Looking for a home in Bellmore?

With its vibrant downtown, popular annual events and recreational areas, the South Shore community of Bellmore has all the markings of a family-oriented community, local real estate agents say.

Revitalized Bedford Avenue is dotted by a multiplex theater, shops and eateries, including the popular Matteo's Restaurant. Margaret Biegmelman of Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Merrick describes the downtown district as "quaint."

"It gets a lot of activity, especially in the summer," adds resident Bonnie Goldstein, also of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Nearby, on Pettit Avenue, is Bellmore Movies (originally a vaudeville house), where live performances are staged.

Newbridge Road Park and Pool offers an indoor ice-skating rink, pools and baseball fields. Repairs are being made to the storm-damaged pool, says town spokesman Mike Deery, noting it will open on time this summer.

On the waterfront, two peninsulas are separated by a canal. Newbridge peninsula, which was developed first, has smaller split-levels and high-ranches, Goldstein says, noting many have been razed and supersized. Prices range from the $400,000s to more than $1 million. The East Bay peninsula, where prices start in the $500,000s, is dominated by splanches and Colonials. Inland, split-ranches, Colonials, high-ranches and split-levels generally are priced from the $400,000s to the $600,000s.

Goldstein says not all waterfront homes were damaged by superstorm Sandy. And while there is buying activity on the water, it's not as much as last year. "There are people who like the water and I think it will be in demand again," Goldstein says, adding, "It was such an unusual storm."

SALES PRICE In 2012, there were 108 sales with a median price of $381,250, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $145,000 and the high was $1,025,000. In 2011, there were 72 sales. The median price was $374,000 with a low of $180,000 and a high of $720,000.

ATTRACTIONS Annual events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores include the Bellmore Family Street Festival. Mill Pond Park is off Merrick Road; an enclosed bicycle locker is at the train station (free lockers awarded by lottery). For locker or town information, call the town, 516-489-6000.

BY THE NUMBERS

Town: Bellmore

Area: 2.5 square miles

ZIP code: 11710

Population: 16,591

Median age: 41.6

Median household income: $108,589

Median home value: $407,500*

LIRR time to NYC: 43 minutes to 55 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $254

School district: Bellmore; Bellmore-Merrick; North Bellmore

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

RECENT SALES

$925,000

Judith Drive: Last month, this bayfront split-ranch sold for $54,800 below the last asking price of $979,800. It was on the market 113 days. Built in 1972 on a 60-by-100-foot lot, the updated house features wood floors and a fireplace as well as four bedrooms and 41/2 bathrooms. Amenities include an in-ground pool, a new dock and bulkhead and a boat lift. Taxes are $28,967.

$348,000

Clemons Street: On the market 132 days, this seven-room farm Colonial sold last month. The last asking price was $364,900. Set on a 50-by-125-foot lot, the updated 1904 house has wood floors, French doors and arched entranceways. It has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Amenities include a full basement and a deck. Taxes are $10,002.

$200,000

Mitchell Street: With an original asking price of $239,990, this five-room ranch was on the market seven days. It sold in early December. Built in 1928 on a 40-by-100-foot lot, the house has two bedrooms and one bathroom. It also has a finished basement, a skylight and a one-car garage. Taxes are $7,520.

NOW ON THE MARKET

$315,000 Since this waterfront Cape had flood damage from superstorm Sandy, the homeowners are renovating it. It has three bedrooms and a bathroom. The lot is 40 by 90 feet. Taxes are $10,663. Allison Capone, Century 21 Crown Homes, West Islip, 631-893-4400

$599,000 Built in 2006 on a 50-by- 100-foot lot, this damage-free eight-room Colonial features wood floors, moldings, four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Taxes are $15,431. Janie Davis, RE/MAX Innovations, Long Beach, 516-637-0237

$1,450,000 On the open bay on a 60-by- 100-foot lot, this updated eight-room splanch was unharmed by Sandy. It includes a fireplace, four bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Taxes are $26,141. Bonnie Goldstein, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Merrick, 516-623-4500