Moving family to Dutchess or Putnam County? (New York, Carmel: real estate, dorm)

[bunsk2007]

Can anyone recommend good places to live with excellent high schools in Puttnam or Dutchess County?

Our requirements would be
family friendly neighbourhood
good high and middle schools
some shopping nearby
areas to walk/ hike nearby (or to drive to)
a town/ community with activities we can get involved in
less expensive than Connecticut or Rockland/ Westchester County

Thanks for your help

[ghguy]

For Putnam, check out Mahopac - probabaly the biggest/nicest/most family friendly town in the county. Good schools. Had an article about it in this past Sunday New York Times Real Estate section.

For Dutchess, check out Rhinebeck. Reeaally nice town, but probably the most expensive town in the county. Great schools...

[Natalpaz]

I agree with ghguy - Mahopac is a great choice in Putnam county. It is very conveniently located with easy access to I-684, Taconic, I-84 and MTA Metro North, and considerably closer to NYC if you care. Here is the link to the NYT article from last weekend: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/20/re...=1&oref=slogin.

As far as the walking/biking is concerned - Putnam County Trailway runs right through town with quite a few access points, it connects with North County Trailway by the Baldwin Place. Here is link for more information: Putnam County Trailway.

Mahopac also has a great library with ton of programs for kids, teenagers and adults.

Good luck with your search - feel free to ask more questions!

Natasha

[bunsk2007]

Thank you for the replies- you have given us some great information and we're really interested in Mahopac! I had a look at the NYT article- it looks a great place. We're going to drive up and have a look at it on Monday.

I am going tp post a more specific question on Mahopac. Thanks.

[volleyhead]

I'm not sure you are still checking your formum. We are also moving to Putnam county. if you have done so already? what do you think?

[Village of Brewster Res]

I moved up from Westchester over 10 years ago, and had the choice of Carmel, Brewster, or Mahopac, but after mch research I chose Brewster. Mahopac's Blue Ribbon Schools is from the 90's based onn the achievments of one of their elementary schools. We chose Brewster because of the science programs they have. Mirco biology & anatomy and phisiology; one of thier HS teachers became affiliated with Cornell University and every year the studnets in these classes have an opportunity to dorm there and work side by side with graduates students and their professors. This kind of intern is invaluable at the HS level and provides those students with practical experionce and a look into the workload of college and beyond.

We also liked the smaller class sizes in Brewster which allowed our kids to build closer relationships with their teachers.
Also, Brewster is very convienent to 684, 84, Westchester, Ct, and NYC by car or train.
Hope this helps out.

[Danigirl1234567]

Hi there-I will be moving to Putnam County and need to decide which town best fits my 1st grader's educational needs. She's not classified as special needs but does need extra help. Which school system would be a better fit for her? Brewster, Carmel, Or Mahopac?