Ray Brook, Saranac Lake NY
Is Saranac Lake, NY (Ray Brook) a Safe Place to Live? Housing, Crime & Buyer Guide
Explore safety, home prices, commute patterns, and neighborhood insights in Saranac Lake, NY - 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)
Severe2
Medium10
Low4
Other10
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 12, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers responded to a possible vehicle incident near an apartment on Old Military Road, after a caller reported that another vehicle was leaving the scene. | Old Military Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Traffic |
| Jul 8, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, a medical emergency was reported near Old Military Road. EMS unit 4691 responded and later Medic 4 returned to service indicating the call was handled. | Old Military Rd, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Medical Emergency |
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were dispatched to a supermarket parking lot in Lake Placid to check a dark-colored Volkswagen Jetta that reportedly had no license plate. | Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jul 4, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, marine rescue crews respond by fire boat toward Spring Manor for a reported pontoon boat located roughly a quarter mile north of the manor near the bay shoreline. The vessel is described as a white pontoon boat with a tan canopy. | Franklin Ave, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Marine Rescue |
| Jul 2, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers report providing traffic control for a possible motor vehicle crash near Carolyn Road in Lake Placid, New York. | Carolyn Rd, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | Traffic |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, eMS responded to an ambulance call at an apartment on Riverside Drive. The caller reported the emergency by calling 911. | Riverside Dr, Saranac Lake, NY 12983 | Medical Emergency |
| Jun 30, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, officers were requested to speak with a caller near Saranac Avenue in North Elba about a possible suspicious encounter with a man who reportedly emerged from nearby woods wearing army-style clothing. | Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | Suspicious Activity |
| Jun 27, 2026 | As discussed during the dispatch call, dispatch received a possible suspicious 911 hang-up call near Lodge Way in North Elba, with only rustling noises heard in the background and no callback possible. | Lodge Way, Lake Placid, NY 12946 | 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 |
For all crime details - View Safety Report
Median Home Price
$281,379
Average Rent
$1,456
Vacancy Rate
20%
Ray Brook Neighborhood Overview
Ray Brook is a rural neighborhood in Saranac Lake, NY, with a median home price of $281,379, making it more affordable than most of New York and the U.S.
The area features a mix of small to medium single-family homes and apartments, many built before 1939, with a notably high vacancy rate of 20%.
Walking is a popular commute option here, with 10.9% walking to work, higher than 95.5% of American neighborhoods.
RuralAffordable HousingHigh VacancyWalkable Commute
Quick Facts
| Walk to Work Rate | 10.9% |
|---|
Housing market and real estate character
Ray Brook's housing stock includes mostly small to medium single-family homes and apartments, with many residences built before 1939 and some newer construction since 2000.
| Housing Age | Many homes built before 1939, some built since 2000 |
|---|---|
| Housing Type | Small to medium single-family homes and apartments |
| Owner vs Renter Mix | Mixed ownership and rental occupancy |
What buyers will notice right away
Vacancy at 20% is notably high, indicating many empty properties year-round.
Many homes are historic, built before 1939, offering character and potential renovation opportunities.
Families and Lifestyle
Ray Brook offers a unique cultural mix with strong family presence and low childhood poverty.
Cultural Heritage — High proportions of residents with French and Dutch ancestry and significant Italian language use.
Walkable Commute — Over 10% of residents walk to work, supporting an active lifestyle.
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
|---|---|
| Executive/Professional Employment | 33.1% |
Demographics and Education
| Executive/Professional Share | 33.1% |
|---|---|
| Income Level | Lower-middle income |
| Childhood Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| French Ancestry | 10.5% |
| Dutch Ancestry | 4.8% |
| Italian Language Speakers | 7.0% |
| English Language Speakers | 97.0% |
Commute Patterns
Most residents have short commutes, with a majority driving alone and a significant portion walking to work.
Ray Brook's short commute times and high walk-to-work rates contribute to quality of life and transportation options.
Short Commutes — Over 60% of residents commute under 15 minutes, reducing daily travel stress.
Walkability — Walking to work is common, supporting health and reducing transportation costs.
| Drive Alone Rate | 77.2% |
|---|---|
| Walk to Work Rate | 10.9% |
| Carpool Rate | 8.5% |
| Commute Time Under 15 Minutes | 62.9% |
Homes for sale near 12977
For-sale listings in this zip code. Open a property in HoodScore to run a safety report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median home price in Ray Brook?
The median home price is $281,379, which is more affordable than most neighborhoods in New York.
Is walking a common commute method in Ray Brook?
Yes, 10.9% of residents walk to work, a rate higher than 95.5% of American neighborhoods.