Westhampton Beach: Wildlife, beaches, development draw buyers

Main Street is home to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center,... — Main Street is home to Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, one of two theaters in the community. Credit: Tom Lambui

By Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayUpdated April 10, 2024

THE SCOOP Abundant beauty, glorious beaches and magnificent wildlife make Westhampton Beach a lovely place to live, said Daniel Whooley, an agent with Kerrigan Country Realty and 50-year resident of the village.

As the most westerly Hamptons hamlet, the village has become increasingly popular with New York City residents, said Whooley, noting that the village boasts two theaters: Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center and the Hampton Arts Cinema.

The fact that Westhampton Beach's Main Street is not on Montauk Highway is also a plus — "whereas all the other towns, you pretty much drive through them and therefore that traffic can get backed up quite easily," said Whooley.

Main Street is home to many of Westhampton Beach's shops... — Main Street is home to many of Westhampton Beach's shops and eateries. Credit: Tom Lambui

Newly approved developments in the village include 22 single-family homes, a 45-unit multifamily complex that includes seven affordable units and a 37-unit multifamily development, said Westhampton Beach Mayor Ralph Urban, who's lived in the village for more than 60 years. The village is also considering an application for a 16-unit development on Old Riverhead Road.

"All of these are walkable to the railroad station in Westhampton Beach," said Urban.

Jessup Lane Bridge is one of two connecting Westhampton Beach to Dune Road. Credit: Tom Lambui

A multimillion-dollar wastewater treatment project, expected to be completed in May, will connect everyone in the village to the sewer.

"That's in an effort to clean up the bays, the waterways and the environment," Urban said.

Deer graze along on Dune Road. Credit: Tom Lambui

Westhampton Beach had for years borne the brunt of some of the strongest storms to hit the northeast, as in September 1938, when 15-foot waves from the "Long Island Express" buried streets in up to 6 feet of water and destroyed 153 of 179 summer homes.

In 1997, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed a protective beach berm and dune to withstand the impacts of storms. Over the years, the Corps has reinforced the area to ensure its lasting integrity.

Rogers Beach on Dune Road overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: Tom Lambui

As in other coastal communities, Westhampton Beach has been impacted by more storm surges due to climate change, causing more frequent flooding at the marina and other areas, noted Urban.

"We have been working on an LWRP, which is a local waterfront revitalization plan, for almost two years now," said Urban, adding that once the state completes its review, the village will be eligible for funding for remediation projects.

Buyers will find traditional Hamptons cedar shake, postmodern and ultra-modern homes, with current prices ranging from just under $500,000 to more than $10 million.

"You go down Dune Road and you have the widest variety of styles," said Whooley, noting that while homes are getting bigger, construction is regulated by an architectural review board that keeps track of setbacks, proximity to dunes and other building restrictions.

Dune Road is home to a variety of oceanfront home... — Dune Road is home to a variety of oceanfront home styles, many of them in the multimillion-dollar price range. Credit: Tom Lambui

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are six condos, priced between $750,000 and $2.099 million, and two co-ops, priced at $329,000 and $495,000, on the market.

SALE PRICES Between April 1, 2023, and March 31, 2024, there were 63 home sales with a median sale price of $1.45 million, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 67 home sales with a median sale price of $1.6 million.

OTHER STATS

Population 2,344

Median age 52.2

Median home value $2,599,500

Monthly LIRR ticket from Westhampton $468

School district, graduation rate Westhampton (89.2%)

Library Westhampton

Transit N/A

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

ON THE MARKET

$8.499 million

This $8.5 million Westhampton Beach home overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. Credit: EPM Real Estate Photography/Kyle Porterfield

This five-level contemporary waterfront home boasts around 4,000 square feet, five bedrooms, 5½ baths, multiple terraces and a rooftop deck. Updates include a new roof, windows, central air, on-demand hot water, full-house generator, hardwood floors and office with mahogany built-ins. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, the 0.51-acre property has a deck, pool and attached two-car garage. Taxes are $55,276. Sean Manning, Signature Premier Properties, 631-728-1900

$4.999 million

This nearly $5 million Westhampton Beach home sits on one... — This nearly $5 million Westhampton Beach home sits on one acre. Credit: Eric Media/Eric Micallef

This 5,183-square-foot Nantucket-style home features six bedrooms and 4½ baths — three of which were recently updated. It sports wood beamed and slatted ceilings and gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, wet bar and oversized copper island. The 1-acre property has a brick covered patio, built-in barbecue, pool and hot tub. Taxes are $32,622. Patrick McCooey and Alexander Olivieri, Compass Greater NY, 888-717-2676

$2 million

This renovated 3,736-square-foot post-modern home has four bedrooms, 4½ baths, hardwood floors, chef's kitchen with double wall ovens and two separate laundry areas. The 0.66-acre property includes a detached two-car garage with radiant heat, full bathroom and finished upstairs. A deck with outdoor kitchen features a swimming pool and built-in fire pit. Taxes are $7,074. Daniel Whooley, Kerrigan Country Realty, 631-288-9600

RECENTLY SOLD

$6 million

Stacy Drive

Style Postmodern

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 5½

Built 1997

Lot size 1.22 acre

Taxes $35,554

+/- List price -$400,000

Days on market 115

$2.799 million