moving to saranac lake are (New York, Watertown: rent, houses, buying)

[swiedom]

Hi, I am a mother of a toddler moving to the saranac lake area from houston. I was hoping that someone from the area might be able to offer some advice and/or info on living in the area. Are there any Moms clubs there? How are the schools? What is it like living there? Any information would be very helpful! Thanks so much.

[momTOmom]

Saranac Lake is a pretty town and has the distinction of having the lowest temps in the North Country at night, this time of yr., well maybe any time of year.
They have a wonderful Winter Carnival there every yr. with an Ice Castle made from huge blocks of ice cut from the frozen lake.
Sorry, don't know about Moms Clubs but have heard that the schools are quite good.
The area is wonderful for skiing and all winter sports, lots of hiking trails. Love going to that area!

[plattsburgher]

just wondering why you are making this drastic move? From hot, sticky, urban Texas to upper NY almost Canada small town??????? I went through a similar move, but it was job related. Is this your idea? Are you originally from this area? Just trying to relate and acclimate you as much as possible. I wish someone had done the same for me years ago..................

[swiedom]

Hi, I am originally from Watertown, New York so I am familiar with the climate. I like living in Houston, but am looking for a smaller town and somewhere with more outdoor activities that I enjoy to raise my daughter. I am considering Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh and Burlington. I will be visiting all three areas in 2 weeks to check them out before making my final decision. I have visited Saranac Lake a few times as a child. My husband's career allows us the freedom to move anywhere (he works from home). I love the snow, skiing, hiking and the fresh air. I have become used to the conveniences of living in a big city and am wondering how I will adjust back to a small town. Any information is helpful. Thanks so much!

[plattsburgher]

If I were in your shoes/boots......................... (I am so glad to hear that you already love the snow and colder temps, etc. because that was a real shock to me along with the small town stuff, culture shock, etc.) I remember telling my Mom (this was in 1981) that they didn't even have a Wendy's in this place! Or even a TJ Maxx!!!!!! Gasp! OK, now we have both and a whole lot more. Back to your question.........

I would think that Saranac Lake might be too small for what you are coming from and also what you were asking about.......play groups for your daughter, etc. I would not move to Burlington (even though I love Burlington) if you are hoping to buy a starter home). It is an unbelievably tough, overpriced market to buy. We know a couple who just came here from Chicago for a job in Burlington at a computer firm and they can't find anything to buy (its been months now) and their rent is high also for what they have.......lots of people over there are forced to have roommates to afford a place to live. Houses are much pricier there, in fact, couples who work at IBM and the hospital there are actually building homes over here (Cumberland Head area near ferry) now and commuting. Unless of course money is no object. If that is the case, then move to Burlington for a hip, trendy place with lots of nightclubs, restaurants, etc. If you are looking for a nice home with great schools, etc, I heartily recommend Plattsburgh for buying your first home and settling in. It would be right in the middle of Burlington and Saranac Lake for population and amenities. You could actually afford to live here and always travel to Burlington, Montreal, Lake Placid (Amtrak goes right through here) and you would have extra money to spend and still be able to build up equity if you decide in a few years that you want to move somewhere else. Also this area is growing...........Homes right now here are very cheap and plentiful, but there are some positive signs that growth is occuring..............You might even be able to get a fantastic deal on a house here (either in Plattsburgh City School district or Peru Central School). Those would be my choices of school districts to live in to maximize your investment and also for your children to attend school. They both have excellent reputations. You can look them on online..............Good luck!

[swiedom]

Thanks so much for your replies and help. I will seriously put some thought into Plattsburgh. It is a very beautiful area. (We were there visiting last week). I appreciate all your help!

[Walter Greenspan]

Originally Posted by swiedom

Hi, I am a mother of a toddler moving to the saranac lake area from houston. Any information would be very helpful! Thanks so much.

Saranac Lake is the most unique village (municipal corporation) in New York State:

Some 75 or so villages are located in two or more towns. There are 7 villages which are in two counties. Only one village, the Village of Saranac Lake (incorporated in 1892), is in 3 towns and 2 counties:

Parts of the Village of Saranac Lake are in the Town of North Elba and the Town of St. Armand in Essex County and parts of the Village of Saranac Lake are in the Town of Harrietstown in Franklin County.

The village is named after the Upper, Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes, which are nearby, but not in the village (Lower Saranac Lake is a half mile west of the village). The northern reaches of Lake Flower, which is part of the Saranac River, lie within the village.

The Town of Saranac is an entirely separate entity, 33 miles to the northeast.


For the New York State definitions of county, city, town, village, hamlet and postal zone, please go here:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/new-y...-glossary.html

[plattsburgher]

I don't care how many villages, towns, counties and territories Saranac Lake has, I don't honestly think at this point in time it would be the best place for a young Mom to move to try and make friends and have places to connect with other young families.......I could be wrong and I know that SL is undergoing a renaissance (sp?) of sorts, but the last time I was there (a year ago), it seemed fairly tiny, even compared with the "bustling metropolis" of Pburgh. Just don't know how many venues for connecting socially you would have there.......aside from several bars........Ha!

[swiedom]

Hi,
Thank you everyone for your replies. I went to Saranac Lake to visit and have decided that, moving from Houston, it does not have enough of the conveniences that I am accustomed to. I am prepared and excited to live in a smaller town, but Saranac lake seems a little too small for me. I appreciate all your help everyone!

[plattsburgher]

Did you stop into the Plattsburgh area at all? It definitely has a much larger mix of people than Saranac Lake, and is super-friendly.........You don't have to worry about your children like you do in Houston. My children always walked home from school or rode with neighbors. If you need any additional info, let me know and I will try to help...............I know that lots of people are retiring to Saranac Lake and yes, it is very beautiful, but it just doesn't seem to be a place for young families right now. Maybe when you and your hubby get older, you can check it out again.........? Good luck!