11 Wallet-Friendly Small Towns To Retire In The Adirondack Mountains
Many people associate New York with eye-watering costs, a place seemingly reserved for tech titans and wealthy power players. Yet, beyond the precincts of Manhattan, a very different New York reveals itself. Here lies a vast, unspoiled landscape of shimmering lakes, verdant valleys, and rugged mountain peaks. The air is crisp and fragrant, communities are vibrant and close-knit, and life is punctuated by wine, spirited festivals, and an enduring love of the outdoors. That's the Adirondack Mountains, although there's much more to the region, including the adventurous spirit it consistently inspires. Sharp-eyed pensioners can spot affordability among these incredible communities, with a median home listing price that hovers around $250,000, or sometimes less. Starting with Glens Falls, discover 11 wallet-friendly small towns to retire in the Adirondacks.
Glens Falls
Glen Falls is a vibrant town on the Hudson River, about 45 miles north of Albany. This means one can dash for big-city amenities on a whim and access related cultural attractions and a bigger social scene. Empty nesters look forward to various events, including the Adirondack Balloon Festival, a 3-day carnival typically held in September and regarded as one of the major highlights of fall in Upstate New York. The Glens Falls Senior Center, which stands in the center of town, has been offering a wide range of educational, health, and social services to retirees in the area for over 60 years. After an enjoyable morning exercise routine and a filling brunch, a comedic performance at the Charles R Wood Theatre will be a lovely way to crown the day.
Furthermore, pensioners can occasionally float down the Hudson River or explore the trail-laden Hudson Pointe Nature Preserve. In terms of healthcare access, Glens Falls Hospital has been recognized for the Outpatient Prostate Care Excellence Award for 2025. According to Zillow, houses in Glen Falls fetch a median listing price of $266,583, way better than the statewide median of $626,629
Saranac Lake
Saranac Lake is a charming town on the shores of Lake Flower and boasts one of the most jaw-dropping settings in Upstate New York. With the Saranac and St. Regis chain of lakes, a water lover here is in paradise. And that's for a median listing price of $493,667, a budget-friendly package that includes immediate access to one of the best-regarded hospitals in the Upstate Region: the 95-bed Adirondack Medical Center, a previous recipient of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award. There’s Saranac Inn Golf Club, famous for its classic Scottish design, Saranac Village at Will Rogers, where you can enjoy peaceful living in the hands of skilled and compassionate caretakers, and Pendragon Theatre, which holds the distinction of being the only year-round, professional theatre company in the Adirondacks.
Plattsburgh
For pensioners who want to stretch a dollar, Plattsburgh presents one of the most tempting prospects. A median listing price of $266,600, which is about 42% of the state median, looks like a steal. The town itself, sandwiched between two outdoor marvels, is a place to instantly set a first-timer in a grinning mode. There's the great Adirondack Park on one side and the scenic Lake Champlain on the other, which doubles up as the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the United States and offers excellent boating opportunities. The Plattsburgh International Airport means a retiree can always hop on a plane to Boston or New York, and the Saranac River, which flows through the town, is filled with yummy dwellers, including salmon. For any medical emergency, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is a 2022 recipient of the Vascular Surgery Excellence Award. Keep in mind that Plattsburgh is the main commercial hub for the northern Adirondack Mountains, meaning a retiree here will have access to a more vibrant shopping scene.
Tupper Lake
Another wallet-friendly town in the Adirondacks to consider is Tupper Lake, a cool, peaceful village that sits at the crossroads of the Adirondack Park. The median listing price of the area is $293,000. This is less than half of the statewide median. The Adirondack Adult Center is a friendly and spotless place that offers bingo and other activities designed to improve a retiree's quality of life. Also, whether you are a seasoned golfer or a beginner, Tupper Lake Golf Club, with its cool air and firm fairways, is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. There's the chance to watch magical sunsets at the Tupper Lake Waterfront Park, lock eyes with otters at the world-renowned Wild Center, or hit up the trails around the nearby Mount Arab. For those who prioritize healthcare access, the Adirondack Medical Center, just 20 minutes down the road in Saranac Lake, is a three-time winner of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award.
Malone
A median listing price of $209,967, about one-third of the state median, sets Malone apart as an unbeatable retirement spot, especially for budget-conscious empty nesters. The Malone Adult Center, which recently moved to a bigger space at the Malone Community Center, offers community meals and several other activities that bring empty nesters together for meaningful experiences. The same holds for the aptly named Golden Age Club. At the Malone Golf Club, a highly rated 36-hole PGA Championship golf course divided into two courses, 9 holes were designed by Robert Trent Jones, a revered name in the golfing world. Alice Hyde Medical Center, right in town, is a 76-bed medical facility that has been serving area residents for more than 100 years. On a different note, the North Franklin Theatre Group, a volunteer-run community theatre group in town, has been providing quality entertainment to the North Country families for over 20 years.
