New York // Clinton County?

Hi Folks,

Recently relocated back to my hometown in Central New York after 7 soul zapping years in NYC (ok, sorry, it IS great there... in ways).

Looking for a spot of woods all my own and CNY just doesn't meet the requirements. I'm entertaining the thought of taking my operation to the NE side of New York (think Plattsburgh, Saranac, maybe Massena).

Does anyone have any insight into that neck of the woods? Factors to avoid? Thriving community to look out for?

I'm looking forward to hopefully attending Earthwood Building School's cordwood workshops in 2015, which is located in West Chazy, so I'm thinking there's a nice pocket of culture there... but other than aimless camping/drives/scouting... in the dark!

thanks!
jamie