With a rich historical past, ample access to water and mountain recreation and a vibrant downtown, Saranac Lake is one of the larger communities in the Adirondacks. It is home to a hospital, community college, ski mountain, and busy Main Street full of arts, restaurants, shops and small businesses. For those looking to invest in, vacation or relocate to the Adirondacks, there are plenty of opportunities for buying real estate in Saranac Lake.
Sized at 3 square miles, Saranac Lake has a larger footprint than nearby Lake Placid, NY which is confined to 1.5 square miles. In the 2020 regional census, Saranac Lake was deemed the largest community by population in the Adirondack Park. As the largest community, Saranac Lake provides excellent opportunity for potential buyers to begin their search for Adirondack real estate.
If Saranac Lake is on your short list of Adirondack real estate locations, read on for Adirondack Premier Properties’ expert advice to help you get started.
4 Expert Tips for Buying Real Estate in Saranac Lake
1. Get To Know the Community
Saranac Lake is a community-focused town with a strong background in the arts, history, outdoor recreation and nature. Mount Pisgah, Dewey Mountain, Adirondack Carousel, Adirondack Rail Trail, Lake Colby Beach, and the Laboratory Museum are sites enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Saranac Lake also hosts a variety of annual events including: Winter Carnival, 90-Miler Adirondack Canoe Classic and Music on the Green.
With one of the largest geographical school districts in the area, Saranac Lake Central School District encompasses Saranac Lake, Bloomingdale, Vermontville, Lake Clear & Paul Smiths. If you are interested in buying real estate in Saranac Lake school district, it’s large geographical area allows you to really expand your search outside the village. In the nearby outskirt areas, you will find properties of all types from cozy residential homes to notable Historic Great Camps that preserve the history and grandeur of the Adirondacks.
2. Don’t Rule Out Waterfront Real Estate
Due to the typically higher price tag of waterfront property, some buyers may automatically rule out waterfront when researching buying real estate in Saranac Lake. However, if it’s of interest to you, checking out listings for waterfront real estate in Saranac Lake will provide you with the widest variety of options in the region. Properties can be found on 7 different waterways.
A waterfront search for buying real estate in Saranac Lake includes 6 lakes: Upper Saranac Lake, Lower Saranac Lake, Lake Flower, Oseetah Lake, Kiwassa Lake, and Lake Colby. The 7th waterway is the Saranac River that runs through the center of the community.
Pricing of waterfront real estate in Saranac Lake can vary greatly on depending on what waterway the property is situated on, the condition of the property and whether it is seasonal or not. Our Guide To Saranac Lake Waterfront Properties offers a wonderful starting point to start your search for the perfect property to suit your lifestyle.
3. Explore Neighborhoods and All Residential Options
While waterfront properties are amazing in Saranac Lake, many of the waterways have public access via marinas or beaches so you won’t be left out if you don’t buy on the water. Many Saranac Lake residents live close to the various waterways and take full advantage of public access to head out on water based adventures.
When buying real estate in Saranac Lake, be aware that many landlocked residential properties in Saranac Lake are generally more affordable than waterside properties and ideal for the average home buyer. These properties vary from historic homes to newly built properties, and potential home owners often have many choices to find the perfect property to fit their current situation.
Buying real estate in Saranac Lake and choosing an older home may be the perfect scenario for a first time home buyer looking for a starter property. These older houses allow you to take advantage of “sweat equity.” Modernizing the home and adding your own personal touches can make the house feel uniquely. your own and also increase the value of the house.
4. Be Sure to Consider Lots And Land
If you are interested in buying real estate in Saranac Lake that is land only or build ready, you are in luck. Saranac Lake offers various lot sizes to start your build as well as different areas and neighborhoods, often with unique views. Currently, one of the most common and populated areas in Saranac Lake to find land is the Mt. Pisgah Park region.
Currently there are approximately10 listings available in the Mt. Pisgah area with lot sizes varying from just under an acre to almost 3.5 acres of land. Many of the properties and lots in the Mt. Pisgah Park region offer mountain views. This is an ideal location for anyone who enjoys living surrounded by majestic Adirondack scenery.
Some larger parcels of land can be found just outside of Saranac Lake. ADKPP is currently listing a property in Harrietstown located right outside Saranac Lake heading toward Paul Smiths. This listing offers 147 acres of land.
If you enjoy the arts, a tight knit community, nature and culture, Saranac Lake might be the perfect location to begin your search for your Adirondack property. Contact an experienced ADKPP real estate agent to start your search today!