Greenwich
Although Zillow does not indicate the median listing price of houses in Greenwich, the average Greenwich home value is $292,356. The town takes its repose in the rolling green hills of Washington County, just east of Saratoga Springs, and boasts one of the most architecturally intact villages in all of upstate New York. It is on the banks of the Batten Kill River, a fantastic recreational venue. Expect Victorian and Greek revival architecture, charming village greens and gardens, and eye-catching 19th-century storefronts, especially on Main Street. Windy Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that offers a fair challenge for almost all skill levels, while Battenkill Country Club is a family-friendly space with excellent greens that roll smoothly and fast. It's easy to find basic medical services in town, but for specialist services, the award-winning Glens Falls Hospital is just 30 minutes away. Residents often look forward to the Washington County Fair, which typically takes place in mid-August. It’s a classic county agricultural fair featuring livestock shows, carnival rides, exhibitions, food, and music. Dionondahowa Falls Trail Head is a fabulous outdoor beauty and the perfect spot for a little picnic, especially with the view of the falls.
Queensbury
Homes in Queensbury are listed for a median price of $419,600, beating the statewide median by over $200,000. It's also home to the Queensbury Activity Center, which offers activities for senior citizens from Bingo to several other creative physical fitness programs. If the lack of a golf course is a deal breaker, Queensbury is surrounded by some excellent courses, including Hiland Park Country Club, known for its straightforward course layout, and Bay Meadows Golf Club, a wide, open course with lovely people and views. A retiree can occasionally drag a friend to the Glen Drive-In Theatre, an old-time spot under the stars with digital projection screens and a snack bar, or to the Adirondack Balloon Festival, the town's most famous annual event and one of the oldest hot-air balloon festivals in the United States. Regarding healthcare access, Glens Falls Hospital is a short drive away and offers a wide range of specialist services.
Whitehall
Most people typically associate Sasquatch with the Pacific Northwest, but Whitehall, a small, soothing town on the southern end of Lake Champlain, claims the celebrated creature as its own. Sightings have reportedly occurred, and today, Whitehall hosts the Sasquatch Calling Festival, which coincides with its officially observed Sasquatch Appreciation Day. Pensioners will want to check out Skenesborough Harbor, a senior housing building for individuals 62 or older, as well as those with mobility impairments. The best part is that rent at the facility is based on income and is HUD subsidized. Also, with a median listing price of $208,500, which is about 33% of the state median, Whitehall is not a reserve of deep-pocketed buyers. One can practice his or her swings at the Milestone Golf Course, which features scenic views of the Adirondacks, or at the Skene Valley Country Club, a great course with greens that roll true and quick. Whitehall Medical Center is in town, while Glens Falls Hospital, which is the best in the region, is just 30 minutes away. Of course, water lovers have the beautiful Lake Champlain, as well as the Poultney River, which features nearly 20 miles of natural shoreline.
Champlain
Champlain is a small, unassuming town on the western shore of Lake Champlain known for its tasty wineries and monster legends. Lake Champlain, which holds the distinction of being the Adirondacks' largest lake, is the perfect playground for boating, fishing, and water sports. It's easy to get exercise and gossip at the well-maintained North Country Golf Club, where one can meet friends and play golf, and Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital in nearby Plattsburgh keeps your mind at ease, with 300-bed facility with emergency and specialist services. There are movie theatres in Plattsburgh that one can dash to, including Regal Champlain Center, which features plush seating and a concession stand. Zillow does not indicate the median listing price in Champlain, but the average Champlain home value is a pocket-friendly $191,561.
Lake Luzerne
With the Hudson River winding through its charming downtown, Lake Luzerne offers a serene, countryside atmosphere that makes it an appealing place to live or retire. The average home value is about $301,739, which comes with the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Glens Falls. Residents enjoy immediate access to the well-stocked Rockwell Falls Public Library, ideal for lingering over a good read, as well as Mountain View Rocking B Ranch (formerly Bennett’s Riding Stable), known for some of the Adirondacks’ finest horseback-riding experiences.
Quality healthcare is close at hand at Glens Falls Hospital, a recipient of multiple honors, including the 2025 Healthgrades Outpatient Prostate Care Excellence Award. For broader amenities, Saratoga Springs lies 19 miles south, while Albany is just over 50 miles away. Closer to home, residents can paddle Lake Luzerne, the waterbody that lends the town its name, or enjoy a tranquil camping escape at Lake George / Saratoga KOA Journey.
Au Sable Forks
A thriving community with bustling sidewalks backdropped by beautiful mountainous terrain, Au Sable Forks deservedly rounds off the list of the most budget-friendly Adirondack towns to retire. Wilmington is a 10-minute trip, and Whiteface Mountain, just a little further, is the area's defining landmark. Outdoor lovers have the Ausable River, Whiteface Mountain, which has the greatest vertical east of the Rockies, and several shimmering beauties, including Fern Lake and Silver Lake, both of which offer fishing and boating opportunities.
Furthermore, the Town of Wilmington Beach and its fine, soft sand is just a blink away. A retiree here has immediate access to basic medical services, but for specialist services, Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is 30 minutes away in Plattsburgh. The average Au Sable Forks, NY home value is $197,722.
So when you are considering retirement, there's no need to make a beeline for overpriced locations with modest aesthetic credentials. The Adirondack Mountains are a vast and pristine Neverland speckled with charming villages and charismatic towns, many of which are fine-tuned for retirees. Think of close-knit communities, a decent property on the water, and a jam-packed recreational diary filled with skiing, swimming, and hiking adventures. The best part? Many of these locations are incredibly affordable, it can feel like winning the lottery.
