Buying a house in Blue Point

The South Shore community of Blue Point is like "a time capsule," says Tom Ruddy, who grew up there and owns Saltbox Realty in Bayport. "It's a sleepy little hamlet . . . very pretty and countryesque," agrees Barbara Leogrande of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Downtown Blue Point is dotted by a 1929 two-story brick elementary school, a firehouse, a public library, a deli, a liquor store and a small cemetery, Ruddy says.

At the end of Blue Point Avenue is Corey Beach, a lifeguard-protected beach where there's also a playground, a concession stand and gazebo. Next to the beach is Blue Point Marina, with a boat ramp and fishing pier. "It's a great place to go to recharge your batteries," Ruddy says.

Flo's Luncheonette, on the corner of Corey Beach and Middle Road, "is iconic," Leogrande says. (This location is seasonal and closes in September.) Other popular haunts are TJ's on the Bay and Blue Point Bistro and Grille.

"What this community offers is a little slice of Americana," Leogrande says. "Its townspeople and character are pure Norman Rockwell," Ruddy echoes.

Plus Bayport-Blue Point High School was named one of America's top high schools in Newsweek's 2015 Top 500 Public High Schools rankings, notes Andrea Casey of Century 21 Bays Edge Realty.

As for housing, there is a large variety of entry-level homes priced in the $300,000s, as well as a luxury market with properties $750,000 and higher, Leogrande says. There's a lot of waterfront for boaters who want canal access, adds Casey. Buyers can find vintage-style homes dating to the early 1900s and recently built houses. A new five-lot subdivision on a cul-de-sac will comprise three model Colonials between 2,500 square feet and 3,100 square feet, priced from $799,000 to $1.495 million, says listing agent Caroline Sweezey of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES. Seven listings between $389,000 and $597,000

SALES PRICES. The numbers are up. From July 1, 2014, to Aug. 15, 2015, there were 53 sales with a median price of $365,000. The low price was $149,625 and the high was $940,000. During the same time period from 2013 to 2014, there were 49 sales. The median price was $360,000, with a low of $95,000 and a high of $700,000.

ATTRACTIONS. Boating, clamming, fishing, beaches.

FAMOUS FOR OYSTERS. In the 19th century, oysters harvested here in the Great South Bay were distributed worldwide and were said to be Queen Victoria's favorite.

OTHER STATS

Town: Brookhaven

Area: 1.8 square miles

ZIP code: 11715

Population: 4,773

Median age: 43.8

Median household income: $103,068

Median home value: $317,000*

LIRR time to NYC: 1 hour, 23 minutes to 1 hour, 45 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $377

School district: Bayport-Blue Point

Sources: 2010 census; mlsli.com; LIRR;
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI

ON MULTIPLE LISTINGS

Number of houses: 34

Price range: $199,900 to $1,495,000

Tax range: $5,841 to $26,166

RECENTLY SOLD

BLUE POINT AVENUE, $462,500

On the market 48 days, this seven-room house with a covered front porch sold last month for $16,500 below the original asking price of $479,000. Built in 2007 on a .20-acre parcel, the house has wood floors, crown moldings, recessed lighting and a gas fireplace. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Central air-conditioning and in-ground sprinklers are among the amenities. Taxes are $10,824.

EATONDALE AVENUE, $360,000

With an original asking price of $389,000, this six-room ranch, which sold last month, was on the market 68 days. Set on a 103-by-140-foot lot, the updated house is fashioned with wood floors, crown molding, recessed lighting and a fireplace. Built in 1965, it has three bedrooms and one bathroom. Amenities include central air-conditioning, a finished basement and in-ground sprinklers. Taxes are $10,290.

BURCHELL STREET, $306,000

Last month, this six-room cape sold for $3,000 below the original asking price of $309,000. It was on the market 13 days. Freshly painted, the updated house with wood floors and recessed lighting has a new roof and Andersen windows, as well as four bedrooms and two bathrooms. It was built in 1956 on a 100-by-110-foot lot. Taxes are $9,346.

NOW ON THE MARKET

Starter, $299,990

This five-room ranch on a .15-acre lot has a living room, a kitchen with a dining area, two bedrooms and one bathroom. There are wood floors and air conditioning. Taxes are $5,841. Kyle Ruddy, Saltbox Realty, 631-472-3300.

Trade-up, $599,000

Expanded and renovated, this 1911 home on a 150-by-100-foot lot with an in-ground pool offers wood floors, crown molding, a fireplace, an updated kitchen, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Taxes are $14,078. Linda Hickey, Hickey & Smith Realtors, 631-751-4488.

High-end, $935,000

Set on 2.08 acres with an in-ground pool with a waterfall, this 3,800-square-foot, custom-designed ranch features stone columns, a fireplace, three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a half-bath, as well as a wine cellar. Taxes are $20,003. Andrea Casey and Richard Paruolo, Century 21 Bays Edge Realty, 516-971-9069.