9 Safest Small Communities To Settle In The Adirondack Mountains
Nestled within New York State’s Adirondack Park are dozens of small towns known for their natural beauty, strong community ties, and remarkably low crime rates. For those seeking a safe, slower-paced lifestyle surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains, this vast area offers appealing alternatives to urban living. The following communities combine outdoor recreation, local culture, and neighborly connection with the peace of mind that comes from low levels of violent crime. Whether you are planning a permanent move, a retirement destination, or a cottage to visit, choosing the right town matters. Below are nine small Adirondack communities that consistently stand out for safety, livability, and quality of life, while sharing a commitment to calm, community-centered living.
Keeseville
Safety and comfort do not always go hand in hand, but Keeseville offers both. The small, tight community is an outdoor sports playground, and any nature lover will be fulfilled. Residents enjoy stunning vistas while hiking, rafting the Ausable River, or floating downstream on a relaxing tube ride. Keeseville is right by Ausable Chasm, often called the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” as well as the lesser-known Alice Falls, a quiet and scenic spot ideal for picnics or romantic date. Several nearby museums add cultural depth, including the North Star Underground Railroad Museum and the Anderson Falls Heritage Museum. After dining at the popular Ausable Brewing Company, a stop at nearby Highlands Vineyard for its signature wine slushies rounds out the experience. With an estimated violent crime rate of 8.9 per 1,000 residents, Keeseville has much lower numbers than typical urban rates and is low for New York overall. Keeseville appeals to those who value safety, scenery, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Tupper Lake
Tupper Lake offers a quiet Adirondack lifestyle with strong appeal for families and retirees alike. Community stability and crime rates are relatively low, and remain well below New York State and national averages. The town provides activities for all ages, including The Wild Center, a natural history museum featuring elevated boardwalks winding throughout the reserve and live animal exhibits. Nearby Mount Arab rewards hikers with sweeping panoramic views, while the lake and surrounding river systems invite exploration by canoe or paddleboard. Night-sky enthusiasts appreciate the Adirondack Sky Center and Observatory, which offers exceptional stargazing far from city light pollution. Seasonal festivals and locally owned restaurants contribute to the town’s charm. With nature at the doorstep, small museums and galleries to visit, and a small-town community ambiance, Tupper Lake is a perfect base for a peaceful Adirondack life surrounded by nature’s glory.
Lake Placid
Best known for its Olympic legacy, Lake Placid is also a family-friendly community with relatively stable violent crime rates below state and national averages, with chances of violent crime being around 1 in 379 and property crime about 1 in 58 (both about three times lower than the U.S. average). Here, residents enjoy year-round events like farmers’ markets, seasonal fairs, and live music, alongside world-class skiing in winter and kayaking or fishing in warmer months. Downtown Lake Placid’s Main Street offers shopping at well-loved establishments such as Hollister’s Trading Post, while the Adirondack Store & Gallery on nearby Saranac Avenue specializes in handcrafted Adirondack furniture and regional art. Dining options range from casual favorites like Smoke Signals BBQ to lively taverns like Players Sports Bar. However, to be in Lake Placid is to step into some history. A visit to the Olympic Museum and Olympic Ski Jump Complex is always fascinating, and being just 20 minutes from Whiteface Mountain, residents can feel a little of the exhilaration themselves on its slopes.
Wells
Wells is a small, hidden gem tucked along NY-30. This quiet Adirondack town is ripe for a relaxed lifestyle surrounded by natural beauty. Lake Algonquin borders one side of town, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and water recreation, while unspoiled forestland stretches out on the other. Violent crime is uncommon, reflecting the broader rural safety patterns in the region. Residents and visitors alike enjoy nearby attractions such as Auger Falls and the Adirondack-Sacandaga River Sculpture Park. Community festivals and local markets add warmth and charm throughout the year. Wells serves as a peaceful base for those who appreciate quiet living, abundant nature, and access to some of the best fishing holes in the country.
