Rouses Point offers lakefront living in northern New York
Located at New York’s northernmost tip at the border of Canada, Rouses Point unfolds along the western banks of Champlain Lake. By the early 1800s, the village had grown into a bustling port-of-call for steamboats transporting goods across the lake. Centuries later, recreational boats now fill the horizon, with proximity to the outdoors and a laid-back atmosphere defining the community of just over 2,000. "What the village offers does not only cater to the locals, but the Canadian neighbors as well," says Chris Rosenquest, Owner of Lakeside Coffee Roasters and former mayor of nearby Plattsburgh. "Because of our location, there are ample opportunities for recreation in the summer and shoulder seasons."
Recreation ranges from boating to golfing and hiking
Considering its location along the lakefront, many locals spend time outdoors on the water. “Boating is big here, as well as watersports, fishing, kayaking canoeing and sailing,” Rosenquest says. Several marinas and Rouses Point Yacht Club dot the lake’s shoreline. Barcomb’s Marina offers boat rentals, and the village maintains a public ramp on Montgomery Road. Rouses Point Civic Center has an indoor ice rink, which hosts local skating and hockey leagues. Its outdoor portion includes a playground and athletic courts. North Country Golf Club is a few miles west and features an 18-hole course open to the public. King’s Bay Wildlife Management Area comprises a series of wooded trails close to home. However, the many parks and wilderness areas of the Adirondack Mountains are close enough for a day trip.
Single-family homes dominate the market
Homes in Rouses Point range from late 19th-century bungalows and National Folk styles to ranch and split-level styles built from the mid-20th century into the 21st century. These homes often sit close together on small lots, and most streets feature narrow sidewalks. Red maples, balsam firs and other native trees shade properties, where landscaping is kept relatively minimal. Detached garages and backyard pools are common throughout, alongside covered boats stored in driveways. Depending on size and condition, most homes sell between $60,000 and $360,000.
Residents dine locally and shop big-box stores in Plattsburgh
The village is home to a selection of independently owned restaurants. Best Friends Family Diner is a laid-back spot known for its comfort-style dishes and pies. Casa Capitano is an upscale Italian eatery that serves fresh pasta and wood-fired pizza in its aviation-themed dining room. Longstanding storefronts form a small downtown stretch on Lake Street, which features a combination of specialty stores, offices and a few more dining options. Dollar General covers essentials close to home, but residents must make the 5-mile trip west to Price Chopper in Champlain for a more robust grocery selection. “For big-box stuff, we all go downtown Plattsburgh,” Rosenquest says. The city is 25 miles south, and is home to Target, Walmart Supercenter and other big-box retailers.
Major highways and Amtrak connect Rouses Point to surrounding cities
State Route 98 and U.S. Route 11 cut through the community, supporting local and regional travel. The latter runs north into Canada, making Montreal, 74 miles away, the nearest major city. Interstate 87 passes 5 miles west, connecting residents to nearby cities like Plattsburgh, home to Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital and Plattsburgh International Airport. The Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge is also accessible from within the community, leading across the lake into western Vermont. Amtrak runs its Adirondack train through the village’s station on Pratt Street, operating a daily route from New York City to Montreal.
CFES Brilliant Pathways helps students prepare for college
Children begin their education at Rouses Point Elementary School, which earns a B on Niche. Northeastern Clinton Middle School has a B-minus, and Northeastern Clinton High School scores a B-plus. Northeastern Clinton Central School District partners with CFES Brilliant Pathways, a non-profit organization that helps high school students prepare for college and career readiness through mentorship programs.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
