Mahopac

Mahopac might just be the retail heart of Putnam County. Busier and more developed than much of the county, it still manages to retain a small-town feel, thanks to independently owned businesses and its location along sparkling Lake Mahopac.

Its commercial offerings have created roads that are a bit more congested than the rest of the county, but everything’s relative. Many of Mahopac’s residents moved north from the city and its congested nearby suburbs, and know any backlog along Route 6 is nothing compared to the Cross Bronx Expressway.

If the town’s retail offerings are the town’s heart, than the Mahopac Library is its soul. Significantly larger than the libraries of neighboring towns, it features sweeping views of the lake and frequently serves as a hub for political debates and other community gatherings. Thanks to its membership in the Mid-Hudson Library system, materials can be requested from any library in the system and delivered to the Mahopac library for convenient pick-up.

Mahopac is the home of the Putnam Arts Council, making the town important culturally as well. The Putnam Arts Council is an organization which supports and encourages the arts through programs for kids and adults. They exhibit the work of local artists and support performing and literary arts as well.

The Putnam Trailway winds its way through Mahopac, with runners, walkers and cyclists taking advantage of the outdoors. Unlike the segments running through Brewster and Carmel, the Mahopac section offers a few nearby places to stop for refreshments, including the Freight House Café, which overlooks the trail, the Brooklyn Coffee House, and the Bliss Dairy Bar and Grill.

Though nightlife is still lacking, access to groceries and other necessities is closer for most residents, with a bigger choice of options. Lakeside dining is available and there are numerous other restaurants to suit a range of budgets and interests. The school system gets excellent results, with strong athletic programs. If you find Carmel and Brewster a little too quiet for you, Mahopac may have what you’re seeking.

There is little or no reason to pay Westchester County taxes if what you’re looking for is the joy of country living; the catch is that it can become a longer commute to NYC. However, for those who work in the Westchester or CT area, Mahopac is a great option - if offers lovely homes, a great school district and the joy of lakeside living for good prices by local area standards.
Mahopac is wedged in between Somers and Carmel and is a sort of border town. If offers a nice suburban location with a nice mix of commercial and residential development. Interestingly this is a town with enough townhomes and condos for it to be attractive for singles and seniors also.
Mahopac’s biggest draw for many home buyers is its high regarded public school system. This an dthe possibility of a home facing one of the lakes in town means that it holds the promise of a luxurious lifestyle while offering a great small-town ambience. Given its compact size, long-time residents really get to know each other well.
The Terrace Club with views of Lake Mahopac is a nice restaurant for a brunch or dinner. Summer meals, with seating outside, can make for a particularly memorable experience. Another good place for eating out is the Dish Bistro and Wine Bar which is also very vegetarian friendly. They also have nice draft beers!
Mahopac offers the kind of average shopping that one expects in a mid-sized suburb. It is very close the Somers Commons where there’s a nice Home Goods and Learning Express among several others stores.
Mahopac’s one down side is that it is not a great commuter town unless you happen to work in a place connected by Route 6 or Taconic State Parkway. Even TSP can be a bit of a drive, depending on your exact location in Mahopac. The nearest train station into the city is Croton Falls.
On the balance, Mahopac is visually beautiful and friendly town with much to offer people of various age groups.