Merrick: Schools, activities, convenience draw homebuyers, families

Merrick features a variety of home styles, including Mediterranean-style houses,... — Merrick features a variety of home styles, including Mediterranean-style houses, like these along Lincoln Boulevard. Credit: Rick Kopstein

By Frank LoveceSpecial to NewsdayApril 1, 2024

THE SCOOP A close-knit South Shore hamlet particularly attractive to young families, Merrick sports great schools and access to public amenities. While residents pay relatively high taxes, locals say you get what you pay for.

With mostly mom-and-pop stores and virtually no large retailers, "We are very limited with our commercial tax structure to bring down the taxes," observed lifelong Merokian Doug Mills, 60. Since age 19, Mills has owned the commercial-print operation Printing Emporium at three locations here and has held leadership positions in civic organizations.

"So, yes, it might have high taxes, but the benefits are definitely there," said Mills.

Cammanns Pond Park offers shoreline fishing for white perch and... — Cammanns Pond Park offers shoreline fishing for white perch and American eel. Credit: Rick Kopstein

Primarily that means what he calls — echoing wide sentiment — "exceptional schools... Every year they just raise the bar as to what these kids can achieve." Parents, many of whom move to Merrick specifically for the school districts, "are very supportive. I mean, there's not a seat available when the kids do a concert," he said.

Merrick lies within the Town of Hempstead. With Camp Avenue demarcating it from North Merrick, a separate census-designated place, Merrick is bounded to the east by Newbridge Road, to the west by Meadowbrook State Parkway, and to the south by water, with Merrick Point jutting between Merrick Bay and East Bay. The Long Island Rail Road from Merrick to Penn Station is only about 45 minutes to an hour, generally.

Merrick Avenue is home to many of the community's small... — Merrick Avenue is home to many of the community's small businesses and eateries. Credit: Rick Kopstein

Three supermarkets serve the area — Foodtown, Stop & Shop and Trader Joe's — and "there are lots of boutiques and small shops all throughout Merrick Road and Merrick Avenue," the two main shopping thoroughfares, says Kim Scharoff, 48, president of the local Kiwanis Club. "And just about any type of cuisine you could look for."

While the only remaining movie house closed in 2022, the long-running Merrick Theatre and Center for the Arts offers community theater including the upcoming musical "Beauty and the Beast" in July.

Outdoor amenities include the Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve, a former landfill that was turned into a public park where visitors can greet goats, birdwatch and play at its public golf course.

"It has a great walking trail, and you can go up to the top and can see Manhattan on a good day," says Scharoff. "It has a place where kayaks can launch as well." Julian Lane Park has basketball, tennis and a playground. Cammanns Pond Park offers shoreline fishing for white perch and American eel. Private marinas fulfill boating needs.

Fun fact: The exterior of the Barone house in the hit sitcom "Everybody Loves Raymond" is in Merrick, with his parents Frank and Marie's home across the street.

Homes along Byron Road in Merrick. Credit: Rock Kopstein

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are no condos or co-ops on the market.

SALE PRICES Between March. 1, 2023, and Feb. 29, 2024, there were 262 home sales with a median sale price of $830,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 350 home sales with a median sale price of $818,500.

OTHER STATS

Population 21,004

Median age 42.9

Median home value $775,000

School districts, graduation rates Merrick or North Merrick grades K-6, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District grades 7-12 (96%)

Libraries Merrick, North Merrick

Monthly LIRR ticket from Merrick $287

Transit NICE Bus Route 19

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

ON THE MARKET

$1.5 million

Built in 1953, this two-story, five-bedroom brick home with natural-gas heating and central air conditioning has three full baths and one half-bath. Its full basement is partially finished, and the house has a two-car attached garage. Yearly taxes on the 0.2-acre property are $26,416. Philip O. Fatta, Nest Seekers International, 516-316-6581

$819,000

With nearly 3,000 square feet of living area, this five-bedroom, four-bath split-level home includes a den/family room and a formal dining room. Its ensuite master bedroom has a walk-in closet. Outside are a redwood deck and a brick patio. Annual taxes on the 0.17-acre property are $18,738. Susan Lombardi, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-456-6644

$495,000

One of Merrick's few homes priced below $500,000, this cozy, 840-square-foot Cape sits on 0.09 acre. With two bedrooms and one bath, it "needs some tlc but great bones," said the listing. Annual taxes are $12,363.48. Rashid Valladares, Vylla Home, 888-575-2773

RECENTLY SOLD

$2.6 million

Shore Drive

Style Mediterranean

Bedrooms 6

Bathrooms 5½

Built 2008

Lot size 0.16 acre

Taxes $36,187

+/- List price -$75,000

Days on market 74

$1.5 million