My partner and I are You can expect to pay around $826 for rent here. Crime rate is something to consider -Saranac Lake sits at 172.2 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 5,099 people. With a population of 5,099, Saranac Lake is a small town. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Am I overthinking this? Appreciate any input. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
8 upvotes
11 Replies
Waylon
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is excellent - we have hiking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Theodore G.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Phoenix about 6 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it excellent compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is excellent.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Miles Lee
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
40 upvotes
Everett Morris
it depends on the neighborhood
28 upvotes
Connor James
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is community vibe. Other than that, Good luck with whatever you decide..
23 upvotes
Landon Ross
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Denver and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Highland. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in manufacturing. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 4 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Mexican.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
22 upvotes
Elijah
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
15 upvotes
Stella Roberts
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is public transit. it's been a really good experience overall. Worth doing your research before committing.
13 upvotes
Ryan
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is community vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
10 upvotes
Cameron Ramirez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Miami about 4 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Dating scene is rough
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Definitely worth checking out..
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