Islandia: Small town feel, low taxes appeal to buyers
Jake’s 58 Casino is in Islandia will be expanded soon and is set to help alleviate tax burdens. Credit: Rick Kopstein
THE SCOOP Islandia, nestled between Central Islip, Hauppauge and Ronkonkoma, combines a small town feel with lots of shopping and commerce.
Incorporated in 1985, the village is home to about 150 businesses in its 2.25 square miles, according to the village website. At the same time, the 3,500-resident community has a surprisingly suburban feel.
The village offers community recreation, including the rather new First Responders Recreational Ballfield, opened in 2018, which has become a hub for residents. The site has baseball and softball fields as well as pickleball courts, an outdoor nature trail with an exercise circuit, a concession and restrooms.
Islandia houses more than 275 acres of Suffolk County Greenbelt nearby with walking trails. The town also has a senior center, where residents can see movies, hear lectures, and join a book club.
Lakeland County Park draws nature lovers looking for a long walk. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The feeling in the village is one of a strong community, said Janis Thomson, a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty Elite.
"Many have family in the area and want to stay," she said, adding that many of the prospective buyers for one of her current listings are either from Islandia or nearby Central Islip.
Islandia Shopping Center is home to multiple stores and eateries. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Although most of the homes were built around the same time in the 1960s, Thomson said through the years the homes have been renovated.
"If you see what people have done over the years, the houses have taken on their own personalities," she said.
Village taxes are low, and village officials have said the village tax will be wiped out completely for residents as soon as next year with the expansion of Jake's 58 Casino and a $2 million taxpayer relief program with Suffolk OTB, which owns the casino. The tax abatement will run until at least 2041.
Homes for sale are scarce in the village, but there are some new condominiums on Old Nichols Road listed between $620,000 for a two-bedroom and $695,000 for a three-bedroom.
Homes along Blazer Drive, top, and Snowberry Lane in Islandia. Credit: Rick Kopstein
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are four condos, priced between $410,000 and $665,000, on the market.
SALE PRICES Between Sept. 4, 2023, and Sept. 3, 2024, there were 31 home sales with a median sale price of $610,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 27 home sales with a median sale price of $525,000.
OTHER STATS
Population 3,568
Median age 38
Median home value $617,050
Monthly LIRR ticket from Ronkonkoma $378
School districts, graduation rates Central Islip (76.1%), Connetquot (94.7%), Hauppauge (95.9%)
Libraries Central Islip, Connetquot, Hauppauge
Transit Suffolk County Transit Routes 4, 52A, 52B
Sources: 2022 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov
ON THE MARKET
$799,000
This $799,000 Islandia home sits on a scant 1 acre. Credit: EPM Photography
This three-bed, 2½-bath ranch, originally built in 1967, has been renovated, including an eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops. The primary bedroom is an ensuite. The home has central air conditioning, hardwood floors, a two-car garage and full basement. Sitting on a scant 1 acre, the home's patio sits off the dining area, and a semi-above ground pool has a wrap-around deck. The property also has a koi pond. Annual taxes are $12,377. Michael Sadis, Serhant LLC, 631-327-0111.
$550,000
This $550,000 Islandia home was built in 1969. Credit: Josh Goetz Photography
Built in 1969, this farm ranch home has four beds and two baths. One of the bedrooms and bathrooms make up a primary en suite, which has two double closets. A great room runs the length of the home with vaulted ceilings and opens into a screened-in Florida room. All the bedrooms have new carpeting, and there is central air throughout the home, which also has leased solar panels. Annual taxes are $8,750 and village taxes are $239. Debra Carpluk, Keller Williams Realty Elite, 631-335-0316.
RECENTLY SOLD
$619,100
Sagebrush Lane
Style Farm ranch
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 2½
Built 1965
Lot size 0.25 acre
Taxes $9,609
+/- List price Sold for asking
Days on market 104
$550,000
Witmer Court
Style Hi ranch
Bedrooms 6
Bathrooms 3
Built 1998
Lot size 0.47 acre
Taxes $13,782
+/- List price +$126,500
Days on market 1,148
$475,000
Hancock Street
Style Cape
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 1950
Lot size 0.11 acre
Taxes $9,205
+/- List price +$50,001
Days on market 51
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 5
Price range $410,000 to $799,000
Tax range $5,482 to $12,377
