The Tiny New York Village Known As One The State's Most Adorable Towns (How Is It So Empty?)

Tucked into Adirondack State Park and nestled within the town of Lake Pleasant, NY lies the tiny village of Speculator. Nestled on the banks of Lake Pleasant, Speculator was recently named one of New York's Most Adorable Small Towns. Founded in 1925, the town has a mix of modern and historic houses, along with many attractions for travelers, starting with its stunning lake and mountain views. It also boasts Mini Route 66, a replica of a town complete with small buildings of 96 square feet or less including a church, gas station, and general store. Speculator is largely a vacation spot and calls itself the "All-Season Vacationland."

This quaint village has only about 400 residents, but it boasts year-round appeal. Because of its location, Speculator experiences four distinct seasons — something other parts of the country may lack. In the summer, Lake Pleasant offers plenty of water fun, including fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. A nearby beach campground provides rustic accommodations perfect for a quiet escape to nature. Fall offers stunning tree colors along multiple trails for hikers, and Oak Mountain is the place to be in winter, with snowboarding, tubing, skiing and snowmobiling. These attractions make Speculator a popular vacation spot, with some people even buying a house on the lake to use as a vacation home or investment property.

The biggest attraction, especially for those who live in the city, may be the slower way of life. As home sale prices in New York City have gone up drastically and life gets busier, moving to a small town may be just the key for those looking to leave the bustle behind. The cost of living is also much more reasonable than in the city, at about 25% less than the statewide average. Speculator experiences almost no crime, and is a friendly, tight-knit community. 

Rather than a busy downtown, there are a few small businesses in the village center, including a department store, restaurants, and a general store that sells everything from fresh vegetables to lawn and garden supplies. For lunch on any given day, you could easily grab a sandwich and stroll to the lakeside for an impromptu picnic.