Page 26 - 2025 Westchester Relocation & Moving Guide

24 LIVING IN WESTCHESTER AND THE HUDSON VALLEY | RELOCATION & MOVING GUIDE
PUTNAM COUNTY
Located just 50 miles outside of New York City, Putnam County is a hidden gem full of culture, rich history, and unexpected attractions. Known for its scenic landscape dotted with lakes and reservoirs, Putnam has something to offer for every season.
􏰁 COLD SPRING
Envision an idyllic village with mountain views that hugs the Hudson, one that boasts a walkable Main Street lined with boutiques, restaurants, and galleries that meanders down to a lovely marina, a tight-knit community, and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It sounds too good to be true—and yet this former trading port in Putnam County is all that and so much more.
Residents of Cold Spring enjoy the best of both worlds—a lively village plus easy access to plenty of outdoor recreation including Dockside Park at the bottom of Main Street, Storm King Mountain and West Point on the other side of the river, and the popular hiking trail Breakneck Ridge a short drive away. While in town stop by Cold Spring General Store for home accessories, clothing, jewelry, and Hudson Valley-made treats; The Blue Olive for flavored olive oils and vinegars; the independent, well-stocked Split Rock Books; Flowercup Wine, a lovely shop with with New York State wines; and many antiques shops.
There are several eateries where you can dine with a river (and mountain) view including Hudson House River Inn’s River Room restaurant, plus plenty of other delicious options. Cold Spring Depot serves up American comfort food from a repurposed train station; and if you’re in the mood for Italian head to Cathryn’s Tuscan Grill.
A short drive from the village will bring you to Magazzino Italian Art, a 20,000-sq-ft museum and research center for postwar and contemporary Italian art. Nearby, you’ll also find the extensive Stonecrop Gardens, with 12 acres of different style gardens and Boscobel, a 19th- century Georgian mansion with grounds to explore.
There’s a Metro-North train station right in town for the 70-minute ride to Manhattan, which makes it easy for New Yorkers to spend the day or weekend. But be forewarned if you do visit, you may never want to leave.
􏰀 KENT
Have your heart set on Cold Spring but inventory is tight? Ann McBride-Alayon, a broker at Hudson River Line Realty, recommends heading 20 minutes east to Kent, where “you may find something that works better and you’re still
a quick trip to Cold Spring’s Main Street and the weekend farmers’ market.” It’s a good fit for families, young couples, and single professionals: there’s a quaint downtown in Lake Carmel, a hamlet in its southeast corner, idyllic trails and nature preserves nearby (including Nimham Mountain, White Pond, and California Hill State Forest), and some neighborhoods even offer properties with private and peaceful lake access.
􏰀 CARMEL
Nestled between Mahopac and Brewster, Carmel lies along the picturesque West Branch Reservoir and Lake Gleneida. As the county seat and Putnam’s most populous town, it comes with a lot of bonuses, especially for families: its school district is one of the best in the county and outdoor recreation options are almost endless. Beautiful Lake Mahopac is nearby, offering seasonal boat rentals and al fresco dining at waterfront restaurants. Expect a variety of houses on the market, from ranch-style to farmhouse to colonial.
􏰁 Named "best place to live" by Hudson Valley magazine
THE
HUDSON
VALLEY
THE REGION THAT EXTENDS FROM YONKERS TO ALBANY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE RIVER BOASTS DEEP HISTORY, NATURAL BEAUTY, A WEALTH OF CULTURAL ARTS, FINE DINING, LOTS OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TOP-NOTCH SCHOOLS, AND MUCH MORE.
PHOTO BY THOMAS/ADOBE STOCK