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.
Open farmland mixed with mountainous forest gives the homes in Putnam great views.
The boat ramp at Gull Cove in Putnam offers convenient access to Lake George.
1/2
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.
Gull Cove Beach is a favorite among residents of Putnam.
Sucker Brook Preserve - Gull Bay Preserve in Putnam is a pleasant set of trails through the forest.
1/2
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.
Along Lake George at Gull Cove, homes in Putnam are vying for the best views.
Colonial style farmhouses on large parcels are easily found in Putnam.
1/2
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.
The windows at Wind Chill Factory in Ticonderoga are always abuzz with people ordering their famous ice cream, and hot treats.
Lillie Valley Farm in Putnam is a great place in town to buy local produce and meats.
1/2
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.
Ticonderoga Senior High School offers students from the region a good education.
The Putnam Central School offers elementary education to the town children.
1/2
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.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Melissa O'Reilly,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Some homes are bought. This one was dreamed. It began with a vision and 66 acres of untouched Adirondack land. Over time, the dream came to life. Designed by the owner with attention to the smallest detail, this 2 bedroom, 2 full bath retreat offers just over 1,200 square feet of quality craftsmanship. Standing seam metal roof. Real hardwood floors, hand nailed in the upstairs loft. Upgraded
Level lot, beautiful location Close to Lake Champlain, culvert in for driveway, natural flowing stream on right side of property. APA application in review, submit your site plan for review and build your dream home! Essex County, town of Ticonderoga, Putnam mailing address.
Welcome to 128 Craig Rd, a truly unique property that combines tranquility, comfort, and a nod to history, all nestled within a sprawling 296-acre estate. Originally the Craig Farm Ski House and Restaurant, this property still retains its commercial kitchen and a spacious dining room known as the Philadelphia Room, complete with a cozy fireplace--perfect for hosting memorable events and
Discover the perfect setting to build your dream home on this remarkable 22.3-acre property in beautiful Washington County, New York. Mostly cleared and bordered by the gentle flow of Mill Brook, this expansive parcel offers a rare blend of open land, natural beauty, and privacy—ideal for a country estate, hobby farm, or peaceful retreat. Located just a few hours from most major Northeast cities
Take a glimpse of this rare opportunity ... where the pristine waters of Lake George meet the private woods of the AdirondackMountains.Attached photos show property location & boundaries as well as locations of the protected land owned by Lake George Conservancy surrounding this lot. Now's the time to diversify your stock portfolio and protect your assets with an investment in Lake George
You will be hard pressed to find a house from this era with such a strong substructure and framing. Its poured foundation must sit on bedrock as there are no sways, cracks, or tilts.There are updates jn all systems, and the interior decorating is in keeping with the house's style.The occasional train going by is a nostalgic reminder of a lost period of history with the distant horn,
Ranch home with oversized two car garage. 8.7 wooded acres. 1 bedroom/1 full bath on the main floor, open living concept, updated kitchen. Basement has space for two bedrooms and entertainment room. Paved driveway. 5 minute drive to resident beach and boat launch onto Northern Lake George at Gull Bay. Close to Lake Champlain.
This 2.5 acre parcel comes with a slab on site 27 x 54.Development is subject to Approval by the Adirondack Park Agency (APA). Buyers should perform due diligence and confirm all building and zoning requirements. This property is located minutes from the town beach and boat launch at Gull Bay on Lake George.
PRICE REDUCED! Nestled between Lake George and Lake Champlain this 1.7 acre partially cleared land is ideal for your forever homestead or vacation home. Existing electric service, sewer and well (condition unknown). Lake George's Gull Bay beach and boat launch for Putnam residents just a short drive away! Letter of Permit Compliance - Agency Permit through the APA issued 09/25/25 for single
Current dock doesn't stay. New dock permit in place. Currently not a designated building lot and may not be. We are doing due diligence to determine if it can be buildable or not. Access to this lot is at the top only off Bayview Way. No drivable access at the beach at the bottom.
Unlock the potential of this well-situated, single-story ranch. The perfect canvas for your modern, custom design, and it comes with lake rights a short distance away. Located in a desirable location! The current owner has completed many of the projects and will continue to complete more over time. The new bonus sunroom located off of the dining and kitchen is a wonderful addition with a Lake
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
