Keeseville blends a welcoming atmosphere with abundant recreation
In northern New York’s Adirondack Park, Keeseville offers a slow pace of life 15 miles south of Plattsburgh. “It’s a tight-knit community, but it is very welcoming to new residents,” says Kira Witherwax, a local Realtor with Re/Max North Country who has more than a decade of selling experience across the region. “It has a great, budding farm-to-table movement that has really built up over the last five to 10 years.” Local farms dot the area, and the Ausable River flows through its heart, separating the community into two counties and placing outdoor recreation as one of its defining features.
Parks, beaches and river spots offer ways to spend time outdoors
There are several recreation options in and around Keeseville. Jacee Park has a playground and a series of baseball diamonds for pick-up games. “We have great community programs, and our youth commission has lots of summer programs, and does every sport for free,” Witherwax says. Anderson Falls Park is the local swimming spot on the Ausable River, and offers views of the historic Stone Arch Bridge. “It’s really close to Lake Champlain, and there are a couple of public beaches less than 10 minutes away,” Witherwax says. Port Douglas Boat Launch is open for public use and has an adjoining beach. Nearby Ausable Chasm, known as the “Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks,” is a popular destination. The outdoor adventure park has a series of paid activities like rope courses and white water rafting, all backdropped by the cascades of Rainbow Falls. Witherwax adds that the Adirondack Mountains' wilderness areas, roughly 30 miles west, provide more ways to spend time outdoors.
Vintage styles and midcentury homes line quiet streets
Keeseville’s oldest homes date back to the mid-19th century. These vintage houses line streets near the community’s center, ranging from Victorians to farmhouses to National Folk styles. Most feature detached garages or workshops, and many sit back from narrow sidewalks. Farther out, ranch and split-level styles built during the mid-to-late 20th century fill the landscape. Though trees shade properties throughout, thick forests frame the area’s outskirts, adding to its rural feel. Homes in need of repair can hit the market at $50,000, while larger recently renovated homes can sell for up to $350,000. The hamlet also has a CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Local farms and stores offer fresh goods close to home
Fewer than a dozen independently owned businesses form Keeseville’s downtown. “They are doing a bit of revitalization there,” Witherwax says. The community received $4.5 million in the spring of 2025 for historic preservation and economic development of its downtown area. Taco Temptation is located in the district and serves authentic Mexican dishes. A collection of farms dot Highway 71, including Ausable Brewing Company, which grows its ingredients for craft beer on site. The rustic spot also hosts food trucks and occasional live music. North Country Creamery sells fresh dairy products, Mace Chasm Farm sells various meats and Clover Field Mead Store offers a variety of locally sourced goods and fresh produce. Keeseville Grocery and Deli and Dollar General cover essentials. Witherwax says that Plattsburgh, 15 miles north, is the hub for national grocers like Aldi and big-box stores, including Target and Walmart Supercenter.
AuSable Valley High School students can earn college credits
AuSable Valley Central School District serves the community. Keeseville Elementary School earns a B-minus from Niche. AuSable Valley Middle School has a C, and AuSable Valley High School scores a B. High school students can enroll in college Advanced Placement courses to earn both high school and college credits while working toward graduation. The program runs in partnership with nearby Clinton Community College.
Interstate 87 and state routes link Keeseville to the greater region
Interstate 87 passes directly west of the area, connecting commuters to Plattsburgh and its namesake international airport. The interstate leads farther north to the Canadian border. Witherwax says it's common for people to make day trips into Montreal, roughly 130 miles north, for big-city attractions. U.S. Route 9 and state Route 9N are also easily accessible and support local and regional travel.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
