Buying in Franklin Square

THE SCOOP Observations regarding Franklin Square are consistent -- and optimistic: "People are investing again into their homes," says Louis Tullo of Century 21 Maridon Realty, adding, "You can see it as you drive up and down neighborhood blocks."

JoAnn Pepe, a resident and agent of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, agrees: "You see a lot of Capes getting dormered and ranches adding a second floor."

A lot of folks from Queens are choosing Franklin Square, which is almost on the borough's border, local agents say. What they find is a community traditionally described as "family oriented," with shops and restaurants, a popular park and easy access to Manhattan and Kennedy Airport.

Over the past five years, the town completed several streetscape projects, including one along Hempstead Turnpike, says spokesman Mike Deery. Recent enhancements include new brick walks, benches, decorative streetlights and facade improvements along portions of Dogwood Avenue.

Neighborhoods are dominated by Capes and ranches and some Colonials. The waiting list for affordable senior housing is long, Deery says.

CO-OPS Four listed between $369,000 and $399,999

RENTALS The average house rental (many with options to buy) is about $2,500 a month, Tullo says.

SALES PRICE The numbers are up: Since February 2010, there were 163 sales with a median price of $395,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $230,000, and the high was $670,000. From February 2009 to January 2010, there were 124 sales. The median price was $392,925, with a low of $152,000 and a high of $690,000.

ATTRACTIONS Rath Park on Fenworth Boulevard offers swimming pools, a playground, a picnic area, playing fields and courts. The historical society is building a museum in the park. Annual events include the Strawberry Festival, which scheduled for June 12 this year.

Other stats

Town: Hempstead

Area: 2.9 square miles

ZIP code: 11010

Population: 30,530

Median age: 42.6

Median household income: 79,896

Median home value: $401,000*

LIRR time to NYC: From Stewart Manor, 37 minutes to 45 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $223

School district: Most students go to Franklin Square; others attend Valley Stream 13. St. Catherine of Sienna Elementary School has an early childhood program and a curriculum through seventh grade.

SOURCES: Census estimates; www.mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road

*Based on sales in the past six months, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island