Lake Clear, Saranac Lake, NY
Is Lake Clear a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Saranac Lake, New York - so you can decide with confidence before buying or renting.
Most buyers only see the home. Smart buyers check the neighborhood first.
Crime Summary:
Crime Overview (last 12 months)
Severe0
Medium5
Low3
Other4
0 Registered Offenders Nearby
Rape0
Child involved0
Assault0
Other0
Crime Details:
Recent reported incidents in the past 12 months (newest first). Up to 10 records.
| Crime date | Crime description | Address | Crime category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a reported property-damage crash on State Route 86 near a local address, involving a vehicle that apparently struck a bear in a tunnel area. | NY-86, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Traffic |
| Jul 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical team reports an air transfer of a 73-year-old man from the Saranac Lake area to Adirondack Regional Airport for treatment of a possible stroke related to carotid occlusion. The patient is intubated, sedated, receiving medication for low blood pressure, and is reported to have stable vital signs during the flight. | Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK), 96 Airport Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were sent to a home near Donaldson Road in Saranac Lake after a caller reported a large drone hovering over the residence. | Donaldson Rd, Lake Clear, NY 12945 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, patrol units were sent to a residence near Donaldson Road in the Saranac Lake area to speak with the resident about a reported large drone hovering over the home. | Donaldson Rd, Lake Clear, NY 12945 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jun 25, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a reported hit-and-run in the parking area of a hospital in Saranac Lake involving a parked 2024 black Jeep Grand Cherokee. The vehicle was reportedly struck by an unknown vehicle, with no injuries and the caller not inside the Jeep at the time. | NY-86, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Traffic |
| Jun 25, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible hit-and-run crash at the hospital in Saranac Lake involving a parked black Jeep sport utility vehicle near the helipad behind the facility. The other vehicle reportedly left the scene, and there are no reported injuries. A separate possible domestic dispute was also reported on Adams Church Street with a child present and no weapons mentioned. | NY-86, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Traffic |
| Jun 23, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, an EMS unit responded to the Adirondack Medical Center walk-in clinic for a dog bite. | NY-86, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 21, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, emergency medical responders were dispatched to a priority call near State Route 30, where they reported giving the patient four baby aspirins according to protocol. | NY-30, Lake Clear, NY 12945 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 19, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch reports a possible animal rescue with a cow stuck in the mud near a discount store on State Route 3 in the Lake Clear area. | State Rte 3, Lake Clear, NY 12945 | Other Non-Crime Event |
| Jun 3, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a research institute on Algonquin Avenue for a reported fraud case involving a person at the facility. | Algonquin Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Fraud |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$247,196
Average Rent
$1,403
Vacancy Rate
23.5%
Nearby neighborhoods
Lake Clear Neighborhood Overview
Lake Clear is a remote neighborhood in Saranac Lake, NY, known for its historic homes, many built before 1939.
The area offers affordable housing with a median price of $247,196 and average rents of $1,403, both below most New York neighborhoods.
Historic HomesRetiree-FriendlyAffordable HousingRemote Location
Quick Facts
| Retiree-Friendly Rank | Better than 98.5% of New York neighborhoods |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Lake Clear's housing stock is dominated by historic single-family homes and small apartment buildings with a mix of owners and renters.
| Historic Homes (Built 1939 or earlier) | 67.8% |
|---|---|
| Seasonally Occupied Homes | 17.2% |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental |
What buyers will notice right away
A large share of homes are historic, appealing to buyers interested in older architecture.
Vacancy and seasonal occupancy rates are high, which may affect year-round community dynamics.
Families and Lifestyle
Lake Clear is peaceful and quiet, with a retiree-friendly atmosphere and a diverse mix of residents.
The neighborhood's quiet setting and safety appeal to retirees.
A mix of housing options supports diverse household types.
Sales and Service Employment — 41.4% of workers are in sales and service roles, higher than most U.S. neighborhoods.
Executive and Professional Presence — 33.1% of residents work in executive, management, and professional occupations.
| Retiree-Friendly Ranking | Better than 98.5% of New York neighborhoods |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
Demographics and Culture
| Income Level | Lower-middle income |
|---|---|
| Child Poverty Rate | 6.2% |
| Top Languages | ["English (96.3%)","Italian (10.2%)","French"] |
| Top Ancestries | ["English (17.9%)","Irish (17.0%)","German (15.6%)","Italian (10.9%)","French (5.9%)"] |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have short commutes and rely on private vehicles.
Lake Clear offers short commute times with a majority driving alone, supported by some carpooling and walking.
Short Commutes — Nearly half of residents commute under 15 minutes.
Car-Dependent — Most residents drive alone, reflecting the neighborhood's remote setting.
| Commute Time Under 15 Minutes | 44.3% |
|---|---|
| Drive Alone Rate | 67.5% |
| Carpool Rate | 13.8% |
| Walk to Work Rate | 7.9% |
Homes for sale near 12945
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lake Clear a good neighborhood for retirees?
Lake Clear ranks better than 98.5% of New York neighborhoods for retiree-friendliness due to its peacefulness and safety.
What is the housing vacancy rate in Lake Clear?
The vacancy rate is 23.5%, higher than 91.3% of U.S. neighborhoods, partly due to seasonal occupancy.