Vibrant East Islip offers variety of housing

Fred Kalhorn, 79, of East Islip, skis across the fresh... — Fred Kalhorn, 79, of East Islip, skis across the fresh snow at Heckscher State Park on Jan. 29, 2014 in East Islip. The park is one of the assets to the East Islip community. Credit: James Carbone

By LISA DOLL BRUNOlisa.doll-bruno@newsday.comFebruary 6, 2014

East Islip is unusual in the diversity of its real estate stock, says Steve Rainone of Netter Real Estate, noting that a buyer can spend $300,000 or $3 million for a house.

Developments, he says, include Country Village, where a mix of styles, including split-levels, is priced from the mid-$300,000s to mid-$400,000s, and Quail Run, where homes generally are priced in the $600,000s and $700,000s. More expensive developments, where prices can head north of $1 million, include Percy Williams Cove, which has a private marina, and The Moorings, a gated waterfront community. Other housing options include condos, co-ops and rentals.

"It's a great area," says Dawn Sofio of Meg Smith and Associates, citing the school district, shops, restaurants and recreational opportunities, including those at Heckscher State Park.

Over the past year, the Town of Islip has made more than $2 million in repairs to the marina after it was damaged in Hurricane Irene and superstorm Sandy, says spokeswoman Inez Birbiglia.

"I have a lot of buyers that outgrow their house and want to stay in East Islip . . . and a lot of people who were born and raised there who return after they get married," Sofio says.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS. 10 listings from $109,000 to $449,000.

SALES PRICES. From Jan. 1, 2013, to Dec. 31, 2013, there were 101 sales, with a median price of $360,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $120,000, and the high was $1.650 million. From Jan. 1, 2012, to Dec. 31, 2012, there were 80 sales. The median price was $366,250, with a low of $182,000 and a high of $2.3 million.

ATTRACTIONS. Brookwood Hall houses the Islip Art Museum and a park; Champlain Creek Dock; Country Village Park; East Islip Marina Park, South Shore Nature Center.