Section Image

Plattsburgh

Plattsburgh

$271,937 Average Value
$165 Average Price per Sq Ft
47 Homes For Sale

A hidden gem near the Canadian border

On the banks of Lake Champlain, Plattsburgh is a small city surrounded by the North Country's scenic landscapes situated about 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 60 miles from Montreal. "We're right in the valley between the Adirondacks and the lake," says Gaelan Trombley, associate real estate broker with Kavanaugh Realty, who has been in the industry for over a decade. "Plattsburgh isn't a destination spot everyone wants to move to, but I see many people fall in love with the small-town feel and natural beauty. It's even been named one of the best micro-cities in the nation." The Town of Plattsburgh surrounds the city, but many blur the lines, referring to the entire area as a town. "It's a cool little place. Out-of-towners love it, but residents often overlook its amenities, Gaelan says. "It's like a diamond in the rough in your backyard."

The State University of New York (SUNY) – Plattsburgh is centrally located along the banks of the Saranac River, drawing in over 4,000 students annually. “I have a couple of friends that went to school here and never left,” Trombley says. “There’s a lot of Canadian and college influences, but we’re not just a college town. It’s quieter when the semester ends, but it’s not our only identity.” Many residents share ties with Canadian ancestors, boast French names and work for Canadian-owned companies.

The city was home to The Battle of Valcour Island in 1776, considered one of the first naval battles of the American Revolution, while The Battle of Plattsburgh Bay was a key factor in ending the War of 1812. Today, “The Town of Plattsburgh is the region’s economic hub known for its aerospace and manufacturing clusters, while the city is our arts district," says Town Supervisor Michael Cashman. Other major employers in the area span the healthcare, education and social service sectors.

Plattsburgh sits on the banks of Lake Champlain and plays an intricate role in the cities history and lifestyle.
Plattsburgh sits on the banks of Lake Champlain and plays an intricate role in the cities history and lifestyle.
With over 60 degree programs SUNY Plattsburgh is a great place to advance your education to a higher level.
With over 60 degree programs SUNY Plattsburgh is a great place to advance your education to a higher level.
1/2

19th-, 20th- and 21st-century homes

An array of historic 19th- and 20th-century homes are scattered along densely populated urban streets. Architectural styles include an eclectic mix of cottages, bungalows, American Foursquares and National-style homes with steep gabled roofs. Many single-family homes have been converted into multi-unit properties. On the outskirts of town, 20th-century townhouses, Colonial Revivals and split-levels showcase the city’s expanding development over the years. Median list prices hover around $240,000, ranging from the low-$100,000s to the mid-$500,000s. New construction is rare and typically comes with price tags on the higher end of the scale.

You can find classic Colonial Revivals and more in Plattsburgh.
You can find classic Colonial Revivals and more in Plattsburgh.
Just outside the downtown area there are new housing developments popping up with modern builds to meet the chanigng design styles of our day.
Just outside the downtown area there are new housing developments popping up with modern builds to meet the chanigng design styles of our day.
1/2

From the mountains to the lake

Several parks dot the banks of Lake Champlain, ranging from open green spaces to small stretches of sandy beachfront. Sunbathers and swimmers can head to Plattsburgh City Beach while furry friends run around the neighboring dog park. A wooded hiking area leads to the neighboring Cumberland Bay State Park. Four miles south are two city marinas. “The city hosts a Lake Champlain International fishing competition every summer,” Trombley says. Plattsburgh boasts many city parks, but Melissa Penfield Park is one of the largest, with a playground, sports courts, a community garden and a skatepark. U.S. Oval Park is another popular green space and home to the local YMCA. The Barracks Golf Course is a public course about 5 miles south of the city. About 10 miles west, Cadyville Park features the area’s only disc golf course. “People come from all over the region and even Canada to use the course,” Cashman says.

The Saranac River Trail spans a little over a mile and leads to Downtown Plattsburgh, while the Empire State Trail winds along the banks of Lake Champlain before merging with U.S. Route 9. Plattsburgh sits just outside Adirondack Park, where 6 million acres of rugged terrain attract hikers, bikers, rock climbers, skiers, snowmobilers and more. With 2,000 miles of hiking trails, 46 mountain peaks and over 3,000 lakes, the Adirondacks is the largest protected area in the contiguous United States. “We’re less than an hour from Whiteface Mountain, which hosted Olympic skiing events back in the day,” Trombley says, while the city is also a jumping-off point for Lake Placid explorations.

Plattsburgh Beach is a quiet place to visit in the winter but during the summer is in full swing with locals and lots of tourist.
Plattsburgh Beach is a quiet place to visit in the winter but during the summer is in full swing with locals and lots of tourist.
At just over 6 miles many can enjoy a stroll along the Saranac River Trail allowing the sights and sounds of many local fauna to enjoy.
At just over 6 miles many can enjoy a stroll along the Saranac River Trail allowing the sights and sounds of many local fauna to enjoy.
1/2

Small-town events

Small-town events range from the Christmas-themed Miracle on Margaret Street to Halloween trick-or-treating downtown. Parks Come Alive! is the city’s annual summer concert series, when residents flock to different parks each month for live music, food trucks and fun. A Fourth of July parade with over 30 floats takes place before live music at City Hall and nighttime fireworks. However, some of the city’s largest events include the Mayor’s Cup Regatta & Festival along the beachfront and the Battle of Plattsburgh commemoration with historical reenactments, live music and more.

