Island Park housing market was victimized by Sandy
Waterfront homes are the norm in Island Park, but many were hit hard by superstorm Sandy. (Nov. 15, 2013) Credit: Barry Sloan
THE SCOOP Often referred to as close-knit, Island Park is composed of a village and two hamlets: Harbor Isle, separated by water, to the west; and Barnum Island, with marsh views, to the east.
"Island Park has a small-town feel, where everyone knows everyone," says resident Michael Scully, broker of Century 21 Scully Realty. "It's a nice, quiet community," adds resident Anna D'Amaro, co-owner of Sea Coast Real Estate.
Hard hit by superstorm Sandy, Island Park is "bouncing back," Scully says. Though work is still to be done, the Island Park Chamber of Commerce recently hosted 19 grand re-openings, Scully adds. Hempstead Town efforts have ranged from waiving permit fees for damaged homes to making repairs. In 2014, the town will embark on a $2 million bulkhead refurbishment program along the water, says spokesman Mike Deery.
While many houses have been rehabilitated, about a quarter of the population is still not home, D'Amaro says. She also notes that first-time home buyers are taking advantage of breaking into the community. National Grid's power plant on the outskirts of Island Park helps subsidize the school tax, agents say.
The housing stock offers a mix of single-family homes, condominiums and rental opportunities.
CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES Four listings, $289,000 to $749,000
SALES PRICE From Sept. 1, 2012, to Nov. 15, 2013, there were 58 sales with a median price of $318,750, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $70,000, and the high was $630,000. From Sept. 1, 2011, to Nov. 15, 2012, there were 50 sales. The median price was $333,000, with a low of $102,500 and a high of $1,214,200.
ATTRACTIONS Masone Beach; Shell Creek Park; annual events include San Gennaro Feast and a Greek Festival.
MORE ISLAND PARK STATS
Town: Hempstead
Area: Barnum Island, 0.9 square mile; Harbor Isle, 1.75-square miles; Island Park Village, 0.4 square mile
ZIP code: 11558
Population: Barnum Island, 2,438; Harbor Isle, 1,401; Island Park Village, 4,646
Median age: Barnum Island 48.5; Harbor Isle, 40.9; Island Park Village, 45.5
Median household income: Barnum Island, $84,934; Harbor Isle, $136,625; Island Park Village, $62,454
Median home value: $305,500
LIRR time to NYC: 44 to 53 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket: $276
School district: Island Park. High school students choose between Long Beach and West Hempstead.
SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR;
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI
