Lake Grove: Smith Haven Mall, events, parks draw buyers
A mural adorns the exterior of the Lake Grove Deli on Hawkins Avenue. Credit: Barry Sloan
THE SCOOP The village of Lake Grove is brought together by its historic past and community parks and events.
"There is so much to offer in this tight-knit community," Karen Militello said. "From the local library to a trampoline park, and a community pool if you want to take a break from your own backyard."
Militello is selling her Scott Court house and plans to buy another in the same community.
"Being on a cul-de-sac is one of my favorite parts of this house," she said. "The kids get to ride their bikes, play street hockey and basketball with the comfort of knowing they are safe," she said.
With a population of just 11,000 and a land mass of under 3 square miles, Lake Grove has a number of parks, including the Robert J. Henke Nature Preserve, a passive park with walking trails.
Middle Country Road bisects the community. Credit: Barry Sloan
Throughout each year, the village hosts a number of events, including the Harvest Festival each fall, with hayrides and petting zoos, and Summer Fest, featuring classic cars and live bands.
The village also has its own summer recreation camp for resident children in kindergarten through seventh grade.
The Recreation Hall, the community center, is a central point for residents. Two parks — Victor Park and Kelly Park — have recently updated children's playground equipment.
Smith Haven Mall helped make Lake Grove a top shopping destination for Long Islanders when it opened in 1969. Credit: Barry Sloan
Incorporated in 1968, Lake Grove Village was already on the map thanks to Middle Country Road. It bisected the community and was a major road leading east from Brooklyn and Queens.
In 1954, the county constructed Nesconset Highway, which intersects Middle Country Road, allowing for more shopping and businesses.
A year later, Smith Haven Mall opened, making the village a top shopping destination in Suffolk County. It is now undergoing a major renovation.
Methodist Episcopal Church was built in 1853, and served as a group of "itinerant preachers" after 1820.
Before incorporation, the community was known by many names, including Lakeland, Lakeville, New Village and West Middle Island, with unclear boundaries.
Clockwise from top left: homes along Park View Lane, Brookvale Lane and Penn Street in Lake Grove.
SALE PRICES Between March 7, 2024, and March 6, 2025, there were 102 home sales with a median sale price of $645,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 114 home sales with a median sale price of $625,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are no condos or co-ops on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 11,050
Median age 42.1
Median home value $692,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Ronkonkoma $378
School districts, graduation rates Three Village (97.3%), Middle Country (92.7%), Sachem (92.9%)
Libraries Middle Country, Sachem
Transit Suffolk County Transit Routes 51, 58
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov, Suffolk County Transit
ON THE MARKET
$999,999
This $999,999 Lake Grove home has five bedrooms. Credit: Natalia Darrigo
The large, custom-built Colonial in the village has five bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two half-baths. The kitchen, with a center island, leads to a formal dining room and sunken den. Built in 1969, the home has a bonus room that can be used as a gaming room or a private office. Two separate stairways lead upstairs. There is custom molding and wainscoting throughout the home. Taxes are $16,592. Natalia Darrigo, Re/Max Signature, 631-355-7338.
$639,000
This $639,000 Lake Grove home has a fenced-in pool. Credit: Courtesy photo/Coldwell Banker American Homes
Built in 1967, this three-bedroom, 2½-bathroom Colonial has a living room with fireplace, plus a formal dining room that transitions into an eat-in kitchen. The home has a separate den, en-suite bedroom, fenced-in pool, one-car attached garage and central air conditioning. Taxes, now $15,859, are being grieved. John Carey, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 516-729-4111.
RECENTLY SOLD
$1.2 million
Main Avenue
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3½
Built 2018
Lot size 0.52 acre
Taxes $19,158
+/- List price -$99,999
Days on market 133
$775,000
Eliot Drive
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1967
Lot size 0.23 acre
Taxes $15,924
+/- List price -$4,999
Days on market 46
$421,000
Magnolia Avenue
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Built 1953
Lot size 0.09 acre
Taxes $3,716
+/- List price +$11,000
Days on market 103
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 10
Price range $480,000 to $1.3 million
Tax range $6,222 to $23,000
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