Saratoga Springs: A Charming Oasis for Celebrities and High-End Buyers
Three hours north of New York City lies a hidden gem known as Saratoga Springs. This small city, with a population of just 28,000, is renowned for its natural springs, rich history, vibrant food scene, and world-class horse racing. The picturesque Saratoga Race Course, the oldest sporting venue in America, has been hosting races since 1863 and remains a major attraction.
In a recent study by WalletHub, Saratoga Springs was ranked as the eighth-best small city for 2025. The city’s appeal extends beyond its historic landmarks and cultural offerings. It has become a haven for celebrities and high-profile individuals, including Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy. In 2023, he purchased a three-bedroom home for $1.4 million, which he later demolished to build a new two-story residence overlooking the Oklahoma Training Track.
Portnoy has frequently praised the area, sharing his favorite local spots, such as Spring Street Deli & Pizzeria, in his viral pizza taste-testing videos. He once remarked, “I love Saratoga, I love everything about it. I only like it in the summer but it’s probably my second favorite place on Earth… Nantucket one, Saratoga two.”
However, $1.4 million is considered relatively affordable in Saratoga Springs. Some properties are currently listed for over $24 million, with one estate on North Broadway valued at an astonishing $24 million. This 19,341 sq ft property includes six bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, a home theater, fitness room, bowling alley, and bar. According to Zillow, the average home value in Saratoga Springs is approximately $624,825, a 2.1 percent increase over the past year. Redfin reports the median sale price closer to $670,000, while Realtor.com recorded summer listings peaking near $895,000.
The real estate market in Saratoga Springs remains robust despite cooling growth compared to the pandemic boom. Factors such as tight supply, upscale redevelopment, and steady migration from wealthier buyers have kept prices well above the state average. Across New York State, the average home value is roughly $508,764, up 3.9 percent year-on-year, meaning Saratoga Springs properties are about 23 percent higher than the state norm.
Relocation specialist Sheila Sperling noted that even though homes can list for more than $20 million, the city’s strong schools, robust local economy, and year-round cultural appeal continue to attract buyers. She also highlighted that Fifth Avenue, where Portnoy’s home is located, offers stunning views of the race track.
Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga, agrees that house prices in Saratoga Springs can be expensive, but there are more affordable options in nearby towns. “There are more affordable options in some of the smaller, more quaint, beautiful towns,” he said.
Horse racing has long been a draw to the area, with Saratoga Race Course being the oldest sports venue in the US. For the past two years, the Belmont Stakes have been held there while its traditional home, Belmont Park on Long Island, undergoes renovation. It is expected to return to Saratoga in June 2026.
During race season, which runs from mid-July through Labor Day, the city welcomes around one million visitors. However, the appeal of Saratoga Springs extends far beyond horse racing. Leggieri emphasized that arts, food, and culture offer year-round appeal, along with the numerous natural mineral springs believed to have medicinal and restorative properties.
Sperling, who also runs the historic Saratoga Arms Hotel on Broadway, described the downtown area as vibrant and full of life. “You basically can do everything,” she said. “A lot of people come and love to shop here. We have a lot of local-owned stores.”
The Broadway district is the heart of the city, divided into two sections. North Broadway is an upscale neighborhood with large Victorian houses, while South Broadway leads to boutiques and shopping. With over 100 restaurants in downtown, creative chefs offer a diverse mix of dining options, ranging from French-inspired cuisine to Southern comfort food.
Other famous residents include chef Bobby Flay, who lived in the city for two years and sold his $3,295,000 English Tudor mansion in 2023. Bob Dylan also performed open mic nights at Caffe Lena, one of the oldest coffeehouses in the US, when he was 19.
Sperling believes that the quality of life and tight-knit community are key factors in attracting residents. “Our tagline in Saratoga is health, history, and horses,” she said. “I can’t harp enough on our incredible community.”
With top-notch school districts and a thriving local economy, Saratoga Springs is an ideal place to raise a family. The city’s school district ranks 129th out of 596 districts in New York, but it is among the top 20 for best schools for student athletes, according to Niche.com.
History buffs will also appreciate the city’s significance as the site of the 1777 Battle of Saratoga during the American War of Independence, which marked a turning point in the war.
