While many NY regions are experiencing declining green space, the Adirondacks is dominated by green space in many areas, including Forever Wild areas protected by the Adirondack Park Agency and Department of Environmental Conservation. Even so, many Adirondack communities continue to develop with increasing numbers of smaller parcel sizes. These smaller lots are better suited to clustered community homes or businesses versus a large acreage parcel.
If you are looking to buy acreage of bigger size, it can be difficult to find a match in larger communities due to a limited number of properties of higher acreage. Additionally, more acreage often comes with a larger price point that may not match your budget. Knowing where to look is key to find a property that meets the criteria for your specific situation.
Below is a breakdown of Adirondack regional communities as well as potential nearby alternative communities that might be worth a look. Alternative communities are often close enough to enjoy the same services and amenities, but a little more affordable than properties within the larger target community.
Lake Placid Region
If you are looking for larger parcels of land in Lake Placid, NY, searching the outskirts of the village is key. Currently there are only ten available properties in Lake Placid that are over five acres. Six of these properties are lots ranging from 5 to 50 acres with three of the properties located in the Cascade Road and Old Military Road area, two on Grouse Creek Way just before Mt Van Hoevenberg, and one on Ruisseaumont.
As for properties with homes on them, currently there are four available with acreage, ranging from 7.5 to 74 acres. Two of these homes could be found off Cascade Road on side roads, and one offering the largest parcel of land. The other two properties are found on Lake Placid; one with road access off Peninsula Road and the other with boat access only.
If you are looking to purchase larger acreage in Lake Placid, the best opportunities are typically found in the Cascade Road and Old Military regions of Lake Placid. Additional opportunities become available spanning outward away from the community. Other roadways in this area to keep an eye on include Bear Cub Road, John Brown Farm Road, Averyville Road and River Road.
Here are a few featured Adirondack Premier Properties listings over 5 acres in Lake Placid:
Lot on Cascade Road
Located in a high visibility & rare location with ability to build many residential units or a commercial project. Close proximity to the Lake Placid village & with mountain vistas. Within this corridor, no other large parcel has these unique features & development possibilities. View more of this property on Cascade Road.
Land On Ruisseaumont
A very rare opportunity to build a custom home on 17 acres on Ruisseaumont Way. Located in approved sub-division with new survey and APA permit. Ready to sell. One beautiful home can be built with privacy and no village taxes.
Expanding the search for best place to buy acreage in Lake Placid, traveling the quick 10 to 15 minute drive down to the Wilmington and Jay area provides an additional 21 listings in the current market. Seven of the listings are residential properties with a range of 5 to 60 acres of land. The other fourteen listings are land with potential opportunities to build on 5 to 47 acres of land.
Here are a few featured Adirondack Premier Properties 5+ acre listings in Wilmington and Jay:
Adirondack Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington
The Adirondack Wildlife Refuge is available for sale in Wilmington, NY. The mission of this not-for-profit refuge is to rescue injured wildlife, and whenever possible, return them to the wild. The center is located on 47+ acres of land with over 1,500 ft. of water frontage along the West Branch of the Ausable River. View the Adirondack Wildlife Refuge listing.
Land in Wilmington on Route 86
Large 15-acre parcel with both open fields and a young hard wood forest across level topography. Perfect location for year-round residence or vacation home within Lake Placid school system. Situated less than 1 mile from the center of Wilmington, NY, 4.5 miles from Whiteface Mountain, and a short drive to Lake Placid. View listing for this Land in Wilmington.
Heading to the South of Lake Placid toward the Keene and Keene Valley, there are an additional 7 listings on the current market that offer over 5 acres of land.
Here are a few featured ADKPP listings over 5 acres in Keene and Keene Valley:
101 Aker Wood in Keene, NY
With a High Peaks view you’ve been dreaming of and absolute privacy and modern convenience, this Adirondack cabin must be seen. 101 Aker Wood is a serene, secluded cabin located atop 101 acres of private property right in the town of Keene. View 101 Aker Wood in Keene.
Land on Styles Brook Road in Keene, NY
This lot boasts 9.4 acres of pristine Adirondack forest with just over 800 feet of river frontage on the Styles Brook in Keene. A small clearing and temporary road is already in place to the perfect build site sitting just above the brook. View more of this land on Styles Brook Road.
Saranac Lake Region
Similar to Lake Placid, the best place to buy acreage in the Saranac Lake region may be found by looking to the outskirts of the community. On the current market, there are only 8 listings with acreage over 5 acres on the outskirts of the community. Five of these listings are land with acreage varying from 12 to 308 acres, and the other three listings have residential properties that offer 6.5-19 acres.
