When people talk about moving to the Adirondacks, the conversation usually revolves around the natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and small-town charm that makes this region so appealing. Some much more practical reasons make the North Country a good choice for a mountain lifestyle.
The Adirondacks are Remote But not Too Remote
Plenty of places in the Adirondacks are considered remote, but even the smallest towns and villages aren’t too far from cities and travel hubs throughout the northeast. There’s a reason why Interstate 87 is called the Adirondack Northway – via I-87, the southern section of the region is only about 4 hours from New York City and Boston. It’s even closer to Vermont, the Berkshires, Saratoga, and Albany. Heading north on I-87, Montreal is only about two hours from the Adirondacks. For longer trips, airports and train stations are easily accessible in Plattsburgh, Burlington, Westport, and Saranac Lake, with the largest regional airport in Albany.
Access to Outstanding Local Schools & Colleges
For people with school-aged children, the Adirondacks is a great place for them to grow up and learn. Small-town school districts here provide closer connections with teachers, highly trained educators, outstanding student-teacher ratios, and a safe environment for kids to learn. After graduation, the Adirondack region offers a wide range of community and four-year colleges to choose from, including Paul Smith’s College, SUNY Adirondack, SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Canton, St. Lawrence University, Clarkson, and many more.
Run a Business from Your Adirondack Home
New businesses and remote job opportunities are quickly springing up in North Country towns. Over the last decade or so, billions in New York State funds have been directed to the greater Adirondack region to give small businesses a boost. Initiatives, including the state’s Innovation Hot Spots, and the START-UP NY programs, promote entrepreneurship. There’s also network of small business development centers offering training, research, research, and guidance.
One big concern for mountain-based remote workers is connectivity. In the Adirondacks, a modern broadband network has been established and coverage is improving throughout the region. Fiber optic and high-speed internet is also becoming more widely available. This gives people who work remotely in cities or suburbia the option to set up their desk in a new place with a peaceful, mountain view.
Residents Benefit from Tourism Dollars
For locals, even when you get a little frustrated when your favorite restaurant or hiking trailhead gets busy during the height of tourist season, it’s important to remember there’s a silver lining. The tourism economy provides Adirondack residents with jobs and places to eat, shop, and have fun. A report from the Adirondack Council estimates around 12.4 million people visit that Adirondacks each year. According to the 2023 NYS Tourism Economic Impact Report compiled by Tourism Economics, it’s estimated that visitor spending reached $2.3 billion in 2023.
This influx of money benefits local communities in many ways including lowering taxes and improving infrastructure. It also contributes to a fantastic food and art scene where great restaurants and creative artists and craftspeople thrive in many towns. Year-round residents get to enjoy these perks because of tourist spending so it’s really a winning situation for everyone who lives in and visits the region.
It’s the Mountains & Quality of Life
When that team at ADK MT Land talks with folks who are interested in our property listings, they know having a place to call home in the Adirondacks means a connection to the outdoors that can’t be found anywhere else. But they also recognize that the overall quality of life is on the rise North Country, and that’s why more people are buying property and relocating here. If you’re considering a move the Adirondacks, reach out to us today to learn more about our listings and talk to our team to get expert advice on the best places for you and your family to build a mountain home.