Beaches, downtown shopping make Bridgehampton inviting

Since Bridgehampton is centrally located on the South Fork, it often serves as a meeting place, says Jeanine Edington of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "People are always congregating there," Edington adds, noting the hamlet is known for its restaurants.

Bobby Van's Steakhouse, Pierre's and Fresh Hamptons are popular choices, while the restaurant in the recently restored Topping Rose House, a luxury hotel, is hot, too, says Janet Hummel, managing partner of Town & Country Real Estate's Bridgehampton office.

Like the other Hamptons, Bridgehampton has beaches and a downtown that invites strolling. But, Hummel says, "The vibe is different from other Hamptons . . . It's a more horse-y, farm-y vibe." The Hampton Classic horse show is held each year at Sayre Park. This year from Aug. 24 to 31.

The hamlet is also home to Bridgehampton Commons, where stores include King Kullen, Williams-Sonoma and Kmart. "It's an unHamptons thing to have a mall, but it's set back from the road, so it's discreet," Edington says.

Housing styles range from classic cedar shingle to contemporary. Lots of new homes, often replacing existing ones, are sprouting up, says Maxine Hirt of Town & Country Real Estate. Currently, the least expensive waterfront property is listed for $9 million, Edington says.

RENTALS: August rentals range from about $15,000 to about $600,000 for the month, Hummel says.

SALES PRICES: According to Town & Country Real Estate's 2014 second-quarter report, 57 homes sold with a median price of $2.125 million. Total sales volume was $170,008,920. In the second quarter of 2013, there were 59 sales with a median price of $2 million. Total sales volume was $190,102,980.

ATTRACTIONS: Mecox Beach and W. Scott Cameron Beach; many events are held at Sayre Park; Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival (bcmf.org); Children's Museum of the East End; the South Fork Natural History Museum and Nature Center; the trails at Long Pond Greenbelt, Brick Hill Preserve, Poxabogue Preserve and Sagg Swamp Nature Preserve.

MORE BRIDGEHAMPTON STATS

Town: Southampton

Area: 9.2 square miles

ZIP code: 11932

Population: 1,756

Median age: 54.7

Median household income: $81,528

Median home value: $2.125 million*

LIRR time to NYC: 2 hours and 30 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $466

Hampton Jitney Stop: Eastbound, in front of Bridgehampton Community House on Main Street; westbound is across the street.

School district: Bridgehampton

SOURCES: 2010 Census; LIRR;

*Second Quarter 2014 including Water Mill and Sagaponack, according to Town & Country Real Estate