Buying in Southold

THE SCOOP

Southold, a 10.4-square-mile hamlet on Suffolk County's North Fork, provides a lifestyle that's "simple, beachy and kind," says Peggy Van Gorden of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty. Van Gorden has lived in Southold for more than 20 years and says that she, like many residents, moved there because the peaceful, residential community reminded her of the way she grew up. There's a simpler pace of life in Southold, Van Gorden says, and time seems to move a little slower in a town that just celebrated its 375th birthday.

Van Gorden calls Southold "the entrance to everything the North Fork has to offer." She says you are never more than three minutes away from any of the hamlet's beaches, and new restaurants and boutiques are popping up alongside old favorites like the Country View Farm Stand -- a family-owned business that's been selling local produce and pies for three generations.

Southold is home to Arshamomaque Pond Preserve, where residents can enjoy everything from hiking to canoeing and water skiing. But it's more than just a recreational spot. The Town of Southold says it has been recognized as "one of the most valuable and productive coastal and marine ecosystems in the nation." The preserve includes 54 acres of woodlands, vernal ponds, tidal wetlands and open meadows that are home to a great variety of plants and animals.

Another spot to enjoy Southold's landscape is Sound View Dunes Park -- 57 acres of beach, dunes, wetland and forest habitats where residents can pursue fishing, bird-watching and nature photography in addition to hiking trails with a view.

CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES

There are nine condos on the market ranging in price from $345,000 to $870,000.

SALES PRICE

Between Sept. 1, 2014, and Oct. 10, 2015, there were 134 home sales, with a median sale price of $517,500, according to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. The low price for that period was $245,000, and the high was $7,400,000. From Sept. 1, 2013 to Oct. 10, 2014, there 127 home sales, with a median sale price of $506,000. The low price was $225,000 and the high price was $2,525,000. .

SCHOOLS In 2014, 40 percent of students graduated with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, according to a New York State Education Department website. That's up from 27 percent in 2013.

OTHER STAT

STown Southold

Area 10.4 square miles

ZIP code 11971

Population 21,968

Median age 51.2

Median household income $82,657

Median home value $485,000*

LIRR time to NYC From Southold, 2 hours, 40 minutes; one train during peak hours

Monthly ticket $485

School district Southold

SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR; *Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLION MULTIPLE LISTINGS

Number of houses 92

Price range $329,000-$2,600,000

Tax range $3,782-$27,000

RECENTLY SOLD

$1,450,000, Brook Lane

After 163 days on the market, this Postmodern sold for $325,000 less than its asking price of $1,775,000. The 1992 home, renovated in 2012, offers four en suite bedrooms and a total of 6 1/2 baths. The eat-in kitchen opens to a great room with a stone fireplace. Amenities include a barroom and theater, decorative moldings and hardwood floors. The .93-acre property is on a cul-de-sac and features a deck, covered porch, four-car attached garage and a two-car detached garage with a loft. It comes with dock and beach rights. Taxes are $19,879.

$725,500, Chablis Path

This four-bedroom home sold for $30,500 more than its asking price after 64 days on the market. The traditional home was built in 1996 and offers 2 1/2 baths, an eat-in granite kitchen, a formal dining room, a living room and den. Other amenities include an enclosed sunroom with a hot tub, hardwood floors and a full basement with an outside entrance. The .92-acre property features an in-ground, saltwater pool, patio pavers and a two-car garage. Taxes are $9,077.

$367,500, Youngs Avenue

With an original asking price of $375,000, this two-bedroom bungalow sold after 88 days on the market. The 1927 home offers one full bathroom, a formal dining room, a living room with a fireplace, hardwood floors, a mudroom and a full basement. There's a porch, patio and detached garage on the .12-acre property, which comes with beach rights and deeded dock rights. Taxes are $4,413.

NOW ON THE MARKET

Starter, $345,000

This two-bedroom cottage has one full bathroom, an eat-in kitchen, a living room and a full basement with outside entrance. The .17-acre property has a deck and 1-1/2-car garage and offers what the agent calls "peek-a-boo" views of Arshamomaque Pond. Taxes are $3,928. Mariah Mills, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, 631-965-2557

Trade-up, $745,000

This three-bedroom ranch has two full baths, a country kitchen with granite counters, a formal dining room and a living room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. There's a porch and deck on the .86-acre property, which comes with beach rights and is on a corner lot. Taxes are $8,500. Barry Novick and Nancy Cervelli, The Corcoran Group, 631-384-6524 and 631-680-2296

High-end, $1,650,000

This waterfront home offers an open floor plan with four bedrooms, three full baths, an eat-in kitchen, dining room, great room with fireplace, family room and office. The .80-acre property has a deck, porch and two-car garage and comes with beach rights and deeded dock rights. Taxes are $20,500. Marie Beninati, Beninati Associates, 631-235-8980