Distance to NYC: 60 miles
Area: 31 square miles
 
Located in the northeastern tip of Putnam County, bordering Pawling in Dutchess County, Patterson is one hour and 20 minutes from New York City via train.

With a rural feeling, yet within easy access of New York and White Plains, via Metro North and I-684, Patterson is set among rolling hills and open fields dotted with farms. Most of its population is centered around the tiny hamlet of Patterson and to a greater extent, in the community of Putnam Lake located in the southeast corner of the town. Originally named Fredricksburg, Patterson was a part of Dutchess County but received its current name in honor of Matthew Paterson a British officer in the French and Indian War. He came to (then) Fredericksburg in 1770 and was a prominent citizen, a justice of the peace, and a member of the Assembly for Dutchess County, Putnam County not being a separate County until 1812. Patterson was the home of Revolutionary War heroes Col. Henry Ludington, and his daughter Sybil Ludington. On April 26,1777, Sybil rode to rouse her father's militia so they could come to the aid of the patriots in Danbury when that city was burned by the British.
 
Educational Facilities
Patterson is served by three school districts: Carmel, Brewster and Pawling – depending on location. The majority of Patterson’s children attend the Carmel Central District, which includes Kent Primary School, Kent Elementary, Matthew Paterson Elementary, George Fischer Middle School and Carmel High School. Total enrollment is about 5500 students with a teacher-to-student ratio of 1 to 22. The per-pupil expenditure is approximately $13,200. The Brewster School District has a total enrollment of 3,682 and Pawling’s School District has about 1,452.
 
Recreational Facilities
An important wildlife sanctuary, which is the second largest habitat of its kind in New York State, is located in Patterson. It is home to several endangered species, containing 1,600 acres of marshland, valuable for its scenic beauty. Thunder Ridge ski area is the first stop for skiers on their way north on Route 22. Both Green Chimneys School and Camp Herlich offer summer camps for Patterson’s children. The State of New York purchased two conservation properties that are pristine forested park lands. The 800 acre Wonder Lake State Park and the 300 acre Cornwall Hill Preserve provide public access to hiking and cross country skiing.

Houses of Worship
There is access for many denominations within the immediate vicinity – Patterson Baptist Church, Patterson Presbyterian Church, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Christ Episcopal Church, Watchtower, Temple Beth-Elohim and Chuang Yen Monastery.