Shopping and dining on Margaret Street

Mom-and-pop shops and restaurants line Margaret Street in Downtown Plattsburgh. Establishments include cozy cafes, casual restaurants and a dozen bars catering to college students. Plattsburgh is also the “Home of the Michigan,” a hot dog topped with a tomato-based meat sauce. “All the locals know what a Michigan is, but no one outside Plattsburgh does,” Trombley says. “Every summer, we celebrate Michigan Month, where residents can get a ’passport‘ and travel to all the local eateries known for their dogs. If you visit all four, you win a t-shirt.” Cashman also notes that the city's first Michigan Fest will take place in the summer of 2025.

Local shops range from used bookstores and small boutiques to metaphysical shops with crystals and tarot card readers. Convenience stores are scattered around downtown streets, while the North Country Food Co-Op is known for its organic products. About 2 miles west of the city center, national grocers, big-box stores and additional eateries line both sides of Cornelia Street.

Margaret Street is filled with some new and hip spots popping up for locals and a town favorite is Koffee Kat.
Margaret Street is filled with some new and hip spots popping up for locals and a town favorite is Koffee Kat.
Having access to many large corporate stores like Target can be a necessity for some in the Plattsburgh area.
Having access to many large corporate stores like Target can be a necessity for some in the Plattsburgh area.
1/2

Plattsburgh City School District

The Plattsburgh City School District scores an overall B-plus from Niche. The district enrolls around 2,000 students across three elementary schools, one middle and one high school. The city is considered a walking district, so there is no scheduled school bus service. Seton Catholic Central School is the city’s only private school and serves pre-kindergarteners through twelfth graders.

Plattsburgh High School has 552 students and a B+ on Niche.
Plattsburgh High School has 552 students and a B+ on Niche.
Seton Catholic School is the only private school located within Plattsburgh.
Seton Catholic School is the only private school located within Plattsburgh.
1/2

60 miles to Montreal

Plattsburgh is a compact, walkable city with ample sidewalks. Clinton County Public Transit bus routes wind around town, connecting residents to surrounding communities such as Champlain, Keeseville, Ellenburg and Lyon Mountain. UVM Health Network - Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is centrally located within the city, while Plattsburgh International Airport is nearby. Interstate 87 borders Plattsburgh to the west, leading about 60 miles north to Montreal and 160 miles south to Albany. Burlington, Vermont, is the second-largest nearby city, about 30 miles east via a combination of U.S. Route 2 and the Cumberland Head-Grand Isle Ferry or 80 miles away via I-87 and I-89.

Year-round considerations

Plattsburgh experiences all four seasons, with warm and humid summers and cold winters. With its proximity to the Canadian border, the average yearly snowfall hovers around 63 inches. Low-lying areas near the Saranac River are prone to occasional flooding.

According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, property crimes increased by around 10% between 2022 and 2023, while violent crimes increased by nearly 44% within the same period. The city’s property and violent crime rates fluctuate, sometimes trending higher or lower than the national average.

Lillie Duston
Written By
Lillie Duston
Brandon Schulman
Photography Contributed By
Brandon Schulman
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Penny Daniels, an experienced agent in this area.

Agents Specializing in this Area

See All Agents

Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Area Facts

Number of Homes
6,919
Number of Homes for Sale
47
Median Year Built
1960
Months of Supply
2.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,595
Below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,872
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,340
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
12,196

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 17
    Open Sun 12PM - 2PM

    133 Prospect Ave, Plattsburgh, NY 12901

    $499,900

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 2,894 Sq Ft
    • 133 Prospect Ave
    • New 13 days ago

    Unique Plattsburgh City home close to the hospital and school. Built in 2006, this property offers a contemporary design. It has three bedrooms, with flexible space for additional bedrooms utilizing the large loft or the first floor office suite. Originally designed for a medical professional, the home includes dedicated office space with a private entrance. The living room feels extra spacious

    Sherrill Hazelton Hunt ERA

    Section Image
  • Saturday, May 16
    Open Sat 11AM - 1PM

    58 Club Rd Unit 203, Plattsburgh, NY 12903

    $375,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,190 Sq Ft
    • 58 Club Rd
    • Unit 203

    Motivated sellers.....Wake up to sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains of Vermont from this beautifully positioned second-floor condo--where low-maintenance living meets picturesque scenery.This 2-bedroom, 2-bath home is filled with natural light, with an open-concept living space that flows seamlessly to a covered deck--perfect for morning coffee or unwinding at sunset

    Diane McGee-Rock Century 21 The One

    Section Image

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Plattsburgh Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
9
Median Rent
$1,100
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,450
Median Townhouse Rent
$1,995
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$1,995
Median Condo Rent
$1,100
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$1,475

Demographics

Total Population
12,018
Median Age
44
Population under 18
22%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
23%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$67,392
Below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$88,074

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.9%
College Graduates
29.3%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
14%
% Population in Labor Force
60.2%
On par with the national average
64.9%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
31''
Average Winter Low Temperature
10°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
48''

Area Factors

Fairly friendly

Bikeability®

40 / 100

Somewhat friendly

Walkability®

30 / 100

Not friendly

Transit®

0 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
Plattsburgh