If you are a fan of the Dustin Hoffman award-winning movie Tootsie, you'll recognize the Mahopac Farm Playhouse. In the movie, the Playhouse served as the stand in for the Syracuse Farm Playhouse where Hoffman and his friends produced their play.
Mahopac is a hamlet in the town of Carmel, New York with a population of 8,369. Its centerpiece is the 587-acre Lake Mahopac from which the hamlet gets its name. Named by the Wappinger Falls Indians who first inhabited the area, Mahopac means Lake of the Great Serpent. The Lake is used for fishing, swimming, boating, and other water sports. It is surrounded by hills and forests and contains three privately owned islands. Mahopac is located in Putnam County, 47 miles from New York City. In the early 1900s, Mahopac was mainly a summer getaway spot for City residents. Today, it is home to many commuters and provides a quiet and tranquil welcome after a long day in the big City.
Moving to Mahopac
If you are looking for house rentals, condo rentals, or rental apartments, you will find a nice selection in Mahopac. In general, prices are in line with other Putnam County towns, but you should expect to pay more if you are interested in waterfront house rentals or condo rentals on Lake Mahopac.You will need to pay your first months' rent and a security deposit and agree to a credit check and job verification. You may also want to have references available in case you are asked for them.
When looking for house or condo rentals in Mahopac, note that spring and summer are the busiest rental seasons. You may find more of a selection if you can wait until the fall or winter. If you plan to live in Mahopac and commute into New York City, you can get there by car in a little over an hour (depending on the traffic, of course) or take the train from the nearby Croton Falls station.
Mahopac Neighborhoods
North Shore: The north shore of Lake Mahopac is the town's most expensive area. It is made up primarily of large single family homes. It is also the location of the Mahopac Country Club and golf course.
North Lake/South Lake: If you are looking for a luxurious single family home to rent, you can find several on North Lake and South Lake Boulevards.
Eastern Shore: On the eastern shore of the Lake there are many lakefront homes with their own docks. If you own a boat but don't live on the lake, slip rentals and mooring services are available at the Mahopac Marina.
Mahopac Apartment Complexes
White Sail Condominiums: If you would like to live directly on Lake Mahopac, check out the White Sail Condominium complex. In addition to its beautiful Lake views, it features a lakeside gazebo, pool and recreation room.
Water Club: The Water Club Condominiums have lake rights to a private beach on the Lake.
Route 6: The Route 6 area is where you will find the most commercial section of the town including the Putnam Square Shopping Center and the Mahopac Public Library. The Library is located in a 30,000 square foot building overlooking Lake Mahopac. Chamber Park is located on the corner of Routes 6 and 6N. This waterfront park has walking paths, a gazebo and playground.
Society Hill: Society Hill near Route 6 is a townhouse community with a pool and tennis courts. Each townhouse has a fireplace, sunken living room and a one car garage.
Williamsburg Ridge: Convenient to Route 6 and the Taconic Parkway, Williamsburg Ridge has tri-level homes with a pool, tennis courts and playground.
Lake Mahopac Condos: Lake Mahopac Condos are within walking distance of Mahopac Lake, the library, and shopping.
Also of note --- Mahopac Falls is a separate hamlet in the town of Carmel. Mahopac and Mahopac Falls share the same Middle School, High School, and Library. Mahopac Falls is a suburban area made up of single family homes and high and low rise apartment houses.
Living in Mahopac
Beautiful Lake Mahopac provides a recreational haven for anyone interested in water sports. In addition to boat rental slips, the Mahopac Marina offers boat rentals, charters, and water skiing lessons.
The Mahopac Sports Association organizes youth sports teams year round. If you are interested in art, the Belle Levine Art Center has a gallery, darkroom, and pottery studio and offers classes to both adults and children.
The Mahopac Street Festival and Merchant Showcase is held each October. It is an outdoor event that showcases the goods and services of local merchants. There are exhibits, games, pumpkin painting and a climbing wall and slide for children. In the "Taste of Our Towns" food tent you can sample offerings from the regions many restaurants.
If you are a fan of waterside dining, you have several options in Mahopac. JP Cunningham's has an outdoor deck overlooking the Lake. The Terrace Club, located on the southern shore of Lake Mahopac, has two outdoor terraces and an extensive seafood menu. Arturo's is an Italian restaurant located on Route 6. It is housed in an authentic log cabin and promises to serve you over sized portions of your favorite Italian food.
Lovers of the outdoors should visit Sycamore Park. It also hosts WoofstockMusic, entertainment, food, and contests that help raise money that is used to bring pet owners information and education about caring for their furry friends.
If you are looking for a rental in a quiet, scenic community that is also within commuting distance of New York City, Mahopac might be just the place for you!