Putnam Valley is a vibrant community that offers a rich history, diverse demographics, and excellent healthcare and education systems. Its picturesque landscapes and numerous recreational activities make it an attractive place to live and visit.
A Stroll Through Time: The History of Putnam Valley
Imagine walking through a picturesque landscape shaped by the last ice age, where the retreating glaciers left behind springs, stone deposits, and large boulders. That’s what the first inhabitants of Putnam Valley experienced. Initially occupied by paleo-Indians and later by the historic Wappinger Indians, the area saw an influx of Dutch and English farmers towards the end of the 17th century.
The town, originally named Quincy, was incorporated in 1839 and later renamed Putnam Valley in 1840. Oscawana Lake House, the first summer resort, opened in the mid-1850s, and the Putnam Valley Grange No. 841 was established in 1897.
Today, Putnam Valley is a town in Putnam County, New York, fondly known as the “Town of Lakes”. The area is governed by a town board, comprising a supervisor and four town board members.
Vibrant Demographics: Putnam Valley’s People and Economy
Putnam Valley covers 41.1 square miles with a population density of 286.5 people per square mile. The town has a current population of approximately 11,778.
Here’s a table showing the racial makeup of Putnam Valley:
| Race or Ethnicity | Percentage |
| White | 81.7% |
| Hispanic or Latino | 12.0% |
| African American | 2.2% |
| Native American | 0.19% |
| Asian | 1.6% |
| Other/Two or more | 2.5% |
The town’s median household income is $118,947, and the 2021 per capita income stands at $31,215. The median family income is $82,576, with males earning a median income of $56,976 and females earning $36,875.
Getting Around: Transportation in Putnam Valley
Putnam Transit, or Putnam Area Rapid Transit (PART), is the primary transportation system in Putnam Valley. It operates four year-round bus routes, a seasonal tourist trolley service in Cold Spring, and a sixth route for Metro-North commuters using the Harlem Line. For rail service, residents can access the Metro-North’s Hudson Line at the Peekskill station in Westchester County.
PART connects with other transit agencies from adjacent areas, such as the Bee-Line Bus System and Housatonic Area Regional Transit (HART). Putnam Valley also offers paratransit service for those with disabilities.
Nurturing Minds: Education in Putnam Valley
The Putnam Valley Central School District serves the town’s education system, providing education from elementary to high school levels. With an average class size of 49 students, the district spends $28,883 per student annually. A focus on a positive school climate promotes school safety, student self-esteem, emotional well-being, and mental health.
The district’s students show proficiency in standardized tests, and the graduation rate is reported as a percentage of students who earned a local or Regents diploma four years later. Overall, 96.5% of residents aged 25 years and older have a high school diploma or higher.
A Healthy Community: Healthcare in Putnam Valley
Two health networks primarily serve the healthcare system in Putnam Valley: NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital and Nuvance Health. The 128-bed NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital provides a wide range of inpatient services and ambulatory care. Nuvance Health, an integrated health system, serves Putnam Valley through Putnam Hospital.
Landmarks and Points of Interest
Putnam Valley has several popular landmarks that showcase the town’s history and natural beauty.
- Niese’s Maple Farm: Discover the art of maple syrup making at this family-run farm, where you can tour the facilities, learn the craft, and sample delightful maple products.
- Ice Caves: Venture into the Sam’s Point Preserve and uncover the intriguing Ice Caves, ancient geological formations that harbor ice all year round.
- Balanced Rock: Witness a striking remnant of the region’s glacial past: Balanced Rock, an impressive boulder precariously balanced atop smaller stones.
- General Washington’s Headquarters: Step into history at the Hasbrouck House, where General George Washington orchestrated his Revolutionary War strategies.
- John Jay Homestead: Explore the elegant 18th-century estate of America’s first Chief Justice, featuring lush gardens and a museum dedicated to John Jay’s life.
- Peekskill Museum: Immerse yourself in Peekskill’s rich heritage, from Native American settlements to industrial growth, through engaging exhibits and artifacts.
- West Point Museum: Uncover the United States Military Academy’s storied history and the Army’s evolution through a vast collection of military relics and displays.
- Yorktown Museum: Delve into Yorktown’s diverse history, spanning Native American culture, Revolutionary War events, and agricultural and industrial advancements.
- Putnam History Museum: Journey through Putnam County’s past, exploring its pivotal role in the Revolutionary War with interactive exhibits and guided tours.
- Putnam County Historical Society and Foundry School Museum: Unearth the region’s industrial roots at the West Point Foundry-focused museum, celebrating Putnam County’s storied past.
- Van Cortlandt Manor: Step back in time at this National Historic Landmark, offering glimpses into colonial life through immersive tours and events.
- Chuang Yen Monastery: Find tranquility at this serene Buddhist monastery, featuring the largest indoor Buddha statue in the western hemisphere.
- Lake Shore: Enjoy Putnam Valley’s scenic Lake Shore, where boating, fishing, and swimming combine with peaceful picnics and relaxation opportunities.
Let our team of expert professionals assist you in safely and effectively removing unwanted bats from your property. Trust BatProof Wildlife Control to restore peace and comfort to your home through our humane bat removal and prevention services.
Contact UsServices we offer near Putnam Valley, NY
