Midway between the east and west boundaries of Huntington Town is Centerport, a charming community where many roads lead to the water. Some neighborhoods have private associations with beach and mooring rights, and there are two town beaches, including Centerport Beach, which has a picnic and pavilion area, playground and senior center.

The area's housing stock includes renovated bungalows, capes, ranches, Colonials and Victorians, priced between $399,000 and $3 million, said Janet Vaccaro of Coldwell Banker Residential in Huntington. Homes with water views, including some on bluffs, can range in size and style. Condos, priced from about $650,000 to more than $1 million, can also be found, said Kathy Murray of Coach Real Estate Associates in Huntington.

Even though the market has quieted, Vaccaro said Centerport holds its value because of its proximity to the water - both Northport and Centerport harbors - and its school system - where the ratio of pupils to teachers is favorable and where test scores indicate achievements well above national, state and regional levels, according to the Harborfields school district Web site.

-Lisa Doll Bruno (9/1/2006)