Putnam offers acreage, lakefront activities and outdoor recreation
Stretching from the shores of Lake George to those of Lake Champlain, Putnam is a rural New York community with easy access to outdoor recreation. “It’s really for the people that like to be outside, that like to do outdoor activities, to be in nature, to see wildlife, to have fresh air and mountain views and all of that kind of stuff. It’s really a great place to be,” says Casey King, an associate broker at Julie & Co Realty who lived in Putnam for 12 years and has been selling homes there for 13 years. Putnam gives residents space to spread out, but it’s still a tight-knit community. “It’s one of those towns where most people know each other and they all look out for each other,” King says. “It’s not a high turnover area; people buy and stay.” The population swells in warm months since many of the houses on Lake George are second homes, but Putnam consistently has a relatively small community.
Swimming, boating and fishing in the lakes, hiking and snowmobiling
Lakefront living is a big part of life in Putnam. “Lake George is the ‘Queen of American Lakes,’ known for the water quality,” King says. This makes it especially popular for swimming. Putnam residents often head to Gull Bay Beach to swim during the summer. The beach also has a boat launch where people strike out into the water on kayaks, jet skis and bigger motorized boats. Black Point Beach is another popular beach on the northern edge of Putnam. Although Lake Champlain doesn’t have dedicated swimming beaches in the Putnam area, it’s still a popular swimming lake. Boaters and anglers are also drawn to the huge body of water.
Nature preserves, including Anthony’s Nose Preserve — humorously named for a distinctly nose-shaped bit of land jutting into Lake George off Schwerdfeger Road — and Gull Bay Preserve, also offer recreation on land. “There are a couple of hiking trails that are actually very easy that have a great view of Lake George,” King says. “They’re down off of Sagamore Road.” Hunting and riding ATVs or snowmobiles are also favorite activities.
Inland houses with acreage and waterfront homes on Lake George
Colonials and Adirondack-style cabins are popular along Putnam’s quiet rural roads; some colonial farmhouses date to the 1800s. Most homes have acreage, and there are a few working farms in the area. King says that even people who don’t actively farm usually have chickens. Inland houses typically cost between $185,000 and $850,000, depending on if a house needs updates and, most importantly, how much acreage it has.
There are few waterfront homes on this part of Lake Champlain, but Lake George’s shoreline is edged with houses. These homes are often custom-built multi-story homes that feature large stretches of windows for maximum sunlight and lake views. They sell less often, but a mixture of recent sales and estimated values indicate most cost between $970,000 and $3 million.
Annual fundraisers and parties at the Putnam Firehouse
Putnam hosts many of its small community events at the Putnam Firehouse. The firehouse does an annual chicken barbecue to raise money for its volunteer force, which King says garners a big turnout. The Washington County Trailblazers also hold a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the firehouse. “But they also invite the owners that allow trails to go through their property, and they get to eat for free because they’re giving back,” King says. King adds that the firehouse’s rentable space has served as the backdrop for wedding receptions, bridal showers and parties.
Farm-fresh meat, driving to Ticonderoga for shops and restaurants
Putnam’s farms provide access to locally grown or produced food. Little Valley Farm’s stand specializes in fresh beef, pork and chicken, in addition to selling fresh eggs, cheese and jam. Putnam has a post office, but for shopping and dining, residents drive about 8 miles to Ticonderoga. The historic town has restaurants like Burleigh’s Luncheonette, banks, a Star Trek museum with recreations of the show’s original sets, and a Walmart for groceries.
Attending Putnam and Ticonderoga schools
Children attend Putnam Central School from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. The school is small and does not have a Niche rating, though GreatSchools gives it a 6/10. It has a student-to-teacher ratio of 5-to-1. Ticonderoga Junior Senior High School earns a C-plus from Niche. The school offers extracurriculars like drama, foreign language and art clubs.
State Route 22, short drive to Elizabethtown Community Hospital
State Route 22, also called the Empire State Trail, passes through the length of this car-dependent town, leading north to Ticonderoga. The neighboring community is a frequent stop for Putnam residents for more than just shopping, as Elizabethtown Community Hospital is located there. Glens Falls and Rutland, Vermont are both a 50-minute drive away. “So it’s not hard to get to more urban areas and still enjoy the country lifestyle,” King says.
Potential flooding risk for lakefront properties
Flooding is a potential issue throughout the Lake George area after severe storms. Although there aren’t news stories about flooding tied directly to Putnam, it’s a good idea to look into flood zones before purchasing a home — especially lakefront homes.
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Written By
Christina Norwood