Wilmington
Wilmington is an idyllic town famous for being the gateway to the Whiteface Mountain region. Outdoor adventure defines daily life, whether skiing at Whiteface Mountain Ski Resort or visiting the breathtaking cascades of nearby High Falls Gorge. Wilmington’s Town Beach offers a sandy riverside gathering spot along Lake Everest, perfect for family outings. The charming town center features artisan shops and local favorites such as Candy Man Homemade Adirondack Chocolates. This town is an exceptionally safe area; in fact, no violent crimes have been reported in its county in the last three years. With low violent crime rates typical of rural Adirondack communities, Wilmington appeals to those seeking mountain solitude without sacrificing a sense of community.
Saranac Lake
Nestled among interconnected lakes and forests, Saranac Lake blends Adirondack beauty with a strong sense of community. Crime remains generally low, with combined crime numbers at 20 per 1,000 residents, well below the state average, and residents are known for looking out for one another. Saranac Lake has a colorful past, highlighted by attractions such as the Adirondack Carousel and the Saranac Laboratory Museum, the first tuberculosis research laboratory in the United States. Residents also enjoy the Robert Louis Stevenson Cottage and Museum, local art galleries curated by the Adirondack Artists Guild Gallery, and rides on the Adirondack Scenic Railroad. Outdoor recreation abounds on the surrounding lakes and extensive trail systems. In winter, the beloved Saranac Lake Winter Carnival draws the community together with its iconic ice palace and festivities.
Lake Pleasant
Lake Pleasant is a scenic community centered on water, trails, and a distinctly small-town feel. Crime rates remain low, consistent with rural Adirondack norms. Life in the town revolves around nearby lakes and the Sacandaga River reservoir, making it a haven for sailors, boaters, and paddleboarders. Outdoor enthusiasts can also explore nearby camping areas, hiking trails, and picnic spots within the Adirondack Forest Preserve. A fishing paradise, anglers will find their buckets filled with smallmouth and largemouth bass. Seasonal events such as summer parades, fireworks, and art shows bring residents together throughout the warmer months. Golfers enjoy the nine-hole Lake Pleasant Golf Course, while others appreciate the town’s relaxed pace and close-knit community spirit. Lake Pleasant is the perfect fit for people settling away from urban bustle.
Schroon Lake
This small town charms newcomers with the beauty of its namesake, Schroon Lake, and sustains residents with a calm, nature-centered lifestyle and low crime rates. Schroon Lake is the primary attraction and offers excellent conditions for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. The town hosts the renowned Seagle Music Colony, a nationally recognized opera and musical theater training program with summer performances. Local history is preserved by the Schroon-North Hudson Historical Society, which operates a small museum. Shopping options range from everyday essentials at the Schroon Lake Department Store to distinctive furnishings at Pine Cone Mercantile. Schroon Lake offers everything a resident could ask for, and tops it off with the Severance Mountain Trailhead, whose grandeur is only surpassed by the views of the surrounding forests and the lake itself.
Long Lake
Long Lake takes its name from the fourteen-mile lake that defines the town’s geography and lifestyle. Meandering among forests and waterways, the community offers numerous trails, small museums, and expansive Adirondack views. Nearby Buttermilk Falls, located just outside the town boundary, provides a natural scenic destination to admire or serve as a backdrop for romantic dates. Families value the Long Lake Camp for the Arts, which has offered children and youth performing and fine arts programs for decades. Locals flock to the adorable Hoss’s Country Corner for its groceries, restaurant, or curio store, and enjoy local beer at Brookside Hops & Hoagies. With its relaxed pace, welcoming residents, and low incidence of violent crime, Long Lake is well-suited for those seeking a nature-centered Adirondack life.
The Adirondack Mountains are home to more than just breathtaking scenery—they shelter communities where safety, connection, and quality of life remain central values. The towns highlighted here demonstrate that small populations and rural settings can nurture not only peace and quiet, but also vibrant local culture, outdoor enthusiasm, and genuine neighborly support. For individuals and families seeking a secure environment without sacrificing enrichment or engagement, these Adirondack towns present compelling options. Choosing to settle in one of these communities means embracing a lifestyle where safety and simplicity coexist with adventure, beauty, and a deep sense of place.
