Buying a house in Merrick, on Nassau’s South Shore

The New York City skyline is visible from the top of Merrick Mountain.

That’s what locals call the highest point at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve, says Joe Baker, a longtime Merrick resident and founder of the South Merrick Community Civic Association.

The preserve, which opened in 2000, was transformed from a landfill to a 52-acre area that includes hiking and jogging trails, an agricultural windmill, a kayak launch, a fishing pier, wildlife and other features.

Baker, who has lived in the same house for 57 years, says he remembers when Merrick was a “country-like” setting. Now, he says, it has developed into an area that has convenient access to the beach and Manhattan, great restaurants and a highly regarded school district.

Baker says American Water and National Grid are in the process of upgrading pipes in Merrick that date back to the 1940s in order to reduce water-main breaks and improve the safety of gas lines.

Merrick is comprised mostly of one-family homes, says Tina Canaris, a listing agent at Douglas Elliman Real Estate who lived in the area for more than 30 years. She adds that there’s a wide range of housing styles — ranches, Colonials, Tudors, split-levels — and prices.

“It’s affordable for most people because homes can range from $300,000 to over the million mark,” Canaris says.

Merrick offers a quick drive to Jones Beach and parkways via the Meadowbrook Parkway, which runs along the town’s western line.

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES

There are 14 condos on the market ranging in price from $319,000 to $1,299,000.

SALES PRICES

Between July 1, 2015, and Aug. 10, 2016, there were 317 home sales with a median sale price of $500,000, according to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. The low price for that period was $284,000, and the high was $1.425 million. During that period a year earlier, there were 262 home sales with a median sale price of $487,500. The price range was $205,000 to $1.4 million.

SCHOOLS

Most students attend either Calhoun High School in Merrick or John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore. In 2015, 61 percent of Calhoun graduates and 76 percent of Kennedy graduates earned Regents diplomas with advanced designation. That’s compared with 66 percent at Calhoun and 75 percent at Kennedy in 2014.

OTHER STATS

Town: Hempstead

Area: 4.2 square miles

ZIP code: 11566

Population: 22,097

Median age: 43.3

Median household income: $133,047

Median home value: $515,000*

LIRR to NYC: 40-52 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $287

School district: Bellmore-Merrick

Sources: 2010 Census; mlslI.com; LIRR*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI

RECENTLY SOLD

Thomas Street, $700,000

After 376 days on the market, this four-bedroom Colonial sold for $49,990 less than its asking price. The 2015 home, on a dead-end street, has 2 1⁄2 bathrooms, a 20-foot-high foyer, a den with a gas fireplace, an eat-in kitchen with gas appliances and a dining room. The master bedroom includes his and hers walk-in closets and a bathroom. The 56-by-100-foot property has a bluestone paver driveway and walkway. Taxes are $11,680.

Wynsum Avenue, $600,000

This six-bedroom high-ranch sold for $49,000 less than its asking price after 97 days on the market. Built in 1962, the home has four bathrooms, a living room-dining room combination and a kitchen that features a wall and ceiling of windows resembling a sunroom. The first level includes a living room with a brick fireplace, bedroom, kitchen and private entrance. The 73-by-102-foot property is on a corner lot. Taxes are $13,657.

Commonwealth Avenue, $445,000

Originally listed for $449,999, this three-bedroom expanded ranch sold in May after 76 days on the market. The 1925 home, with hardwood floors throughout, has two bathrooms, an eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, a living room and a fireplace. The second level includes a bedroom and a playroom. The full finished basement features an outside entrance. The 50-by-125-foot property has an aboveground pool. Taxes are $8,393.

NOW ON THE MARKET

Starter, $499,000

This three-bedroom ranch includes one bathroom, a living room with a bay window, a dining room and a full finished basement. The 80-by-100-foot corner lot includes an in-ground pool and an outside bar. Taxes are $10,494. Richard Walsh, Select A Home Island South Realty, 516-323-9010

Trade-up, $749,000

This four-bedroom splanch features 2 1⁄2 updated bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen with a breakfast bar and den with a gas fireplace and sliding glass doors. The 60-by-100-foot property also includes a back deck and two-car garage. Taxes are $17,143. Evan Lerner, Graystone Properties, 516-667-0777

High-end, $1.699 million

This waterfront splanch offers four bedrooms, 3 1⁄2 bathrooms, a great room and a floating vaulted living room. The 60-by-120-foot property includes two rear terraces overlooking the in-ground pool and canal. Taxes are $22,488. Louise and Seth Pitlake, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-297-5260

ON MULTIPLE LISTINGS

Number of house: 147

Price range: $299,000 to $2.95 million

Tax range: $8,400 to $39,024