Carmel Real Estate

Putnam County in the southeastern part of New York lies between the Hudson River on its west and the New York-Connecticut border on its east. The adjacent counties are Dutchess County, New York to the north, Fairfield County, Connecticut to the east, Westchester County, New York to the south, Rockland County, New York to the southwest and Orange County, New York to the west. Part of the New York City watershed, Putnam County is known for its many reservoirs. After World War II, rapid development made it an exurb and bedroom community of New York City, but the necessary protection of the county's wetlands and reservoirs limited this development. As a result, the area’s vast network of parks, lakes, forests, preserves and other green spaces have remained unspoiled and are enjoyed daily by residents and visitors alike. Pristine nature and close proximity to nearby towns and New York City make Putnam County a very desirable place to live. Putnam County is one of the most affluent counties in America, ranked 11th by median household income according to the 2000 census.

The hamlet of Carmel, NY, lies within the town of Carmel, the county seat of Putnam County. The town is located about fifty miles north of New York City and ten miles west of Danbury, Connecticut; its southern border abuts Westchester County. The hamlet’s name is generally pronounced "CAR-m'l", unlike other U.S. towns by the same name, such as Carmel, California (which is pronounced "car-MEL").

The town of Carmel is home to a number of beautiful natural parks and sparkling lakes like the 168-acre Lake Gleneida, Lake Carmel and Lake Mahopac. The arts community is well-represented among this natural beauty: Putnam Valley Arts was established to facilitate cultural enrichment in the area and to tap into the diverse artistic resources within Putnam Valley by sponsoring annual events including the Summer Music and Fine Arts Festival, the Putnam County Film and Video Festival, Harvest Festival and Valleypalooza. Arts on the Lake is a non-profit corporation that fosters performances, exhibits and art classes in Kent, NY. The Putnam Symphony Orchestra performs a broad spectrum of music utilizing various ensembles as well as a full complement of musicians, and all musicians with a desire to perform are invited to join.