The Empire State is dominated by the Big Apple. No, this is not a headline detailing a Godzilla-like invasion but rather a fact of life. It's impossible to distinguish New York state from New York City, which isn't necessarily an unfair thing. New York City is arguably the world's most exciting city and no state can really contain the frenzied excitement of the Big Apple. However, the Empire State is more than New York City and is home to some of the most interesting and liveable communities in the country.

Census designated communites like Lake Carmel may not be well known by most Americans or even New Yorkers but it is one of the best places to live in the Empire State. Situated in beatiful Putnam County and a little over 50 miles away from New York City, Lake Carmel is home to over 8,000 residents.

It is situated within the town of Kent, whose population is largely based in Lake Carmel. The community is centered on the artificial lake that is Lake Carmel. The community was developed in the 1920s by the Smadbeck brothers who excavated and dammed a swamp transforming an eyesore to the wonderful community of Lake Carmel that exists today.

The community is renowned for being the seat of a volunteer fire district that serves the areas around Lake Carmel. This type of community spirit is typical of Lake Carmel, which is the kind of place where people move to lay roots down in.