Adirondacks (New York, Albany, Saratoga Springs: middle-class, transplants, for sale)

[Denniswr]

With the adrondack area being as large as the state of Vermont, what part might be the best area to relocate to with a 10 year old daughter. Both parents would be retired so employement wouth not be a major concern. Schools and community with be of most importance, Thanks

[Ellwood]

There are so many beautiful areas in the Adirondacks but we chose Saratoga. It's a wonderful area, culturally, convenient, friendly and helpful people. The schools have a really great rating also. You might look into Gansevoort, Wilton, Schuylerville. We are less than 10 miles from the town, out in the country and loving it.

[flames735]

Help! Can anyone give me info on Bainbridge, NY. I am looking at a house for sale in that town On Sept. 22 and wanted some info on the area. I have two small children and would like to know about schools, safety, etc. Also does anyone know the job market up that way. Thank you!!!

[Sgoldie]

Bainbridge isn't anywhere near the Adirondacks. You need to make a new post of your own, and get a map.

[Pidgett]

The suggestion made by Ellwood of Saratoga Springs is a worthy one, if you're willing to live outside of the Adirondacks proper. Saratoga is about 25 to 30 miles south of the Adirondack border. It is approximately one half hour north of Albany, the economic engine for the region. Nearby Wilton will be home to a new microchip plant that will employee thousands! It is a beacon of good news for the beautiful-and-friendly-but-economically-downtrodden upstate New York scene! Saratoga has a lot going for it, and the quality of life is great. It's a small city steeped in history and is home to the old "cure' mineral springs that were made famous during the gilded age of the 19th century. Also, it is home to horse-racing and is very popular with the upscale "horse set." The great thing about SS is you don't have to be wealthy or even upper-middle-class to partake in all of the delightful attraction and amenities the area offers. These amentities include Saratoga National Historic Park, a spiffy downtown replete with great dining and shopping. The downtown is thriving, unlike many upstate small cities. While a touristy area in general, the overall vibe is one of "free-spiritedness" and artsy/hip. There are coffee shops, art galleries, and ethnic restaurants. Prices run the gamut. The full-time residents are active in their community and it shows. The schools, as Ellwodd mentioned, are top-notch. There are nearby nature centers and hiking opportunities are very close-by. To its credit, SS is quaint, but not overly-precious.....if these attributes appeal to you and your family, then Saratoga Springs would make a great place to live!

But I have a feeling that you wish to be in the Adirondack Park. If this is the case then may I suggest checking out Lake Placid/Saranac Lake/Keene/Keene Valley. This part of the Adk's is about 2-and-a-half hours north of Albany. It is the High-Peaks region and it contains within its confines incredible mountain scenery, miles of lush, green forests, hundreds upion hundreds of lakes, rivers and ponds that are canoeable, kayakable, hikeable and fishable!! The area I mentioned has the best schools in the entire Adk's. The area is very amenable to transplants, as opposed to the more isolated villages up here. Lake Placid is world famous for having hosted the 1932 and 1980 Olympics, among a ton of other things. I won't expound upon what there is to see and do up here because you probablty know all bout this. If not, google away! Visit the websites.......but, more importantly, come up and spend time; this is the only way to REALLY get a feel for what life might be like in the wonderful Adirondack Region!

Hope I've helped....

Pidgett

[Denniswr]

Thanks alot while I was sometimes looking at SS I did really want to be in the park Lake P would propably do it thats again

[plattsburgher]

Just wanted to prepare you for "sticker shock" if you are looking to buy a house in the actual town or area of Lake Placid. So many people are buying second/vacation homes that the area workers that are working at the restaurants, stores, ski area, touristy spots are unable to afford housing there. There are lots of great areas around with good schools, but not sure if LP is "affordable" real estate these days..........? Just thought I'd mention......