Atlantic Beach: Quaintness, near NYC, big waterfront homes draw buyers
Atlantic Beach Boardwalk is much shorter than its Long Beach counterpart, but offers the same sprawling views of the ocean. Credit: Linda Rosier
THE SCOOP Atlantic Beach lives up to its origins as a quiet beachside community on the west end of a barrier island, a haven for New York City residents who want the pleasures of the Hamptons but none of the headaches.
Bordered by Reynolds Channel to the north and the ocean on the south, Atlantic Beach boasts views of dolphins, whales, water and amazing sun and sky shows, residents and workers say. Its cozy size allows people to walk or bike from home to restaurants and beaches. When residents desire a more active scene, Long Beach is a few minutes by car.
The northern side of Atlantic Beach overlooks Reynolds Channel and Far Rockaway. Credit: Linda Rosier
"It's like a pretty, quaint beach town," said Annie O'Neill, who has lived on the barrier island most of her life and works as manager at Gio's Atlantic Beach restaurant. "When people come here," she said about diners, "it's kind of like everyone knows each other. Very homey."
Maryann Anderson mulls an order at Boardwalk Bagel and Delicatessen in Atlantic Beach. Credit: Linda Rosier
Every summer, the beaches come alive. The village arranges cleanups, an annual sleepover for local families and even a concert. Most of the time, the beach is open only to village residents, but for a fee, anyone can rent cabanas or join one of several beach clubs, which have day camps, restaurants, bars and special events.
Catalina Beach Club is one of several along the ocean in Atlantic Beach. Credit: Linda Rosier
The direct way from the mainland is the Atlantic Beach Bridge, which connects to Lawrence, but there's a $4 cash toll or $3 with E-ZPass. Others brave the traffic by taking Long Beach Bridge or the Loop Parkway on the barrier island's east side.
Resident Wendy Etrog, a Berkshire Hathaway associate broker, said most villagers live there year round, but that is changing as New York City dwellers who bought homes during the pandemic are living again in the city and returning for summer, agents said. Homes post seven-figure sales prices, reflecting the limited number of listings, real estate agents said.
The community started out in the 1920s with small cottages, but supersized homes have replaced many in the past 20 years as the community grew popular with families, investors and city dwellers who found the Hamptons too far. Some buy double lots for a big home on one side and a pool on the other.
Etrog said Atlantic Beach balances nature and community with proximity to livelier places: "It's New York's best-kept secret."
Homes along Granada Lane, top, and Putnam Boulevard in Atlantic Beach, where every home is a few blocks from the water. Credit: Linda Rosier
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There is one condo, listed at $479,000, on the market.
SALE PRICES Between May 1, 2023, and April 30, 2024, there were 16 home sales with a median sale price of $1.165 million, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 23 home sales with a median sale price of $1.15 million.
OTHER STATS
Population 1,321
Median age 49.2
Median home value $1.1. million
Monthly LIRR ticket from Long Beach $287
School district, graduation rate Lawrence (84.2%)
Library Peninsula
Transit NICE Bus Route 33
Sources: 2022 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; sctbus.org; nicebus.com
$2.34 million
This $2.34 million Atlantic Beach home has an inground pool. Credit: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty
Built this year, this four-bed, five-bath house with attic is steps from Reynolds Channel. The kitchen has marble countertops, two sinks and two dishwashers. The primary bedroom has a spa bath and two other bedrooms are ensuite. Outside, there are an inground pool, hot tub and deck large enough for dining. A full bath on the main level is convenient for pool guests. Taxes are not yet available. Randy Scott, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty, 516-650-4711.
$995,000
This $995,000 Atlantic Beach home contains four bedrooms. Credit: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty
This four-bedroom, three-bath home sits midway between the Atlantic Ocean and Reynolds Channel. Its new kitchen features high-end appliances, including a Miele dishwasher. There's a one-car garage, as well as outside parking. The yard also has a shower. Taxes are $12,436. Wendy A. Etrog, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Laffey International Realty, 516-316-8517.
$479,000
This $479,000 Atlantic Beach condo is part of a pet-friendly development. Credit: Century 21 Verdeschi & Walsh Realty
Part of a pet-friendly development, this condo has two bedrooms, including one with a walk-in closet, 1½ baths and a washer and dryer. It comes with one parking spot and a shared patio and barbecue area. Common charges are $350 a month. Rhonda G Healy, Century 21 Verdeschi & Walsh Realty, 516-236-7269.
RECENTLY SOLD
$2.8 million
Style Split level
Bedrooms 6
Bathrooms 5
Built 1955
Lot size 0.14 acre
Taxes $34,798
+/- List price -$200,000
Days on market 228
$1.1 million
Style Exp. ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 1940
Lot size 0.18 acre
Taxes $9,546
+/- List price +$102,000
Days on market 120
$835,000
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 1946
Lot size 0.10 acre
Taxes $7,616
+/- List price -$24,870
Days on market 90
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 12
Price range $479,000 to $6.75 million
Tax range $9,480 to $42,082
