Lake Placid is an Adirondack resort town with a long sports legacy
Lake Placid has hosted two Winter Olympics, including the famed "Miracle on Ice” in 1980. However, the upstate New York resort town thrives in other seasons, too. "It's far busier in the summer, and part of the reason for that is tons of people are out hiking, boating and fishing, but you also have lots of events," says longtime resident Chase Jermano, a broker at Tina Leonard Real Estate. "One of the big ones is the Ironman. Some people even buy homes here just to train year-round." The lakeside village of about 3,000 residents has been a vacation destination since the late 1800s. Winter sports became popular in the early 20th century, and Lake Placid hosted its first Winter Olympics in 1932. The area is still a hot spot for elite athletes, with an Olympic Training Center, a ski jump complex and a bobsled track. Aside from winter sports, residents of this Adirondack community can enjoy lake activities, hiking and golf. Plus, a Main Street full of locally owned businesses helps Lake Placid combine outdoor recreation with the friendliness of small-town life.
Year-round outdoor activity in the Adirondacks
The village sits on two lakes: its namesake Lake Placid and the smaller Mirror Lake. A boat ramp near Lake Placid Marina provides a public spot to start a day on the water, while Mirror Lake Public Beach has a large swimming area and a dedicated place for launching kayaks or canoes. Hiking trails of all levels surround the region, from the strolls on the Peninsula Trails to the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. When the weather turns cold, residents swap their hiking boots for snowshoes and cross-country skis. The Adirondack Rail Trail is a 34-mile path available for year-round use. Nearby Whiteface Mountain offers 300 acres of downhill skiing, with 94 total trails for Olympians and everyone else.
Tree-covered lots feature mountain homes and lake views
Homes in Lake Placid mostly fall into traditional mountain styles. "One term that people use is Adirondack-style. Essentially, that's just a woodsy house that's similar to a log home, without being a log home," Jermano says. These houses often have wood and stone features on the outside, with large windows and decks to showcase views of the lakes or the mountains. Waterfront houses typically have private docks for easy access. Other styles include log cabins, Colonial Revivals and American Foursquares, many on suburban lots with tall pine trees. The median sales price is around $610,000. There is little flood risk along the lakes, but some risk for homes near the Chubb River.
Locally owned businesses fill downtown
Main Street is the go-to destination for shopping and dining, featuring a mix of small businesses. "The best part of the food scene is that the only franchise here is McDonald's. Almost everything else is locally owned," Jermano says. He recommends Top of the Park for a spot to enjoy small plates and unique cocktails with a view of Mirror Lake. Lisa G's is an upscale American restaurant on Sentinel Road known for its outdoor patio. Other nearby spots include brewpubs, pizzerias and burger joints. Shops on Main Street sell everything from sporting goods and clothing to books and gifts. Groceries are available at Hannaford on Hadjis Way or Price Chopper on Saranac Avenue. Plattsburgh , about 50 miles away, has big-box stores.
Sporting events and holiday celebrations keep residents busy
Sports are a large part of life in Lake Placid, with several competitions each year. The village's Ironman is one of the oldest races of its kind and happens each July. The Empire State Winter Games, WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and the Skate America figure skating competitions also regularly take place in Lake Placid. Herb Brooks Arena at the Olympics Conference Center hosts some of these events, and the Olympic Museum is open seven days a week, detailing the town's history in sports. Other community events include free summer concerts at Mid's Park and the Holiday Village Stroll in December.
Career prep at Lake Placid Central Schools
Lake Placid Elementary School earns a B from Niche, while Lake Placid Middle/High School gets a C-plus. High schoolers can take career and technical courses at Adirondack Education Center, including automotive technology, culinary arts and health occupations. The school also has clubs like robotics and e-sports.
State highways offer commutes through Upstate New York
State routes 86 and 73 pass through the village, connecting to nearby communities like Plattsburgh, about 50 miles away. Adirondack Regional Airport is 17 miles away in Saranac Lake and offers nonstop service to Boston and New York City. The closest hospital is Adirondack Health, also in Saranac Lake.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
