The secluded seaside community of Point Lookout attracts those who are enticed by the serenity of small-town life - and can afford it.

Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Jones Inlet and Reynolds Channel, this barrier island community is only 3 blocks wide and 11 blocks long. Amid the constant waft of salt air, joggers, children on bikes, and beachgoers with wagons in tow are common sights along the all-concrete roads. "The pedestrians own the road here," said Tom Hug, a long-time resident and owner/broker of Thomas Hug Real Estate, who notes the speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

While the beach is private for residents, there are two Hempstead town marinas, as well as two fishing stations whose services include boat and fishing equipment rentals. "Fishing is great over here," says Hug, who won't disclose the best spots.

Lido Boulevard, the hamlet's tiny downtown area, provides the basics, including a deli, pizzeria, restaurants, dry cleaner, drug store, hair salon, supermarket and gas station. It's also the site of the "Ye Old Firehouse," library and post office where residents collect their mail. There is generally no street parking.

The hamlet contains about 860 homes (approximately 20 percent have basements) that sit on tight lots. House styles include bungalows, capes, ranches and contemporaries in brick, stucco, wood and stone.

Prices are steep, starting at $550,000 and ranging to $3.5 million, Hug notes, adding that values have generally appreciated about 10 percent to 12 percent annually. Even when the Long Island housing market dropped overall in 1992, prices in Point Lookout remained level, Hug recalls. "Once you come to Point Lookout," he says, "you don't want to leave."

Bus service to Long Beach train station is available. Community events are listed on the Web site, www.mypointlookout.com.

- Lisa Doll Bruno (5/7/2004)