Moving to Plattsburgh! (New York, Beekman, Peru: real estate, apartments, homes)

[jmh446]

My husband has accepted a job with the border patrol. We'll be moving to Plattsburgh in the next few months. We've just completed 8 years with the military, being stationed in Texas, Alabama, and North Carolina...a little nervous about all of the cold and snow in upstate New York. Do I really need a 4 wheel drive vehicle to survive? I've read some good reviews about Peru, but are there other areas we should be considering? Thanks!

[plattsburgher]

I do not in any way mean to be rude, but just have to mention that there has been lots of posts written lately/multiple threads out there right now that are nothing but Plattsburgh and this area. Rather than rewrite everything it might be good to look over them and go from there.............? It is a great area for families and most people like it a lot since people are friendly and schools are great, etc......and it seems just big enough. I never have had a 4 wheel drive vehicle and was not used to driving on ice or snow when we moved here from the southern US. Having said that, if you and your hubby live in Plattsburgh and he is working night shifts up in Champlain, Rouses Pt, Mooers, etc. more than likely you would do better with 4WD for the few months out of the year that we do have less than perfect road/interstate conditions. Good luck to you and I am sure other people will have more comments. I have always tried to buy the best tires I could for winter...........lots of people put snow tires on their cars or chains............I have never found that to be necessary myself, however I don't do a ton of out of the city driving and Pburgh streets are usually very well-maintained...................

[jmh446]

Plattsburgher,Thanks for the reply about the winter driving. Plattsburgh sounds amazing, and I'm really excited about moving to the area, except for the snow! I'm really looking forward to seeing the beauty of the mountains again, but I imagine my first winter there will be a bit of a challenge.My husband will actually be flying aircraft for the border patrol, and so I think we're probably looking at an area closer to the airport on teh southside of Plattsburgh. I've read the other posts about the area, and know to avoid Plattsburgh's high taxes. Peru school districts seem to be in high esteem (no kids now, but someday). Au sable looks interesting with the waterfall and chasm, but definitely don't want to settle somewhere too far from civilization. Thanks for your help!

[nunoco]

Don't write off City of Plattsburgh just on the basis of taxes. The schools are great, and you may offset your tax bill by getting a home with electric heat. The electricity rates are among the lowest in the country, are locked in for more than a decade, and don't have the volatility of oil, natural gas or propane.
Not saying Peru isn't a good choice, especially if you want to live "out" a bit; just saying you should do a careful calculation on the costs. You might find the city is a good deal after all.
Oh, and your other homework: Read all of Plattsburgher's posts
Finally, congratulations on the job, and good luck with the move! It's a great place to live.

[ckhthankgod]

Can't forget about Beekmantown, NE Clinton and Saranac Central too. Then, you have the Catholic schools as well.

[nunoco]

Originally Posted by ckhthankgod

Can't forget about Beekmantown, NE Clinton and Saranac Central too. Then, you have the Catholic schools as well.

Just depends on how far you want to commute. Also might check out the Cliff Haven and Valcour areas; Peru school district, close to the city, and basically adjacent to the airport.

[plattsburgher]

Talked to a higher up person today in the labor department here and Nova Bus is definitely coming into this area. The building was supposed to be finished by January but it is looking more like March right now. I am telling you this just so you can keep an eye on whatever you are going to do for housing. I think whenever the Nova people start coming in to this area (I was told 400 new jobs), housing will become competitive. Do you know about the area's newspaper? It is a very good source for real estate, apartments, etc. I just would suggest that as soon as you know dates, begin to firm up your plans. People around here are very receptive to border and gov't job people and if they know you have that type of employment will be willing to work with you re: timing of move, etc................Just wanted you to know you won't be the only family moving into this area within the next few months...........lots of company!

[ckhthankgod]

What's going on with the new housing development that was supposed to be for lower income families that was in the news recently?

[JiminCT]

Plattsburgh isnt amazing by any stretch...but Lake Champlain, the Adirondacks, Montreal, and Lake Placid nearby are close to amazing. And your kids could be bilingual by osmosis!

[plattsburgher]

Guess it depends on who you talk to.........

My mom always thought her grandkids got an amazing education and was always amazed at the pride of our city neighbors in taking care of their homes, and the beauty of the area where her grandkids grew up and the amazing way that people banded together as a community after the huge ice storm of 98, after 9/11/2001 with the community events planned immediately afterward so that our community along with the college kids (many of whom had NYC connections) could grieve together. I don't think Pburgh is amazing as a wonder of the world amazing...................no way! It is wonderful, though in its own right. Definitely NOT Chicago, Las Vegas, NYC or San Diego amazing. Has its problems, but overall great place for families and people to exist in this crazy, stressed out world today............