Two of residential listings are on Bartlett Carry Road while the third is at the end of Kiwassa Lake Road. Three of the listings are varying forms of a singular property – one listing is 147 acres, another is 158 acres and the final is the merged at 308 acres. The other two listings are off Route 3 with one on Edgewood near the High School and the other on Corey’s Road.
Here are a few featured ADKPP listings over 5 acres in Saranac Lake:
Waterfront Lot on Corey’s Pond
A rare piece of tranquility in the Adirondacks. This lot is boat access only & located on the far side of Corey’s Pond. An opportunity to own your own basecamp property to explore and enjoy endless adventures & recreation. View more of this Waterfront Lot on Corey’s Pond.
Land on Edgewood
This commercially zoned land is the ideal location for a high visibility business across from Dewy Mountain and Jack Rabbit trails. Public water and sewer available to hook up and electric and telephone to the site. View more of this Land on Edgewood.
Land in Harrietstown
147.9 acres of private land located in the Adirondack Park. Within a 10-min drive to Saranac Lake & 20-min drive to Lake Placid. Unlimited potential for personal use. Classified by APA as Resource Management zoning.
Expanding your search farther out from the community will increase the possibility of finding a larger parcel. Areas like Bloomingdale and Vermontville used to have farm lands and have generally been minimally subdivided. These areas provide a great opportunity to find a property with acreage within a short drive to Saranac Lake.
In the current market, there are 6 additional listings that have over 5 acres in these areas. Four of them are land listing with lots available from 8 to 57 acres. The other two listings are residential with the home sitting on a 9-acre parcel and a 14-acre parcel.
Paul Smiths Region
The Paul Smiths Region offers even more opportunity to buy acreage than what you would find in the Saranac Lake Region and Lake Placid Region, especially just north of Paul Smiths. If you are looking for expansive acreage, keep an eye on Duane, Owls Head and Malone. In the current market there are multiple land listings between those towns of over 35 acres with the largest one being 2,499 acres! Additionally, there are a few residential listings with high acreage that fall between 7 to 1,313 acres.
Other communities to keep an eye on in this region include Onchiota and Rainbow Lake. While they do not come on the market very often, there are some large parcel properties in these areas. Currently, there is one property in Onchiota for sale with 78 acres of land as well as a 4-bedroom home on Rainbow Lake.
Plattsburgh Region
Areas in the Adirondacks that are currently or formerly farm heavy locations are a wonderful place to buy acreage. Many farming communities just outside Plattsburgh provide a great opportunity to find acreage. These communities include Peru, Beekmantown, Ellenberg, Saranac and Chazy. Currently the Plattsburgh region has 16 land listings and 12 residential properties with over 5 acres of property.
Here is an example of an available ADKPP listing of over 5 acres in the Plattsburgh area:
Camp Northwind on Chazy Lake
Camp Northwind is a historic property built in 1928 by the popular early 20th century baritone & recording artist Reinald Werrenrath. The home was designed by the noted architectural firm of McKim Mead & White. Situated on a private island accessible by a causeway, it is located on Chazy Lake, a clear, spring-fed 1,900 ac lake in the beautiful Adk Mts., 8.5 ac w/ 3,400ft of lake frontage.
Lake Champlain Region
In addition to northern and western farming communities in the region, south of Plattsburgh hosts additional historical farming communities including Essex and Willsboro as well as others nearby. Currently this region has 9 residential properties and 2 land listings with over 5 acres of land.
Here are a few featured ADKPP listings with over 5 acres in the Lake Champlain Region:
Sheldon Farm in Essex, NY
Discover a classic early 20th-century estate nestled in the heart of Essex, NY. This breathtaking property offers 63 acres & panoramic views.
Sunset Farm in Willsboro, NY
A rare opportunity to own 401 acres w/ farm buildings & mountain views. One of the largest contiguous parcels in the NY Champlain Valley.
Rosslyn on Lake Champlain
Nestled on 61+ acres along Lake Champlain’s Adirondack Coast, Rosslyn blends historic charm with modern luxury.
Newly Built in Essex, NY
‘This brand-new estate on 5+ waterfront acres offers a just completed 5-bedroom home with additional guest cottage.
View more of this Newly Built Home in Essex.
As you search for acreage in the Adirondack region, start looking in the communities listed above and see what you turn up. As you find properties that interest you or need to expand your search to find additional options, consider calling a real estate agency for help. New properties continuously become available throughout the Adirondacks, and working with an agent who knows the market and can give you a heads up on properties will soon be listed can be really helpful.
To get started on your search today, reach out to one of Adirondack Premier Properties’ experienced Forever Agents. Call 518-523-3333 now!