Affordability and open space are the allure in Middle Island
Rick Caskey and Abby Caskey, 13, enjoy kayaking on Upper Lake in Middle Island. Credit: Morgan CampbellBy Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayUpdated September 27, 2021 6:00 AMPRINTSHARE
THE SCOOP
Middle Island offers the best of both worlds, country living and easy access to New York City and other parts of the Island. “It’s a beautiful little bedroom community that’s centrally located right in the middle of Long Island,” says Brookhaven Town Councilman Michael Loguercio Jr.
Aptly named for its location, Middle Island is about halfway between Montauk at the eastern end and the East River at the geographic western end of Long Island, and midway between the Long Island Sound to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Most homes in Middle Island are Colonials and ranches, which fit both the needs of growing families and those looking to downsize to single-level living, says Angela Wahidi, a real estate agent with Voro Real Estate.
The affordability and space are big draws, says James Hogan, a real estate agent with EXP Realty. “The amount of land and privacy you can get out there, as opposed to western Suffolk County, you can get an additional 1,500 square feet and another half-acre,” says Hogan. “And your taxes are lower.”
Last year, a 9.9-acre wooded tract known as Pine Lake was saved from development after Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town purchased it to preserve it as open space.
The hamlet offers mom-and-pop shopping and restaurants, and is an easy drive to Patchogue and Port Jefferson. But several former large retail sites, including the old Kmart, have yet to be redeveloped, notes Gail Lynch-Bailey, president of the Middle Island Civic Association, adding that residents were happy to see the long-awaited repaving of Route 25 completed in the spring.
Middle Island boasts several public and private golf courses and parks, including Bartlett Pond Park, which has a war memorial honoring veterans dating from the American Revolution. This Memorial Day, Albert Freeman, a Black Union soldier, was added to the list of Middle Islanders who died serving in the Civil War. Adjacent to Cathedral Pines County Park is Prosser Pines Nature Preserve, which feautres a stand of white pine trees planted in 1812.
There are plenty of lakes, ponds and hills to enjoy in the hamlet. Says Hogan, “It’s a nice change of pace esthetically for Long Islanders and New York City residents.”
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are 17 condos and nine co-ops on the market ranging in price from $125,000 to $444,900.
SALE PRICES Between July 31, 2020, and Aug. 31, 2021, there were 106 home sales with a median sale price of $386,250, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $150,000 and the high was $638,000. During that period a year earlier there were 80 home sales with a median price of $327,495. The price range was $137,437 to $480,000.
OTHER STATS
Town Brookhaven
Area 8.2 square miles
ZIP code 11953
Population 10,228
Median age 45.3
Median household income $78,301
Median home value $400,000*
Monthly LIRR ticket from Medford or Port Jefferson $405
School district Longwood
Graduation rate 89%
Parks Cathedral Pines County Park, Prosser Pines Nature Preserve
Library Longwood Public Library
Hospitals Mather Hospital, Long Island Community Hospital
SOURCES: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates; OneKey MLS; LIRR, data.nysed.gov
*Based on 47 sales in the past six months, according to OneKey MLS
NOW ON THE MARKET
$879,000
Sited on 0.49-acre of land, this Colonial backs up to a protected nature preserve. The 3,350- square-foot four-bedroom, 2½-bath home has an open floor plan, high ceilings, solar panels and a Trex porch and deck. Taxes are $12,059. Abel Curiel and James Hogan, EXP Realty, 631-599-0728.
$469,000
Built in 1973, this five-bedroom, two-bath 1,850-square-foot high ranch has been completely renovated. It has hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry in the kitchen. The home sits on a 0.43-acre lot that has a flat backyard bordered by large trees. Taxes are $9,230. Angela Wahidi, Voro Real Estate, 877-943-8676.
$399,000
This updated 1,300-square-foot three-bedroom, one-bath ranch on a cul-de-sac has a new oil burner, bedroom carpeting, laminate flooring and roof, and sits on 0.35 acre. Taxes are $9,679; sale is pending. Frank Profeta, Homeside Realty, 631-289-5151.