Melville's thriving mix of commercial, residential

Malaya Vega, 20 months old, of Manhattan, with her dad,... — Malaya Vega, 20 months old, of Manhattan, with her dad, Roberto, enjoys a ride on a pony named Pancha at White Post Farms. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

By Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayUpdated May 24, 2022

THE SCOOP A former farming community, Melville is a thriving commercial and residential hamlet whose farming roots are still evident in the horse farms in the West Hills area and at the perennially popular White Post Farms.

From 1909 to 1919, a trolley traversed Route 110, and was shuttered only after farmers complained that the noise disturbed their livestock.

Today, the area is known for the 110 corridor, a 16-mile stretch with a section in Melville that includes office parks, the headquarters for Canon, Henry Schein and other major corporations, and an Amazon facility under construction.

Route 110 has many shopping and dining options. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

The corridor is ever expanding, with a range of businesses that includes a swath known as Furniture Alley, and a fair number of restaurants, all of which contribute significantly to the area’s tax base, says David Gustin, president of the Melville Chamber of Commerce.

“The 110/Broadhollow Road corridor connects Amityville to Melville to Huntington, as one of the most populated areas of the Suffolk community,” says Gustin.

But Melville isn’t only corporate office parks and places to shop.

Houses along East Lyons Street. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

Calling Melville “a beautiful and peaceful neighborhood,” Nikki Perri, an agent with Signature Premier Properties, says, “You will immediately notice the wide, tree-lined streets. This neighborhood is perfectly located near restaurants, shopping, parks, and is only a short drive to some of Long Island's most beautiful beaches.”

In addition to several gated communities, there are many Colonials and ranches and a few contemporary homes in the area, with prices starting in the mid $500,000s and going up to about $5 million.

A sculpture depicting community at Sweet Hollow Park, which has... — A sculpture depicting community at Sweet Hollow Park, which has a playground and athletic courts. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

The hamlet is also home to BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, a sprawling, ornate Hindu temple that opened in 2016.

Melville’s central location and proximity to the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State, Sagtikos and Southern State parkways is a big plus, notes Town of Huntington Supervisor Ed Smyth.

“If you’re a commuter, it’s a great place because you have very easy access to the major east-west and north-south arteries on Long Island,” he says.

Homes along Hill and Tree Court. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are 20 condos and no co-ops on the market.

SALE PRICES Between March 31, 2021, and April 30, 2022, there were 166 home sales with a median sale price of $686,000, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $300,000 and the high was $4.5 million. During that period a year earlier there were 194 home sales with a median sale price of $725,000. The price range was $329,500 to $4.5 million.

OTHER STATS

Town Huntington

Area 12.1 square miles

ZIP code 11747

Population 19,284

Median age 48.4

Median household income $111,734

Median home value $687,500

Monthly LIRR ticket from Farmingdale $277

School districts, graduation rates Half Hollow Hills (95%), South Huntington (93%)

Parks West Hills County Park, Sweet Hollow Park

Libraries Half Hollow Hills, South Huntington

Hospitals Plainview Hospital, Syosset Hospital

Transit Suffolk County Transit Routes S1, SC

SOURCES: 2020 Census; 2019 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS; LIRR, data.nysed.gov

NOW ON THE MARKET

$2.695 million

At approximately 5,600 square feet, this eight-bedroom, 6½-bath Colonial built in 2011 features a large wraparound porch, double front-hall staircase, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings and a home theater. The 2.47-acre property includes a circa 1800 four-bedroom, two-bath cottage that was renovated in 2007, a four-stall barn being used as a two-car garage, in-ground pool and basketball court. Taxes are $33,161. Christian Mateyunas, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, 631-754-3400.

$1.6 million

This 5,400-square-foot Victorian built in 2006 has four bedrooms, five bathrooms, an expansive bluestone front porch, front and back stairs, custom kitchen, Brazilian cherrywood floors and second-floor game room. The 0.88-acre property has an attached three-car garage with access to a finished basement, which has a second kitchen. Taxes are $31,404. Nikki Perri, Signature Premier Properties, 516-785-0100.

$959,000

Inspired by Buckminster Fuller’s architecture, this dome-shaped home has curved walls with sound-barrier insulation, four bedrooms, including one with a wood-beamed ceiling and loft, and three bathrooms. Built in 1985, the approximately 3,300-square-foot home includes a legal one-bedroom apartment. Zoned for horses, the 1½-acre property has a separate structure used as a reading room, which doesn’t have a certificate of occupancy. Taxes are $18,651. Steven Macchia, I P E Realty, 631-773-6161.

RECENTLY SOLD
$2.4 million

Legends Circle

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 4½

Built 2003

Lot size 1.63 acres

Taxes $37,839

+/- List price Sold at asking

Days on market 154

$920,000

Rivendell Ct.