Carmel, NY 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Carmel is a picturesque town located in New York's Hudson Valley region. Carmel offers a peaceful and scenic environment for those looking to retire in a 55+ active adult community. With its close proximity to New York City, residents can easily access the city's endless cultural and entertainment opportunities while enjoying the benefits of small-town living. Carmel boasts a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking in nearby parks and nature preserves, fishing in local lakes, and golfing at top-rated courses. The town's rich history is also reflected in its charming downtown area, which features unique shops, cozy cafes, and fine dining. 

Here are a few local resources to help you explore more about Carmel and plan your visit or move:

• Carmel Chamber of Commerce: The official website of the Carmel Chamber of Commerce provides valuable information about local businesses, events, and resources in the area.
• Putnam County Tourism: Discover the attractions, recreational activities, and events in Putnam County, including Carmel. This website is a great resource for planning your visit to the area.
• Carmel Recreation and Parks Department: Stay updated on the recreational opportunities offered by the Carmel Recreation and Parks Department. Find information about parks, trails, sports programs, and community events.

Affordability and Cost of Living 

Carmel is a small town located in Putnam County, New York, with a population of around 35,000 residents. The cost of living in Carmel is 36.3 percent higher than the national average. The cost of housing is the most significant contributor to the overall cost of living. The median home value in Carmel is approximately $52,600, which is about 54 percent higher than the national average. 

Grocery prices in Carmel are about 5 percent higher than the national average. The cost of transportation is almost 60 percent higher than the national average due to the high cost of gasoline and tolls in New York State. Recreation and entertainment options in Carmel are relatively limited compared to larger cities, but there are some local parks and nature trails available for outdoor activities.

Sales tax in Carmel is 8.38 percent of which 4 percent is state tax and 4.38 percent are Putnam County taxes. Putnam County also has one of the highest property tax rates in New York State, with an average effective property tax rate of around 1.75 percent. The Putnam County Finance Department provides information on property taxes, sales taxes, and other local taxes.

New York has a 4 to 10.9 percent income tax but Social Security and government pensions are exempt. Private retirement plans will be taxed on anything over $20,000. Sales taxes are high with the combined state and local taxes averaging 8.25 percent. New York's property taxes are also with an average property tax rate around 1.23 percent. New York does not have an inheritance but the estate taxes can be high.

Climate and Geography 

Winters in Carmel are cold and snowy, with average temperatures ranging from 16°F to 36°F and an average annual snowfall of around 60 inches. Summers in Carmel are warm and humid, with average temperatures ranging from 59°F to 82°F and an average humidity of around 70 percent. The average annual rainfall in Carmel is approximately 48 inches. The area is prone to severe weather events such as thunderstorms, hail, and occasional blizzards during the winter months.

Carmel is located in Putnam County, which is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. The area is surrounded by hills and mountains, including the Hudson Highlands and the Appalachian Mountains. Nearby state parks, including Fahnestock State Park and Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park, offer hiking trails, fishing, and camping. Hudson River, Lake Mahopac, and Lake Oscawana provide local opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Overall, Carmel offers a mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities that make it an ideal place for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. 

Recreation, Shopping, and Entertainment 

Carmel offers a wide variety of recreational activities, cultural events, shopping, and entertainment options for visitors and residents alike. 

Golf and Racquet Sports

• Centennial Golf Club
• Putnam County Golf Course
• Saxon Woods Golf Course
• Lake Isle Country Club

Hiking, Biking, and Boating

• Fahnestock State Park
• Clarence Fahnestock Memorial State Park
• Putnam County Trailway
• Lake Mahopac

Museums and Historical Sites

• Putnam History Museum
• Boscobel House and Gardens
• Van Wyck Homestead Museum
• West Point Museum

Performing Arts

• Mahopac High School Performing Arts Center
• Brewster Theater Company
• Paramount Hudson Valley Theater
• Westchester Broadway Theater

Shopping

• Jefferson Valley Mall
• Danbury Fair Mall
• The Shops at Nanuet
• Woodbury Common Premium Outlets

Parks and Gardens

• Stonecrop Gardens
• Chuang Yen Monastery
• Rockefeller State Park Preserve
• Stonegate Farm Preserve

Festivals and Fairs

• Putnam County Wine and Food Fest
• Putnam County Fair
• Hudson Valley Hot-Air Balloon Festival
• Mount Carmel Feast

Health and Wellness 

Carmel is home to several major medical centers, making it an ideal location for 55+ active adults who value access to quality healthcare. Major medical centers located within 20 miles of Carmel include Westchester Medical Center, Putnam Hospital Center, and Northern Westchester Hospital. There are several local options for self-care and keeping fit, including yoga studios, fitness centers, and wellness centers. Many of these facilities offer specialized classes and programs for seniors, such as gentle yoga and low-impact exercise classes.

Carmel is home to several farmers markets, including the Carmel Farmers Market, which is located just a few miles from the town center. These markets offer a variety of locally grown produce, artisanal foods, and handmade crafts, making it easy for seniors to access fresh and healthy foods. There are also several local parks and nature preserves which offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. 

Recommended Itinerary for Visiting Area 55+ Communities

If you're planning a visit to Carmel to explore the area and its retirement communities, here's a two-day itinerary that will help you get the most out of your trip:

Day One

Morning:

• Grab breakfast at Reverie Coffee Company, a local favorite known for its delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries.
• Take a leisurely stroll through the Stonecrop Gardens, a beautiful botanical garden featuring a wide variety of plant species from around the world.

Afternoon:

• Head to Fahnestock State Park for a hike or a picnic lunch. The park features over 14,000 acres of forest, streams, and lakes, making it an ideal spot for outdoor activities.

Evening:

• End your day with dinner at Clock Tower Grill, a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local ingredients and offers a unique dining experience.

Day Two

Morning:

• Enjoy a delicious breakfast at Freight House Cafe, a cozy restaurant located in nearby Mahopac. This farm-to-table eatery offers a menu of seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Meet with your local 55places expert retirement community partner agent to learn about the retirement communities in the area and take a tour of any that interest you.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Cold Spring Farmers Market, which offers a variety of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. Have lunch, chat with local farmers and vendors and stock up on goodies to take home.
• Visit the Putnam History Museum, located in downtown Cold Spring. Learn about the history of Putnam County and its role in the American Revolution.

Evening:

• Have dinner at the Foundry Rose, a charming eatery located in a restored 19th-century foundry building.
• Catch a show at the historic Paramount Hudson Valley Theater, which features a variety of performances throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and comedy shows.

Getting to Carmel, NY

Carmel is easily accessible by car, with major highways such as I-84, the Taconic State Parkway, and the New York State Thruway (I-87) passing through or nearby the area. Visitors driving from nearby major cities such as New York City, Boston, or Albany can reach Carmel within a few hours.

For those flying into the area, the closest major airport is Westchester County Airport (HPN), located in White Plains, NY, approximately 35 miles southeast of Carmel. The airport is served by several major airlines including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways with connections to major hubs such as JFK, LaGuardia, and Boston Logan airports. Other major airports in the area include Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, NY, which is approximately 30 miles northwest of Carmel, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, which is approximately 60 miles south of Carmel. Train service is also available via the Metro-North Railroad from New York City to the Southeast Station in Brewster, NY, which is just a few miles from Carmel. Buses are also available from New York City to nearby cities such as White Plains or Danbury, CT, with connections to Carmel.