Saratoga, New York Retirement
Not to be confused with neighboring Saratoga Springs, Saratoga, New York started out as Fort Saratoga in the 1700s. It is known as the place where the British surrendered to American general Horatio Gates at the end of the Battles of Saratoga, a turning point in the American Revolutionary War. Within the city itself are two villages, which both date previous to Saratoga, and are called Victory and Schuylerville, also known as Old Saratoga. Situated in east central New York and bounded by Saratoga Lake and the Hudson River, Saratoga, population about 5,500 people, is a picturesque place.
The downtown is quaint, with fun shops, bookstores and cafes. The cost of living is roughly 10% above the national average, and the median home price is approximately $255,000. Of the population, roughly 38% are age 45 or better.
Summers are pleasant, with temperatures in the 70s and 80s, while winters bring temperatures in the teens, 20s and 30s. It rains 40 inches each year and snows 65 inches each year. Winters are long and can be overcast, but they are also very pretty. On the comfort index, a combination of temperature and humidity, Saratoga beats the national average.
The good people of Saratoga do not have a hospital of their own, but Saratoga Springs next door is home to Saratoga Hospital. It has 170 beds and is accredited by the Joint Commission. It meets or exceed national averages in most areas but not all. Glen Falls Hospital in Glen Falls, 15 miles away, is also accredited by the Joint Commission and has 300 beds. It also meets or exceeds national average in most, but not all, areas.
This charming hamlet has virtually no crime. Politically, it barely tilts left, with just a few more residents calling themselves Democrats than Republicans.
Not everyone wants to retire in eastern New York, but for people interested in a pretty waterfront town full of history, Saratoga, with its low crime rate and cool climate, is worth considering for retirement.