Perhaps you’ve vacationed in Lake George, or have scaled a High Peak in the Adirondacks. Or maybe there’s just something about that unspoiled, back-to-nature feel about the Adirondack Park that has led you to consider making a permanent home in the area.
If you’re looking for a home that offers a respite from busy cities, while at the same time is not so remote that you need to drive an hour to get to a grocery store, you might want to consider the southern part of the Park.
Before you start searching for real estate in the Southern Adirondacks, get a breakdown below of each region, from Bolton Landing to Queensbury, NY. See what each municipality is known for and its highlights, plus what Niche.com has to say about the school districts.
Bolton Landing
Located 10 minutes north of Lake George Village and 15 minutes from Glens Falls, this family-friendly community offers a walkable downtown, two public beaches, and some of the best hiking trails in the region – the Cat and Thomas Mountains Preserve is just to the west, and there’s also The Pinnacle and Amy’s Park (known for its wildlife!).
You’ll find souvenir shops and boutiques similar to Lake George Village, although as Saratoga Living once said of Bolton Landing, it’s “pleasantly untouristy” for a tourist destination. Cate’s Italian Garden, Frederick’s Restaurant & Lounge, and Bolton Landing Brewing are a few of the hamlet’s hotspots for food and drink.
The Bolton Central School District is small, only about 200 students from pre-K through 12th grade. The school district reaps the benefits of the Lake George tax base to provide top-notch technology for students, as well as the advantages of smaller class sizes. Niche.com ranks the school district as #886 of 1,750 for Best High Schools for Athletes in New York.
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Glens Falls
Although it’s been famously dubbed “Hometown USA,” and has appeared on a “Top 10 of the Coolest Small Towns in America” list, Glens Falls is in fact a city. Here you’ll find charming, historic neighborhoods, a thriving downtown with shops and restaurants, and year-round festivities from the weekly Take a Bite in the summer to holiday celebrations and decorations come winter. And, it’s a hockey town. Go Adirondack Thunder!
Those who love visual arts and live theater will find Glens Falls a perfect fit. The city is home to the Hyde Collection, an art museum and historic house that rivals those found in New York City. The Charles R. Wood Theater hosts the Adirondack Theatre Festival each year, and the Park Theater offers more chances for live entertainment.
Then there’s the Glens Falls Arts Trail, which highlights places to enjoy the arts like LARAC (Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council). Plus, public art pieces are popping up all the time. You’ll find no shortage of arts, culture, and things to do in Glens Falls, NY! Take a walk with your family in Crandall Park, go cross-country skiing in Cole’s Woods, and immerse yourself in small town life in this renowned city.
The Glens Falls City School District is rated as above average, and ranks high on Niche.com in the following areas: Best School Districts for Athletes in New York (#4 of 676), Districts With the Best Teachers in New York (#289 of 687), and Best School Districts in New York (#316 of 672).
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Lake George
Lake George is a major tourist destination in the Adirondack Park, drawing visitors from the Capital Region, New York City, New Jersey, Canada, and all over the Northeast and beyond. A variety of major events take place all year long, making it a year-round destination.
From the Adirondack Balloon Festival in the fall, to the Lake George Winter Carnival in winter, to the variety of summertime events and adventures, there’s always something exciting going on in this hub of activity in the Southern Adirondacks. Mini golf courses, steamboat cruises, and outlet shopping await.
Lake George is both a town and a village, and the two municipalities work together to create a bustling place to live, work, play, and visit. The lake itself is 32 miles long and is known for its crystal-clear waters and spectacular beauty; there are many efforts and regulations in place to maintain the lake’s purity and charm, and to keep invasive species at bay.
When it comes to the school district potential residents of Lake George will not be disappointed. The Lake George Central School District is highlighted in the following areas on Niche.com: Safest School Districts in New York (#26 of 691), Best Places to Teach in New York (#126 of 688), and Best School Districts in New York (#186 of 672).
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Queensbury
Queensbury is situated roughly in between Lake George and Glens Falls. Although it’s a town, it has a larger population than the City of Glens Falls, giving it a unique vibe. Like Glens Falls, Queensbury sits just outside of the Adirondack Park, and so has that rustic, semi-rural feel coupled with a small, family-centric hometown atmosphere. You’re not quite in the Adirondack mountains, but you’re so close!
Although many think of the famed Six Flags Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor as being in Lake George, it’s actually in Queensbury. Great Escape has a long history in the area, with the theme park having existed long before Six Flags acquired the business in 1996. Residents today fondly remember going to the park as children, and now bring their own children or grandchildren.
Queensbury is a town rich with outdoor recreation and activities, with year-round things to do at West Mountain (you don’t have to go all the way to Gore to ski!), and well-maintained parks and hiking trails, including a state-of-the-art mountain biking park at Gurney Lane Recreation Area.
The highly ranked Queensbury Union Free School District serves over 3,200 students in grades K through 12, on a solitary campus comprising four school buildings. And, it is #1 of 8 when it comes to Best School Districts in Warren County, according to Niche.com. The school district also ranks highly for: Best School Districts for Athletes in New York (#11 of 676), Best School Districts in New York (#184 of 672), Districts With the Best Teachers in New York (#264 of 687), Safest School Districts in New York (#271 of 691), and Best Places to Teach in New York (#287 of 688).
Additionally, Queensbury is home to SUNY (State University of New York) Adirondack. This is considered one of the most affordable colleges in the state with some of the lowest tuition rates, and they offer over 30 degrees and certificate programs.
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Warrensburg
Considered by many to be the “gateway to the Adirondacks,” Warrensburg sits north of Lake George and is a town you’ll likely need to pass through if you’re going from the Lake George or Capital Region areas to hiking hotspots or attractions in the Adirondacks; it’s only 30 minutes from Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville.
Warrensburg is situated by the Schroon and Hudson Rivers. It’s a perfect place for quintessential Adirondack activities, like whitewater rafting with Wild Waters Outdoor Center, hiking at Hackensack Mountain or Pack Demonstration Forest, and you can even learn about the fishing industry at the Warren County Fish Hatchery.
When it comes to food, locals and visitors alike love hot dogs and more from New Way Lunch (one of three locations in the region, and the only one that serves breakfast), incredible pizza from two different shops (Tommy Gun’s Pizzeria and the Pizza Shop, the latter of which is famous for its Local Flavor, pickle-topped pie), and Oscar’s Smokehouse is where everyone goes for the highest quality meats and cheeses.
Warrensburg’s strong ties to local history, hometown feel, and tree-lined streets with attractive homes make it an ideal place for families. Niche.com showcases Warrensburg Central School District in the following areas: Districts With the Best Teachers in New York (#300 of 687), Best Places to Teach in New York (#360 of 688), and Safest School Districts in New York (#441 of 691).
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Have more questions? Ready to dive deeper into your real estate journey? Contact me today to discuss real estate in the Southern Adirondacks.
