If you want to buy in Seaford
THE SCOOP Situated on the South Shore near Jones Beach, Seaford is a haven for boaters, say many residents. "There are community beaches with boat ramps and a ton of marinas," says resident and Hempstead Town spokeswoman Susan Trenkle-Pokalsky.
There's a good number of canal-front homes, too -- some with bulkheads and floating docks, adds resident Lois Fogal of Century 21 AA Realty, noting the area is popular for its waterfront dining.
Residents have easy access to a few major roadways and highways, including the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. Shops, services and eateries can be found along Merrick Road, as well as on Jerusalem Avenue, Hicksville Road and Sunrise Highway.
Merrick Road underwent a beautification program in the past decade that included the installment of Victorian streetlamps. Other community enhancements include those that took place at Seamans Neck Park, which now has turf playing fields, brick walkways, gazebos and a refurbished fishing pier, says town spokesman Mike Deery.
Buyers can find a mix of housing styles, including Colonials, Capes, split-levels, ranches and high-ranches. Waterfront prices can range from the mid- to upper-$300,000s to the $900,000s.
RENTALS A monthly house rental can range between $1,900 and $2,500, Fogal says.
SALES PRICE From Oct. 1, 2010, to Nov. 15, 2011, there were 142 sales with a median sales price of $368,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $115,000 and the high was $950,000. From Sept. 1, 2009, to Sept. 30, 2010, there were 147 sales. The median price was $410,000 with a low of $60,000 (for a waterfront cottage in disrepair) and a high of $860,000.
ATTRACTIONS Cedar Creek Park offers playing fields and a dog run; Tackapausha Museum (closed for renovation) and Preserve on Washington Avenue; events include the Hot Chocolate Run/Walk scheduled Dec. 3.
OTHER STATS
Town Hempstead
Area 2.6 square miles
ZIP code 11783
Population 15,294
Median age 42.5
Median household income $100,227
Median home value $372,500*
LIRR time to NYC 44 minutes to 60 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket $254
School districts Seaford, Levittown, Plainedge, Island Trees
SOURCES 2010 Census; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road;
*Based on sales in the past six months according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island