Buying a house in Bay Shore

THE SCOOP

Bay Shore is the hub of Long Island’s South Shore, says listing agent Jeff Rettaliata of Ramsay Realtors.

“We can access everything,” he says. “It’s under an hour to the city. It’s 10 minutes to the ocean beaches. It’s a half-hour on the ferry to Fire Island.”

The area features many old-fashioned Colonial houses, but also has areas of new development with larger homes, Rettaliata says. The entry point, he adds, is around $300,000, with prices increasing for properties closer to the water.

Town of Islip Councilman John C. Cochrane Jr. says new apartments have been constructed on Park Avenue above the first-level storefronts, which include the recently opened seafood restaurant Salt & Barrel. He says another 98-unit apartment development with parking has been approved for a site closer to the train station on Park Avenue.

“They are affordable luxury apartments within walking distance of the train,” Cochrane says. “It’s one stop to Babylon and then you’re on your way to Penn Station.”

Also situated in Bay Shore is the Westfield South Shore mall, where a Dick’s Sporting Goods is expected to open in April.

With its ferry service off Maple Avenue, Bay Shore is the “gateway to Fire Island,” Cochrane says. Main Street, he adds, has undergone a renaissance over the last decade to become a robust area for dining and shopping.

Across the canal from the ferry is Bay Shore Marina, which includes a waterpark called Shipwreck Cove.

CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES

There are 30 condos on the market ranging in price from $125,000 to $1,299,000.

SALES PRICE

Between Aug. 1, 2015, and Sept. 20, 2016, there were 480 home sales with a median sale price of $274,150, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. The low price for that period was $80,000 and the high was $1,075,000. During that period a year earlier there were 413 home sales with a median sale price of $260,000. The price range was $90,000 to $1,600,000.

SCHOOLS

Most students attend Bay Shore High School. In 2015, 33 percent of graduates earned a Regents diploma with advanced designation. That’s compared to 35 percent in 2014.

OTHER STATS

Town Islip

Area 5.3 square miles

ZIP code 11706

Population 26,337

Median age 37.4

Median household income $67,539

Median home value $275,000*

LIRR to NYC 59-81 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket $377

School district Bay Shore

SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR;

*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI

RECENTLY SOLD

$470,000

SOUTH MONTGOMERY AVENUE After 443 days on the market, this four-bedroom ranch sold for $55,000 less than its asking price. The 1960 home, with an open floor plan, has vaulted ceilings in the living room, den and eat-in kitchen. A dual-sided fireplace warms the living room and dining room. The kitchen includes a center island with a breakfast bar. The half-acre property features an in-ground pool and a four-car garage. The taxes are $14,859.

$365,000

JOSEPH AVENUE This five-bedroom Colonial sold for $6,000 more than its asking price after 177 days on the market. The 2008 home, with two full bathrooms, has cathedral ceilings, recessed lighting and hardwood floors in the living room. The kitchen offers stainless steel appliances and a center island. The dining room includes sliding glass doors that open to an elevated back deck. The 83-by-100-foot property is situated on a cul-de-sac. The taxes are $12,419.

$280,000

NORTH PARK AVENUE Originally listed for $299,331, this three-bedroom Cape sold in July after 356 days on the market. Built in 1955, the home has one full bathroom, a living room, an eat-in kitchen and a formal dining room with a fireplace. Two of the home’s three bedrooms are situated on the second level. The 50-by-140-foot property also includes an enclosed front porch, a full basement and a detached one-car garage. The taxes are $8,607.

NOW ON THE MARKET

Starter

$245,000 This four-bedroom Cape offers one full bathroom, an eat-in kitchen and a family room. The 6,534-square-foot lot, on a cul-de-sac, includes a detached one-car garage. Taxes are $9,553. Josephine Pappas, Better Home and Gardens Real Estate–Atlantic Shores, 631-804-5511

Trade-Up

$349,900 This four-bedroom Cape includes a maple and granite eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a living room and dining room. The 0.35-acre property, on a cul-de-sac, includes a full basement and back porch. Taxes are $11,166. Irene Lockel, Netter Real Estate, 631-661-5100

High-End

$629,000 This three-bedroom Colonial offers two bathrooms, a formal living and dining room, sunroom and family room. The 0.33-acre property features a covered porch, in-ground pool, hot tub and bulkhead. Taxes are 16,438. Jeff Rettaliata, Ramsay Realtors, 631-300-7393

On Multiple Listings

Number of houses 204

Price range $19,999 (mobile home)-$4.25 million

Tax range $5,379-$57,875