Bay Shore turning into thriving South Shore destination, driven by schools, downtown, waterfront
Main Street in Bay Shore, which once had vacancies, now boasts several new establishments. Credit: Danielle Silverman
THE SCOOP
Bay Shore, particularly the downtown area, has experienced a long-in-coming transformation that’s turned it into a hip, robust, and fun culinary destination.
The revitalization of Bay Shore “has been a work in progress for many, many years,” says Angie Carpenter, Islip Town supervisor. “It’s been pretty neat for me to see it come together.” Carpenter, who was a county legislator 26 years ago, knew Bay Shore when Main Street had vacancies, an X-rated movie theater, a methadone clinic and the like. These locations have been replaced by the Bolton Center for the Performing Arts, professional office buildings and what had been the Touro School of Health Sciences, which was recently sold to a developer who has plans for a new apartment complex, Carpenter says. Other improvements in the community include the rehabilitation of the Bay Shore Marina, a paved bikeway connecting the LIRR station to the Great South Bay, and Shipwreck Cove Spray Park, to name a few.
Gardiner County Park in Bay Shore on March 28. Bay Shore is turning into a prominent South Shore community. Credit: Danielle Silverman
The waterfront, the school district and a hopping downtown are some aspects of Bay Shore that are turning it into a prominent South Shore community and destination, according to Eric Ramsay of Eric G. Ramsay Jr. Assoc. “You can jump in your boat or take a ferry and head to the Fire Island communities." The school district has strong athletic, music and drama programs and the same for its advanced placement and international baccalaureate programs, says Ramsay, a 2015 graduate.
Main Street in Bay Shore. Revtalization is turning Bay Shore into a hip destination. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Home sales are active, according to Ramsay. “The inventory sells quickly, especially those priced between $300,000 and $400,00. They sell either immediately or at bid-up prices,” he says.
The LakeHouse, a restaurant on Maple Avenue, was named one of Newsday’s Top 100 Restaurants in 2019.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS
There are 14 condos and/or co-ops on the market ranging in price from $129,900 to $699,999.
SALE PRICES
Between March 1, 2019, and March 17, 2020, there were 559 home sales with a median sale price of $370,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. The low price for that period was $165,000 and the high was $1,995,000. During that period a year earlier there were 540 home sales with a median sale price of $336,750. The price range was $26,500 (an auction sale) to $1,825,000.
OTHER STATS
Town Islip
Area square miles 5.3
ZIP code 11706
Population 26,337
Median age 34.7
Median household income $80,123
Median home value $375,000*
LIRR Monthly ticket $405
School district Bay Shore, Brentwood and Islip
Graduation rate 89%
Nearest hospitals Southside Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, West Islip
Malls Westfield South Shore
Suffolk County Police precinct Third
Annual events Hispanic Day Parade, Seafood Festival, Northwell Health Great South Bay Run, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Alive by the Bay summer festival series.
Transportation Suffolk County Transit, 631-852-5200
SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR, healthgrades.com, data.nysed.gov, Newsday FunBook
*Based on 242 sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI
NOW ON THE MARKET
Listed for $1,275,000, this four-bedroom, 3½-bathrooom home in Bay Shore was built in 2007. Credit: Jeannie Calarcio
$1,275,000
Size is king in this 5,088-square-foot home which features four bedrooms and 3½ bathrooms and is on a .88-acre waterfront lot. With an open concept design on the first floor, the second floor offers an exercise room and bay views from the master suite. The backyard is resort-worthy with an in-ground pool, a hot tub with a pergola and outdoor fireplace. Taxes are $33,937. Eric G. Ramsay, Eric G. Ramsay Jr. Assoc., 631-665-1500.
This three-bedroom, 2½-bathroom split-level home in Bay Shore was built in 1953 and is on the market for $750,000. Credit: Sandy Stelmach.
$750,000
On the market for less than eight weeks and ready to provide a boating lifestyle this summer, this three-bedroom, 2½-bathroom split-level home comes with 166 feet of a cut-in bulkhead complete with lights, power and water. The 1953 home went through a large renovation and expansion in 2007 and left room for more. Taxes are $19,776. Matthew Price, Signature Premier Properties, 631-835-6519.
This two-bedroom, one-bathroom Cape in Bay Shore, built in 1974, is priced at $294,999. Credit: David Jaramillo
$294,999
Described as “better than a condo,” this two-bedroom, one-bath Cape is on a 25-by-125-foot lot and sports a new roof and a new gas boiler. Built in 1974, it is off Brentwood Road and close to Sunrise Highway. Taxes are $5,834. Maria Mancia, David Jaramillo, Realty Connect USA, 631-562-3047
$995,000
Address Gardiner Drive
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 4½
Built 1974
Lot size 205x220
Taxes $26,623
+/- list price -$85,000
Days on the market 130
$600,000
Address Castle Lane
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 1957
Lot size .62 acre
Taxes $12,405
+/- list price -$29,000
Days on the market 69
$460,000
Address Pennsylvania Avenue
Style High ranch
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3
Built 1950
Lot size 103x109
Taxes $8,138
+/- list price -$19,000
Days on the market 144
On Multiple Listing Service
Number of listings 117
Price range $85,000 to $2,199,999
Tax range $4,200 to $45,700
