Considering a Move to Lake George, NY? Here’s What to Know!

Once you’ve visited Lake George it’s easy to envision you and your family setting up a permanent residence here. Besides the clear lake, majestic mountains, and four seasons of unique things to do, Lake George is more than just a touristy gem of the Adirondack Park: it’s a thriving community of people who live, work, and play here all year long.

Keep reading to see how Lake George, NY checks all the boxes when it comes to year-round residence, and what you’ll want to know before moving here.

village of lake george sign by water and steamboat
Did you know? Lake George is both a village and a town.

It’s a Top Tourist Destination ✓

Although part of the Adirondack Park, Lake George is a hub of activity on its own, representing the primary tourist area in the southern Adirondack region. There are many advantages to living in a “tourist town.”

The summer tourism season in Lake George brings a fresh wave of new people to the area who come to work for the season or to vacation. Special events like the Lake George Music Festival and Adirondack Theatre Festival draw their own diverse, unique group of students and individuals from all over the country and beyond.

wine glass held up in front of crowd at festival
The annual Adirondack Wine & Food Festival takes place at the end of June.

Tourism = A Healthy Economy & Flourishing Community

In addition to the tourism generating opportunities for new friends and fond memories, jobs are created for restaurants, bars, hotels, and others in the hospitality and similar industries. And, tourist areas generally have fantastic restaurants, shops, craft beverage producers, and more to enjoy – Lake George is no exception.

From fine dining restaurants like Bistro LeRoux, to a thriving nightlife scene at local bars like the Lake George Beach Club, Lake George has highly rated restaurant options for everyone. Not to mention, quaint cafes with great coffee, and pizza places with pies that rival those found in New York City.

fireworks over the lake at night
Lake George Winter Carnival fireworks are launched right from the Village docks.

There Are Fun Things to Do in the Winter ✓

Although summer is still Lake George’s crown jewel when it comes to tourism, with the winter events and activities increasing each year (have you ever taken a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the Village?), Lake George is truly a four-season destination. 

If you’re already thinking about a move to Lake George, you likely know about the many summer attractions and activities in the region: parasailing over the lake, bringing the whole family to the Six Flags Great Escape theme park, and much more.

But you are missing out if you haven’t experienced a Lake George winter. Yes, temperatures do get cold – typically in the 20s or 30s, although can dip below 0 – but that chill in the air brings snow for cross-country skiing at Cole’s Woods in Glens Falls, downhill skiing at West Mountain in Queensbury, and plenty of opportunities for snowshoeing, sledding, ice skating, and more cold-weather fun.

Not to mention, the annual Lake George Winter Carnival, Winterfest, Ice Castles, and ice bars. In fact, Lake George draws visitors at all times of the year. And we haven’t even talked about the foliage, fall festivals, and autumn offerings!

view of albany and mural of bluebirds on parking garage, albany pump station
New York State’s capital is just over an hour away! Photo taken from the new Albany Skyway.

It’s in a Great, Centralized Location ✓

You love Lake George and you want to move here, but maybe you also want to stay close to your parent who lives in the Hudson Valley region, or to your son who is attending SUNY Plattsburgh. Or you just don’t want to give up those Cape Cod vacations or Vermont ski trips.

No worries, because Lake George is in an ideal, centralized location in the Northeast. Situated at the bottom of the Adirondack Park, Lake George serves as a gateway to the 6-million-acre state park. Although in a bustling community with schools, hospitals, restaurants, and much more close by, you’re also less than an hour away from complete solitude at campgrounds, hiking trails, and other unspoiled locations.

Here’s how close Lake George is to other regional hotspots:

  • Albany: 1 hour, 15 minutes
  • Lake Placid: 1 hour, 20 minutes
  • The Berkshires: 2 hours
  • Burlington: 2 hours
  • Montreal: 2 hours, 40 minutes
  • Syracuse: 3 hours
  • New York City: 3 hours, 15 minutes
  • Boston: 3 hours, 45 minutes
greater glens falls transit red trolley going down glens falls street
The trolley goes into Glens Falls, which has a new co-working space in between the library and a coffee shop.

The Region is Remote-Worker Friendly ✓

The area’s ever-expanding broadband network, particularly in Warren County, allows remote and local workers to get their jobs done efficiently, wherever they’re working. Work from a library or coffee shop, from home, the office, or even outdoors.

Part of the reason why the Lake George housing market is booming these days is because of the increase in employees working from home. If you can work from anywhere, why not choose our enviable area?

Perhaps you’re relocating to the region because of a job, but if you’re looking, area businesses are constantly hiring. LakeGeorgeIsHiring.com is a good place to start.

The Area School Districts Are Top Notch ✓

You’ll be glad to know that Lake George, Queensbury, and all the area school districts offer prime public education. Their teachers are some of the best in the state, and the districts stay up on current standards and the latest technologies.

In the last two years, the Queensbury Union Free School District has been undergoing major capital improvements, on a constant quest to grow and improve. This and the Lake George School District are both considered high rated public schools.

Southern Adirondack schools in general offer an abundance of after school and weekend activities and athletics for children (and families) to participate in. In addition, the region boasts 35 institutions of post-high-school education within 50 miles of Glens Falls, including SUNY Adirondack in Queensbury.

Got Those Boxes Checked? Let’s Talk About the Move

Helping to facilitate the transition to a new life in the Lake George region is one of the many passions of my job. I’m not only an experienced realtor with rave reviews to back up my work when it comes to finding you the right home, but I also pride myself on being knowledgeable of the area. I can assist with anything from recommending moving companies to home inspectors I’ve worked with. 

Get in contact with me today to discuss your real estate needs and potential move to Lake George!

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