One Of New York's Best Retirement Destinations Is A Famed Adirondack Village With Mesmerizing Lake Views

There's nothing more serene than a picturesque village in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, and with its Olympic legacy and strong sense of community, Lake Placid might just be the perfect retirement destination. Where else can you find everything mentioned alongside great healthcare infrastructure, strong networks, supportive living options, low crime rates, and world-class views?

Coming here is relatively easy, considering we're talking about a mountain hub. While some can fly directly into the Lake Placid Airport via charter flights (just a 4-minute drive away from the village center), most people arrive through regional airports instead. Adirondack and Plattsburgh airports are both within a one hour drive. The best way to get around Lake Placid is by car and the good news is that all of these airports offer plenty of rental car companies.

The reason why Lake Placid is one of the best retirement destinations goes beyond the pretty views. First, the healthcare infrastructure here works in a way that caters to locals and visitors alike, and the village's main facility, the Adirondack Health Medical Center, consistently gets good patient experience scores, with ratings that rank above both the national and state averages. Secondly, Lake Placid is home to several senior-focused networks, helping everyone find their place in the community. The Lake Placid Senior Club, for example, regularly organizes exercise classes and even day trips. There are also some volunteer opportunities for those who want to keep even busier, including staffing the Olympic Center or assisting with the annual Ironman Triathlon.

Despite its small size, you won't struggle to find great restaurants like the beautiful Mirror Lake Inn, often referred to as the best spot to eat in the area. It's Lake Placid's only Four Diamond restaurant and a delicious Adirondack gem with breathtaking mountain views. The family-owned gem is constantly praised for its simple yet reliable menu, excellent views, and even better food. Visitors can book a few nights at the Grand Adirondack Hotel, a historic yet modern vibrant hub right in the heart of Lake Placid, and the perfect spot to call home base while exploring the area. 

Named by Tripadvisor as the No. 1 thing to see in Lake Placid, Mirror Lake is undoubtedly the village centerpiece. The path along the lake's shoreline is flat and perfect for leisurely walks. Those looking for something that'll get their blood pumping can always swim, kayak, or paddleboard instead. Want to take your adventures a step further? Whiteface Mountain has a famous vertical drop and scenic gondola access, but don't let the dramatic views give you the wrong impression: some of the hikes and birdwatching trails can be accessed by just about anyone. If you're up for a 12-minute drive, you can always head to the nearby Cascade Lakes just a few miles from Lake Placid.

Back in the village, history buffs and sports enthusiasts will also want to book a visit to the fascinating Lake Placid Olympic Museum, found right in the local Olympic Center. Here, you'll get to see all sorts of memorabilia from the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, including the iconic "Fram III" bobsled and artifacts from the Miracle on Ice team. The rest of your time here can be spent exploring the walkable Main Street. Shopaholics will love local gems like Critters and Pure Placid. The former is a classic gift shop selling everything from T-shirts and stuffed animals to themed souvenirs, all at a very reasonable price. The latter is a local favorite with stellar reviews from happy customers praising the incredible fragrances, candles, and hand soaps.