Wantagh rich in history and architectural variety, big on preservation
People relax at the marina near Wantagh Park in Wantagh Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Known as "The Gateway to Jones Beach," Wantagh has a rich history and variety in its buildings and roads, from older landmarked structures to new development.
Originally named Jerusalem, the community’s past lives in its streets, cemeteries and church names, and the past is something its people take seriously.
A person relaxes in Wantagh Park in Wantagh Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
"We’re very big on preserving things," said Tom Watson, president of the Wantagh Preservation Society. "We don’t want a historical sign that says, ‘Here once stood.’"
Older buildings stand alongside newer development, including at least a half-dozen major apartment or condo complexes, Watson said. "It’s very architecturally diverse, it’s not cookie cutter," he said.
The neighborhood feels very much like a community, said Cathy McGrory Powell, president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce. "It’s home, it’s a place of real cooperation, [we] really care about each other," she said.
Businesses have worked together to help others throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, including buying restaurant gift cards so diners continue to patronize them, holding food drives and other charitable events. "We work with, we support each other," she said.
The scene on a basketball court near Wantagh Park in Wantagh Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
The 111-acre Wantagh Park boasts athletic fields and courts, a fitness trail, playground, picnic areas, min-golf, swimming, boating and fishing and a dog run. The Twin Lakes Preserve and Mill Pond Park, with its preserve and trail that wraps around the pond, offer more open space.
Homes near Wantagh Park in Wantagh Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Investments in the community include a $24 million renovation of Wantagh’s Long Island Rail Road station, adding platforms, elevator and more. Mount Sinai South Nassau has begun work for a new medical facility at 2020 Wantagh Ave.
Homes in the neighborhood are not only architecturally diverse but suitable for various budgets, said Steven Warshaw, of Realty Connect USA.
"The price point is good," for first-time homebuyers and "it’s a family-oriented area."
CONDOS AND CO-OPS
There are three condos on the market in Wantagh.
SALE PRICES
Between Aug. 31, 2019, and Sept. 1, 2020, there were 265 home sales with a median sale price of $540,000, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $320,000 and the high was $1,250,000. During that period a year earlier there were again 309 home sales with a median sale price of $520,000. The price range was $242,250 to $1,500,000.
OTHER STATS
Town Hempstead
Area square miles 3.8
Population: 18,078
Median age: 41.8
Median household income: $145,193
Median home value: $525,800
Monthly LIRR ticket: $308
School districts: Wantagh UFSD
SOURCES: U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey, OneKey MLS; LIRR
RECENTLY SOLD
$1,250,000
Address 3563 Manchester Rd
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 2½
Built 2019
Lot size 0.39 acre
Taxes To be assessed
+/- list price -$45,000
Days on market 97 days
$759,000
Address Edgerton Road
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2½
Built 1920
Lot size 0.18 acre
Taxes $19,172
+/- list price -$175,900
Days on market 378 days
$375,000
Address Tardy Lane
Style Expanded Ranch
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 2
Built 1952
Lot size 0.14 acre
Taxes $17,362
+/- list price -$49,900
Days on market 162 days
NOW ON THE MARKET
Located at 2464 Hempstead Lane in Wantagh and priced at $439,000, this two-bedroom, one-bath rom was built in 1928.......HOBUYING201023.... Credit: Jump Visual/Lois Thompson
$439,000
This waterfront bungalow on a dead-end street in Wantagh features two bedrooms, one bathroom and an open layout. Built in 1928, te house is close to all transportation and Merrick Road. Taxes are $9,200. John McSherry, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-307-9406.
Colonial four-bedroom in Wantagh is listed for $639,000. Credit: Debi Curtis
$639,000
This four-bedroom, 3½-bathroom Colonial at the end of a cul-de-sac in Wantagh sits on a 0.14-acre lot with a 20-by-40-foot in-ground pool and hardwood floors throughout. Taxes are $24,453 and in the process of being grieved. Amanda Lavender, Berkshire Hathaway, 516-835-2804.
$1,099,000
This newly constructed Colonial in Wantagh, which has a pending offer, features cathedral ceilings, five bedrooms, two bathrooms and a two-car garage. Sitting on a 0.18-acre lot, the house comes with a dine-in kitchen, full basement and 3,400 square feet of living space. Taxes are yet to be assessed. Laura Dupkin Memisha, Realty Advisors, 516-826-1111.
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 62
Price range $375,000 to $1,249,777
Tax range $10,385 to $11,715
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