticonderoga is great for retirees who want lakeside living mixed with a bit of history and the great outdoors.
Hudson
Hudson is one of those towns you visit and instantly get that “I could live here” feeling. With around 6,000 residents, it’s got a lively arts scene, plenty of antique shops, and beautiful views along the Hudson River. If you are into art, history, and the occasional antique treasure hunt, this town will feel like home.
Healthcare is covered by Columbia Memorial Health, ensuring that residents are well taken care of. Spend your days at the Olana State Historic Site, or browse through the galleries in downtown Hudson.
Cooperstown
Cooperstown is a town where history and charm meet. Known as the home of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, this town is perfect for retirees who appreciate a slower pace but love being surrounded by culture. At just 2,000 residents, Cooperstown is the type of place where everyone knows everyone — and that is part of its appeal.
Bassett Medical Center is available for healthcare and provides comprehensive services. Between visits to the Fenimore Art Museum, walks along Lake Otsego, and trips to the Baseball Hall of Fame, you will never run out of things to do.
Woodstock
Woodstock isn’t only famous for its music festival; it’s an artsy town that continues to draw creative people from all over. With a population of about 6,000, Woodstock combines culture, nature, and a community that loves living life on its own terms. If you are looking for an artsy, peaceful town where creativity flows freely and your neighbors are super friendly, this is it.
HealthAlliance Hospital is nearby in Kingston, so healthcare is never too far away. The town has numerous art galleries, festivals, and theaters, like the Woodstock Playhouse, and the surrounding mountains are excellent for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.
Skaneateles
At the top of the list is Skaneateles, a town that feels like the perfect retirement destination. With just under 2,500 people, Skaneateles offers stunning views of Skaneateles Lake and a welcoming community that makes you feel at home the minute you arrive. Whether you are spending your days boating on the lake or enjoying a meal in the town’s quaint downtown area, it’s hard not to feel content in this peaceful lakeside retreat.
Healthcare is handled by Urgent Medical Care of Skaneateles, offering excellent services to keep the community healthy. With opportunities for swimming, boating, and just enjoying the natural beauty around you, Skaneateles is the ideal stop for retirees looking for a calm, scenic place to call home.
Upstate New York has everything a retiree could want — quiet beauty, nature, culture, and great healthcare. So, if you are drawn to lakes, mountains, or charming small towns, there is a place for you to settle in and enjoy your post-career shenanigans.
Upstate New York is packed with places where you can kick back, avoid the hustle, and finally trade in your 9-to-5 for something a little more leisurely. These towns have natural beauty, quirky charm, and just enough culture to keep you entertained. With top-notch healthcare and all the time in the world to explore, retirement here is less about slowing down and more about embracing your post-career chapter. It is not just a new era, though; it’s the beginning of your most well-deserved encore.
