New research conducted by Camoin 310 of Saratoga Springs for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in Lake Placid and EDC Warren County shows there is a strong interest for relocation to the Adirondacks across all income brackets in the region including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and New Jersey.
A total of 6,733 responses were collected and analyzed by Camoin 310 from Jan. 19-29, the group said in a news release. More than 80 percent of respondents now live in the Northeast, but there were responses from as far away as Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Minnesota, and Oregon, as well as international locations.
Key findings indicate that nearly 25 percent of respondents said they were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to relocate here in the next five years, according to Camoin. Some indicated they have already moved here.
The Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Lake George regions were the three most cited locations for relocation. The majority of the respondents said living in the Adirondack communities with access to high-speed internet, health care, and dining and shopping opportunities is a priority.
Nearly 23 percent of regional market demand is between ages 25-45. Quality housing and outdoor recreation were the most important factors cited when selecting a community. Remote workers and retirees present the greatest opportunity and over 40 percent of respondents who are working have the ability to work remotely either full time or a majority of the time, the report said.
“This is positive for the Adirondacks and provides data to support the Northern Forest Center’s report and strategy for attracting new residents to the Adirondacks. Remote workers are a growing industry in which the Adirondacks are positioned well to pursue,” said James McKenna ROOST CEO. “They bring their jobs with them and provide for a new economic base and year-round economy less dependent on the seasonal swings of tourism.”
“We have known professional relocation to our area was under way, but this survey validates that the combination of world-class recreation and regional assets make this truly one of the most desired relocation sites in the world,” said Jim Siplon president of EDC.
Full results of the assessment can be found at www.roostadk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Adirondack-Relocation-Assessment-Survey-2021.pdf.