Amityville thrives on a sense of community, eyes downtown improvements
Businesses in downtown Amityville Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
A South Shore community situated on the bay with a view of barrier beaches, Amityville is a small but independent village with its eye on the future.
The village, which celebrated its 125th anniversary last year, is embarking on a master plan, including plans to improve its downtown.
Amityville plans downtown improvements. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
"People love it here because it has that small-town feel and a very strong sense of community, which you can't spell without unity," Mayor Dennis Siry said.
Amityville Beach on the mainland and Tobay Beach and Gilgo State Park on the barrier island provide outdoor spaces, as do Tanner Park and Pearsall Park.
Part of what makes Amityville charming is its nautical history, said Joan Donnison, president of the Bay Village Civic Association. "Boating is probably the most cherished activity," she said. "We are the village on the bay!"
The community also has new development in Avalon Bay, an apartment and condominium complex being built on the former Brunswick Hospital site at 366 Broadway.
Greybarn, a mixed-use commercial and 500-luxury rental unit complex on a 20-acre site at 805 Broadway in North Amityville, opened in 2016.
Jerry O’Neill, real estate agent with Signature Premier Properties, has lived in Amityville most of his life and said many people want to buy property on the creeks, canals and the bay.
Homes in Amityville range from treelined streets with stately homes to condo developments. Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa Loarca
With varied real estate, from condo developments to tree-lined streets with big properties and stately homes, "You can pretty much find anything you want if you come to Amityville," O'Neill said.
But it’s the active community organizations and being in an incorporated village that creates a real sense of community, he said, adding, "You live in Amityville for a few years, you get to know a lot of people."
CONDOS AND CO-OPS
There are 12 condos and co-ops on the market in Amityville.
SALE PRICES
Between Aug. 31, 2019, and Sept. 1, 2020, there were 153 home sales with a median sale price of $389,000, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $15,000 (for a lot) and the high was $1,150,000. During that period a year earlier there were 195 home sales with a median sale price of $365,000. The price range was $68,000 to $875,000.
OTHER STATS
Town Babylon
Area square miles 2.1
Population 9,452
Median age 46.3
Median household income $100,690
Median home value $436,900 (2018 ACS)
Monthly LIRR ticket $363
School districts Amityville Union Free School District
SOURCES U.S. Census Bureau, 2018 American Community Survey 2018 Estimates, LIRR
NOW ON THE MARKET
This raised split-level in Amityville is listed for $1,295,000. Credit: VHT Studios
$1,295,000
This raised split-level waterfront property with a separate cottage house was built in 1954 and features four bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms, and an 800-square-foot dock. The house sits on a 0.47-acre lot. Taxes are $22,032. Derek Eisenberg, Continental Real Estate Group, 516-458-6241
This four-bedroom house in Amityville is listed for $619,000. Credit: Andrew Maloney
$619,000
This four-bedroom, three-bathroom Tudor features a formal dining room, two fireplaces and a grand master suite complete with a separate dressing room. Taxes are $16,544. Rosemarie Bozza, Above Board Real Estate, 631-264-7700.
This four-bedroom Cape in Amityville is listed for $425,000. Credit: Jerry O’Neill
$425,000
Built in 1948, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom Cape sits on a 0.28-acre lot and includes an eat-in kitchen and a fireplace in the living room. Taxes are $11,779. Jerry O’Neill, Signature Premier Properties, 631-842-8400.
RECENTLY SOLD IN AMITYVILLE/ NORTH AMITYVILLE
$1,150,000
Address Grand Central Avenue
Style Victorian
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3
Built 2020
Lot size 0.43 acre
Taxes $19,000
+/- list price $-$45,000
Days on market 396
$765,000
Address South Bay Avenue
Style Cape
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Built 1911
Lot size 0.18 acre
Taxes $17,380
+/- list price $0
Days on market 53
$355,000
Address Benjoe Drive
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 1954
Lot size 0.14 acre
Taxes $7,399
+/- list price -$4,999
Days on market 114
$195,000
Address Marilyn Avenue
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 2
Built 1941
Lot size 0.11 acre
Taxes $5,921
+/- list price -$5,000
Days on market 61
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 47
Price range $1,299,990 to $89,990
Tax range $29,816 to $3,249
