New study ranks Putnam County among best places to raise a family in New York

PUTNAM COUNTY, N.Y. — Putnam County has earned a spot among the best places in New York to raise a family, according to an inaugural study by Smart Asset.  

Though Putnam ranks No. 1,253 nationally, it places No. 5 in New York State, just one spot ahead of Westchester County and directly behind Nassau County. The study highlights several key factors contributing to Putnam’s strong position, including a 46.4 percent change in home values, a school rating of 8.09, and an estimated childcare cost of about $250.  

The study from SmartAsset evaluated the top places for families across the country based on four categories: housing equity, students’ academic performance, recreation and community centers per 1,000 people, and childcare costs.