Mahopac 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 to the north, Fairfield County, Connecticut to the east, Westchester County to the south, Rockland County to the southwest and Orange County 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 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.

Located on US Route 6 on the county's southern central border with Westchester County, Mahopac is a hamlet in the town of Carmel. The town’s government is located in Mahopac. Mahopac was settled by an Algonquin tribe and first patented in 1697. Putnam County was incorporated in 1812, and the area grew steadily afterward. Mahopac became a booming summer resort community in the mid-1800s. After World War II, when newly-built highways began to make travel by automobile convenient, the hamlet evolved into a year-round community, due, in part, to an easy commute to New York City. Mahopac has developed into an affluent town, combining the best of suburban and rural living. Picturesque lakes, reservoirs, and rolling countryside provide the setting for parks, playgrounds, and facilities for boating, fishing, skating, swimming, golf and tennis. Most residents live here year-round.

The town of Mahopac is home to a number of beautiful natural parks and the 587 acre Lake Mahopac as well as several smaller lakes and their surrounding communities. Lake Mahopac contains three islands: Fairy, Petre, and Canopus; all are privately owned. The homes on Fairy island are accessible via a short causeway; Petre contains a single residence, the A. K. Chahroudi Cottage, the structure of which was based on a design by Frank Lloyd Wright. Canopus has undeveloped land available for purchase. Boating, fishing and other water sports are permitted on the lake. In the winter months, ice skating, ice fishing and ice boating are options as well.

The arts community is well-represented here: Putnam Valley Arts was established to facilitate cultural enrichment in the area and to tap into the diverse local pool of artistic resources 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. All musicians with a desire to perform are invited to join.