Jamesport: Vineyards, beaches, farms draw buyers to serene area

Jamesport's Main Road houses small shops and eateries, as well... — Jamesport's Main Road houses small shops and eateries, as well as vineyards and farms. Credit: Randee Daddona

By Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayUpdated March 25, 2025 2:25 pm

THE SCOOP Jamesport is a unique community brimming with open spaces and beaches, vineyards and farms, farm stands and little shops, said Town of Riverhead Councilwoman Joann Waski, a lifelong resident of the hamlet.

"I live a stone's throw from Great Peconic Bay, and a very short 10-minute drive to Long Island Sound and then about 25 minutes to the ocean," said Waski, adding that the hamlet's zoning prohibits big box or grocery stores. "We try to keep the mom-and-pop shops out here."

Every March, the East End Emerald Society puts on its St. Patrick's Day parade; in July, there's the Jamesport Fire Department parade, followed by a multi-day carnival and fireworks.

"We all know each other," Waski said. "We do things together, raise our children together. We're a very tight-knit community."

Around 1690, settlers from Massachusetts arrived in the hamlet, built homesteads and established a commercial outpost. James Tuthill founded James' Port in the 1830s in what is now considered South Jamesport with the hope of turning it into a major shipping port. Local waters proved too shallow for large ships and Tutill had better luck with the deeper waters surrounding Greenport. However, Jamesport did become a booming market for bunker fish, which were used for crop fertilizer or oil used in lamps and paint.

South Jamesport Beach overlooks Great Peconic Bay. Credit: Randee Daddona

In 1835, a group of Brooklyn Methodists discovered the rural serenity of Jamesport and set up camp in a grove of oak trees. Returning each summer for their annual religious revival, the Methodists erected tents and later replaced them with Victorian cottages.

The first winery in the hamlet and one of the oldest on the North Fork, Jamesport Vineyards, opened in 1986 and paved the way for several others, which now dot the landscape.

Jamesport is dotted with farms, like Little Red Barn, left,... — Jamesport is dotted with farms, like Little Red Barn, left, and wineries like Jason's Vineyard. Credit: Randee Daddona

"It's a perfect vacation spot as well as a family-oriented location to purchase a primary residence," said Dana Gabriel of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

Home seekers will find a wide range of styles, from petite cottages to large waterfront property properties.

Homes along High Meadow Lane, top, and Lockitt Drive in... — Homes along High Meadow Lane, top, and Lockitt Drive in Jamesport. Credit: Randee Daddona

SALE PRICES Between March 7, 2024, and March 6, 2025, there were 27 home sales with a median sale price of $875,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 27 home sales with a median sale price of $860,000

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There is one condo, priced at $998,000, on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 1,538

Median age 61.6

Median home value $860,000

Monthly LIRR ticket from Riverhead $468

School districts, graduation rates Riverhead (81.7%), Mattituck-Cutchogue (88.1%)

Libraries Riverhead, Mattituck-Laurel

Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 92

Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov, Suffolk County Transit

ON THE MARKET

$2.5 million

Located on Peconic Bay, this recently updated 1,571-square-foot home features three bedrooms and three bathrooms. It sports an open floor plan, abundant light, hardwood floors, beamed ceilings, a kitchen with quartz counters and stainless steel appliances, and an enclosed heated sun porch. The 0.66-acre property has direct beach access to the bay and a detached two-car garage. Taxes are $15,430. Susan Orioli, Engel & Volkers North Fork, 631-298-7953.

$1.9 million

Built in 2023, this 3,530-square-foot contemporary home has five bedrooms, three full and two half-baths and four spacious decks. It features 20-foot ceilings, 10-inch wide oak plank floors, an open oak staircase, custom kitchen, family room with wet bar, two washer/dryers, security system and energy-efficient insulation. The 0.69-acre property includes an attached two-car garage with EV chargers and two driveways. Taxes are $14,000. Ashley Sherman, Core Long Island, 212-500-2117.

$899,000

This 2,200-square-foot Cape has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, hardwood floors, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters, and radiant heated floors throughout the house. The 0.31-acre property includes a paved patio, detached two-car garage and shed. Taxes are $11,383. Dana Gabriel, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-758-2552.

RECENTLY SOLD

$2.1 million

Lockitt Drive

Style Other

Bedrooms 3

Bathrooms 3

Built 1930

Lot size 0.66 acre

Taxes $14,559

+/- List price -$700,000

Days on market 247 days

$780,000