Plattsburgh (Mexico, Florida, Lake Placid: apartment, hotel, purchases)

[AmbientOne]

Hi All!
I am considering a move to Plattsburgh, NY sometime in mid-December 2009 if all pans out just right. I need your help.

I am originally from Louisiana and have spent most of my life in either tropical/sub-tropical or arid desert locations so really cold and snowy is completely foreign to me. I might as well consider a move to Mars.

Given that, how are the winters there? I have heard and read horror stories about digging my car out of the snow every day and trying to figure out how to work a snow blower. Waking an hour earlier than normal to clean sidewalks does not appeal to me very much. Does the city maintain the walks well? How does all this extreme northeast living work?

I currently live in New Mexico so you can imagine the weather here is as close to perfect year round as it can get, considering all factors. I suspect I will be trading amazing weather for a better, higher quality of life given the lake, Burlington, Lake Placid, mountains and Montreal's proximity.

What do you all think? Can this New Orleans boy make it in Plattsburgh?
Thanks so much.
James

[jblake78728]

It snows a lot & gets below zero cold at times. I moved to NY after 10 years in Central Texas, you never get use to the cold but you do learn how to adapt or plan around it (and I'm originally from the NE). I lived 50 miles from Plattsburgh & commuted to the city everyday for 2 1/2 years, I can only think of 2 occasions that I actually called of off work because of the snow (though many a morning I had to leave by 3 am to make it to work by 6 am). They usually stay on top of storms & do about as good of a job on the roads as could be expected. Driving in snow, even deep snow isn't that bad as long as you take your time & pay attention ......... black ice is an altogether different story. Your first 2 purchases should be a 4wd vehicle & a good 2 or 4 cycle snow blower (the cheaper smaller electric models are pretty much useless in an area that gets as much snow as Plattsburgh).

[nunoco]

Originally Posted by jblake78728

Your first 2 purchases should be a 4wd vehicle & a good 2 or 4 cycle snow blower (the cheaper smaller electric models are pretty much useless in an area that gets as much snow as Plattsburgh).

Get a 4WD. And depending where you live, a good snowblower. Although, I've lived here for three years (after nearly 20 years in NYC and growing up out West), and there actually hasn't been that much snow. Only about three storms a year where there was more than 6" in a storm. Old-timers say it used to snow more. It is cold, I won't lie. But there's a Scandinavian saying--"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear."
So... repeat this, over and over: the LL Bean catalogue is your friend. I don't like the cold much, but I bought a nice parka, long johns, socks, boots (Gander Mountain has great boots, as well as LLB) and those toe warmer packets, and now I actually enjoy going for a stroll on the frozen lake in February, when it's a balmy 7 degrees.
Finally, because the lack of sunlight in the winter is a bigger bummer than the cold, get one of those UV lamps (BlueMax makes a good one) to fight off the SAD.
I love the place and have come to appreciate winter. You just have to embrace it, grit your teeth when it's still cold in April, and soak up the sun on days like today.

[ckhthankgod]

Also, the close proximity to Montreal doesn't hurt. So, a city with a French influence and vibrant scene is within an hour.

[jblake78728]

Proximity to Montreal is definitely an asset to the area, it truly is a world class city. Burlington isn't a bad way to spend an afternoon either.

[plattsburgher]

First thing I needed were REAL BOOTS and a REAL COAT, but everything now is so much lighter and the materials are so much better than before........thinsulate, baby and you are set! Echo what everyone else says plus I always plan a mid-winter escape and budget for it. Nice. There are a couple of airlines here now that go directly to Florida and are more budget......Would just go ahead and book something like......end of Feb, just to get you to the first spring. That's what got me the first year. I kept thinking it would be spring in Feb or early March like the south..........just plan and you will be fine. If you get an apartment, most places are right on top of all the snowblowing and all you need to do is warm the car, but you can get a remote auto starter these days also......not as much snow as you might think and that ferry to Bton runs all winter long if you need some tunes or nights out..........also Montreal has the gorgeous underground city complete with huge car lots with cars to sell......................all underground. Unbelieveable until you see it for yourself............you never have to get your feet wet. You get the Metro at a hotel..........go underground and walk for I think they said it was about 5 miles of stores and restaurants and bars????? Check it out.

[notasmoker]

I am from New Orleans also & moved to NY State 24 years ago. Yes, a New Orleans person can be very happy up here. Proper footwear & outerwear is the key. People up here generally know how to drive in winter conditions & the roads are usually clear. The key to successful winter driving is
s-l-o-w down. If you can find a living situation with a garage for your car, that will save time in the morning during winter. People are very authentic & nice in the north part of NY &, as previously stated, the scenery is beautiful, especially the Adirondack Mountains. Best of luck to you!

[AmbientOne]

Many thanks to all of you who came to my help and answered my questions. I will remember this wonderful advice as I go forth. Your help is very much appreciated.
James

[theeclipsedheart]

So I wanted to resurrect this post... I'm curious AmbientOne did you ever move up there? If so what do you think about it?