Freeport: Waterfront living, Meadowbrook access, rich history draw homebuyers

Garfield Street is one of many in Freeport with waterfront... — Garfield Street is one of many in Freeport with waterfront homes. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

By Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayMarch 18, 2024

THE SCOOP Known for its Nautical Mile and historic Stearns Park enclave, Freeport is a mecca for boating, fishing, seafood and waterfront living.

"You have the ocean and all the bays and the canals," said Joseph Scavo, an agent with Douglas Elliman Real Estate, adding that there are low taxes throughout the hamlet. "Easy access to the Meadowbrook Parkway is a huge draw."

Recent developments in the village include a Studio Libeskind-designed apartment building with 45 affordable units for seniors and plans to add catch basins with water pumps to address flooding issues.

Homebuyers will find large Victorians and Colonials, ranches, high ranches and Capes. The eclectic mix of homes is a signature of Freeport, noted Scavo.

"I think the variety of different style homes adds to the character of the neighborhood," he said.

Calling Stearns Park "one of the jewels of Freeport," Stearns Park Civic Association president Linda Silva Thompson said the exclusively residential neighborhood "is ethnically and economically diverse," and has through the years maintained its character and tight, neighborly vibe.

First inhabited by Meroke Native Americans, who were attracted by its bays and streams, Freeport was originally called Great South Woods. Settled in 1659 by Edward Raynor, it soon became known as Raynor South and later Raynortown. In 1853, the hamlet was renamed Freeport, derived from a nickname tacked onto it by ship captains who didn't pay customs fees in the Colonial era.

A once thriving post-Civil War oyster industry tapered off in the early 20th century. During Prohibition, when Freeport became a rumrunning center, Freeport Point Shipyard appeared to be working both sides of the law: building both rumrunners and the Coast Guard boats that chased them down.

North Main Street is home to many of Freeport's eateries... — North Main Street is home to many of Freeport's eateries and businesses. Credit: Newsday/Steve Pfost

By the 1940s, Freeport was known as the "boating and fishing capital of the East," boasting several marinas, fishing skiff and boat manufacturers, including the aforementioned shipyard, which built small boats for the U.S. and British navies.

Other claims to fame for this maritime community: In 1924, Freeport became the home of WGBB, Long Island's first 24-hour radio station, and in the 1930s and '40s the Freeport Municipal Stadium became famous for its "midget" auto races.

Often called "Mr. Freeport," violinist and band leader Guy Lombardo was perhaps the village's most famous resident, though vaudeville actors, who had embraced the area years earlier, had established an artist colony by 1910. Famous Freeport natives include gossip columnist Cindy Adams, television executive Brandon Tartikoff and sports commentator Dick Schaap.

Houses along Whaley Street in Freeport, which sports an eclectic... — Houses along Whaley Street in Freeport, which sports an eclectic mix of home styles. Credit: Steve Pfost

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are two condos, priced at $400,000 and $625,000, and 16 co-ops, priced between $125,000 and $439,000, on the market.

SALE PRICES Between March. 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, there were 310 home sales with a median sale price of $510,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 358 home sales with a median sale price of $494,500.

OTHER STATS

Population 44,210

Median age 39.2

Median home value $527,500

Monthly LIRR ticket from Freeport $287

School districts. graduation rates Freeport (90.3%), some attend Baldwin (94.8%) or Roosevelt (84.8%)

Libraries Freeport, some visit Baldwin or Roosevelt

Transit NICE Transit Routes 4, 4x, 19, 40, 41, 43

Sources: 2021 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov

ON THE MARKET

$2.29 million

This new 3,200-square-foot home has three beds, 3½ baths, 10-foot ceilings and an open floor plan. Features include radiant heating throughout, a kitchen with two islands, a wet bar with wine fridge, an elevator and a primary suite with a private deck overlooking the water. Set on 0.42 acre, the fenced-in property includes five deep water boat slips, a swimming pool and attached two-car garage. Taxes are $21,618. Flood insurance is $600. Joseph Scavo, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-621-3555.

$799,990

At 2,549 square feet, this waterfront Colonial contains five beds, 2½ baths, hardwood floors, kitchen/dining room with tiled ceiling and brick walls and a jacuzzi/exercise room. Updates include new stucco, HVAC, refinished floors and kitchen cabinets and new bathroom tiles. The 0.2-acre property has a deck with gas barbecue hookup, floating boat dock, boardwalk and detached three-car garage. Taxes are $16,638. Jaime Aguilar, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 516-302-8500.

$750,000

This updated 2,144-square-foot expanded split level home contains four bedrooms, two bathrooms, hardwood floors, a living room with vaulted ceiling and a sunken den. Recent updates include kitchen appliances, gas burner, hot water heater, central air conditioning, electric panel, roof and siding. The 0.23-acre property has a large backyard with paver patio and deck and attached 2½-car garage. Taxes are $13,258. Nicholas Pappas, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 631-673-6800.

RECENTLY SOLD

$940,000

N. Bergen Place

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3

Built 2023

Lot size 0.14 acre

Taxes TBD

+/- List price -$9,000

Days on market 56

$625,000