Putnam Lake offers close-knit living on the waterfront
Set 66 miles northeast of New York City, Putnam Lake is a cozy hamlet within the rural town of Patterson. “It was a summer community for many, many years, dating back to the 1930s,” says Richard Williams, Sr., Patterson’s town supervisor. “But it’s transitioned into year-round homes.” Compared with Patterson, Putnam Lake is more densely developed, with deed-holding residents sharing access to the private lake. Surrounded by wooded preserves and scenic trails, the bucolic area blends small-town charm with outdoor recreation. Patterson Station, 6 miles away, provides commuter access into the city.
Cape Cods, custom builds and ranch-style homes on the waterfront
Cape Cods and ranch-style homes line winding, tree-shaded streets, offering a sense of privacy and seclusion between neighbors. Most were built in the mid-to-late 20th century, typically with clapboard siding painted in soft pastels or warm earth tones accented by white trim. Waterfront homes are especially prized for their deeded access, often including decks or balconies overlooking the water. A few custom-built homes from the 21st century are also available, featuring spacious lots and modern comforts such as heated pools and multi-car garages. Properties often rely on wells, septic tanks and oil heating systems. Single-family homes typically range from $150,000 to $500,000, with larger estates reaching up to $1.2 million.
Explore Cranberry Mountain and enjoy lazy days on Putnam Lake
From pocket parks to nature preserves, Putnam Lake offers a rich variety of green space. The 225-acre Putnam Lake is the centerpiece, open only to deed-holding residents of the Putnam Lake Park District. The lake features boat storage, launches at the northern and southern ends and seven beaches. Warren Beach and Jackson Beach have lifeguards on duty during the summer and are the go-to swimming spots. Fishing yields largemouth bass, yellow perch and northern pike. Nearby, the pocket-sized Club Court Park features two playgrounds, an open field and a picnic area.
The area's preserves provide a more rustic escape. The Cranberry Mountain Wildlife Management Area spans over 1,080 acres, including the 4-mile Cranberry Mountain Trail, which leads to sweeping panoramic views of lush evergreen landscapes. The 800-acre Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area is popular for birdwatching, offering a diverse array of species to spot, including the red-winged blackbird and the black-capped chickadee. “There are all sorts of wildlife you would see, from bobcats to pheasants,” Williams says. The park’s trails are popular for hiking and mountain biking, and, depending on the season, lead past cascading waterfalls.
Locally owned eateries along Route 22 with elevated flavors
Putnam Lake is primarily residential, with a small cluster of businesses along state Route 22. The Putnam Diner, a popular spot for brunch, has been serving favorites like challah French toast and orange marmalade crepes for more than 25 years. Across the street, The Carriage House is a laid-back pub with an extensive menu of elevated handhelds, including eggplant caprese paninis, short rib grilled cheese sandwiches and fig prosciutto burgers.
Farther up the road, Berkshire Nursery and Supply sells flowers and garden essentials, while Thai Elephant 2 offers an elegant setting for Southeast Asian dishes such as ginger tofu and duck tamarind. Nearby, the Putnam Lake Market provides fast-casual deli sandwiches and a modest selection of grocery basics. For a wider range of groceries, ACME Markets is about 5 miles away. On Fridays, the community shows up in droves to buy farm-fresh goodies at the Patterson Farmers Market.
Car-dependent hamlet near commuter routes to NYC
Residents drive to get around Putnam Lake, but the streets are typically bike-friendly. Route 22 borders the hamlet and provides connecting access to New York City. Patterson Station is part of the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem Line and leads directly into the city. Putnam Hospital is 11 miles away, and John F. Kennedy International Airport is a 64-mile drive.
Study architecture and comic books at Brewster High
Putnam Lake is part of multiple school districts, including the Brewster Central School District, rated B-plus overall by Niche. Kids in kindergarten through second grade may start at the A-minus-rated John F. Kennedy Elementary before moving to the B-minus-rated C.V. Starr Intermediate for third through fifth grade. Henry H. Wells Middle earns a B, and Brewster High receives a B-plus. The latter offers a robust course catalog, encouraging teens to explore their passions in topics such as architecture, comic books and forensic science.
Blues, BBQ and crafts
Patterson hosts a handful of events throughout the year. “One event everybody looks forward to is the Patterson Rotary Blues & BBQ,” Williams says. “It’s a fundraiser for the Patterson Rotary, where they bring in bands covering two days with lots of fun music and good food.” Held in September, residents bring their lawn chairs and appetites to enjoy live music and barbecue eats, including chicken, pork and corn on the cob. In November, the Holiday Bazaar and Craft Fair at the Patterson Rec Center is another highlight, featuring dozens of vendors with artisanal crafts and jewelry.
