Main Street in Lake Placid, New York. Image credit Karlsson Photo via Shutterstock

7 Best Small Towns In The Adirondack Mountains For Retirees

Retirement is something to be proud of. You've worked your life to get to this point. It's important to pick the right place to settle down and start the next chapter of your life. If you are looking to be in New York but don't want the hustle and bustle of city life, the Adirondack Mountains might be the place for you. These beautiful mountains are in the northeastern part of New York. You can find over 200 lakes in these mountains, including Lake George, Lake Tear of the Clouds, and Lake Placid. Inside this beautiful mountain range are some of the loveliest small towns you could ever want to retire.

Lake Placid

Lake Placid is known for having some of the best views. Home to 2,200 people, this town was one of the hosts of the Winter Olympics in 1932 and 1980. 25% of the population is above the age of 60, and the average home price is $739,000. You'll be able to easily stay active and in shape thanks to hiking at places like Mount Jo and Mirror Lake. Whenever your grandkids come to visit, make sure to take them to the Herb Brooks Arena to skate and play around.

Most Unique Towns In The Adirondack MountainsSparkling lakes, soaring mountains, and stunning views - that’s what you’ll find in the Adirondack Mountains in the state of New York.

Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake has tons of family-friendly options if you want to make sure your kids and grandkids will have fun. You can visit the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage and Museum or the Saranac Laboratory Museum if you want to learn about scientific research that's taken place at the laboratory. After that, you can head to the Pendragon Theater and enjoy great performances during the summer months. Saranac Lake is one of the safest places in the United States, with only 13 crimes happening per every thousand people. You can also purchase property here for an affordable price since the average home is only $315,000.

Lake George

Both summer and winter in Lake George are truly enchanting. The Adirondack Winery is an excellent spot for a romantic date night in town. For local drinks, the Lake George Distilling Company offers a wide variety of homemade spiked lemonades, rye whiskey, and wines. Prospect Mountain provides some of the most breathtaking views in the state. From its summit, you'll have the perfect vantage point to gaze over Lake George. Since over 30% of Lake George's residents are over 60, you'll be among like-minded people. Additionally, home prices are around $500,000, making it an affordable place to buy.

Tupper Lake

If you want a place where you'll never get bored, Tupper Lake is perfect for you. You can rent kayaks from Raquette River Outfitters to paddle around the Raquette and Simon Ponds. When your children and grandchildren visit, bring them to Tupper Lake Golf Club and spend quality time together playing golf. If your family prefers indoor activities, visit Lakeview Lanes for great bowling. The average home price in Tupper Lake is around $179,000, making homeownership affordable. Tupper Lake is also home to about 30% of residents over 60, so it'll be easy to make friends with people your age.

Ticonderoga

Ticonderoga, a scenic town in New York, boasts rich history and numerous attractions. Movie enthusiasts will enjoy the Star Trek Original Series Set Tour, perfect for fans of the classic TV show and movie. Mt. Defiance offers a great spot for staying active while admiring the historic military buildings and the stunning Adirondack scenery. If your grandkids visit, Black Point Beach is ideal for a full day of splash and play. Ticonderoga is also one of the safest places to live, with crime rates 40% below the national average. With over 30% of residents over 60, many are making the most of their golden years.

Old Forge

The Adirondack Mountain towns cherish their local breweries, making it exciting to sample new drinks regularly. Old Forge features Fulton Chain Craft Brewery, where visitors can enjoy a variety of beer tastings. The Moose River Farm is a delightful spot to bring your grandkids, as they can pet and play with llamas. Additionally, the Enchanted Forest Water Safari offers a water park suitable for all ages. The town itself is very small, with a population of only 600. Of these residents, 38% are over 60. It is an exclusive community, with the average home selling for $830,000, making it feel like a worthwhile investment.

Schroon Lake

There are numerous reasons to move to Schroon Lake, a small community with just under 2,000 residents. Over 25% of the population is over 60, indicating that many also see it as a perfect retirement destination. The Schroon Lake Town Beach offers a peaceful spot to relax with a chair during the day. During winter, you can visit the Strand Theater to watch a new film. For exercise, the Spectacle Pond Trailhead provides an easy hiking trail to help you stay active. Additionally, housing costs are quite reasonable, averaging around $200,000.

Best Small Towns To Visit In The Adirondack MountainsThe Adirondacks are the largest protected area in the contiguous United States, with over 2,000 miles of hiking trails, more than 3,000 lakes, and 1,200 miles of rivers.

The Adirondack Mountains are truly some of the most amazing in the United States. If you need to hop on a quick flight, you're close to Albany, with access to anywhere you might need to get to. The seasons in these mountains are second to none, and it is a very family-friendly place to live. If you want to start the next part of your life, these towns are the ideal destinations.

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