Buying in Centereach: Central to all

An exterior view of the Middle Country Library in Centereach,... — An exterior view of the Middle Country Library in Centereach, New York - for regional pages LI LIFE - Rhoda Amon Story (Handout Photo) Credit: Handout Photo/Handout

By ANN SMUKLERann.smukler@newsday.comFebruary 3, 2010

THE SCOOP: The first word sources use to describe Centereach is "central." In fact, in 1916, when the community name had to be changed from New Village, Centereach was chosen because of the area's geographic point on the Island.

"The major advantage to Centereach is that it is no more than 10 minutes from hospitals, colleges, shopping locations and major highways," says Rita Tsoukaris, owner-broker of RE/MAX Integrity Leaders in Centereach. MacArthur Airport and the Long Island Rail Road's Ronkonkoma station can be added to that list.

"Centereach's convenient location is appealing to many home buyers," says Rick MacDowell of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.

Home prices range from $175,000 to the mid-$500,000s, though periodically there are higher-priced homes. Ed Burke of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate says home values have stabilized in this middle-class community that is made up of both white- and blue-collar residents.

Work is being done on the heavily traveled Middle Country Road (also known as Jericho Turnpike or Route 25), says Kathleen Walsh, Town of Brookhaven councilwoman for Centereach. "The Department of Transportation is working on roadway improvements along Route 25 to provide safer pedestrian access and passageways," she says. "Also, a pilot program involving a concrete median on a limited stretch of Route 25 as a traffic-calming measure is under way."

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES: There are none.

SALES PRICE: There were 145 sales last year, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The median price was $295,000, with a low of $102,500 and a high of $510,000. From January 2008 to December 2008, there were 151 sales, with a median price of $310,000. The low was $140,000, and the high was $545,000.

ATTRACTIONS: Smith Haven Mall, Centereach park and pool.

OTHER STATS

Town: Brookhaven

Area: 8.0 square miles

ZIP code: 11720 (includes South Setauket)

Population: 27,882

Median age: 38

Median household income: $87,811

Median home value: $360,240

Median age of homes: 38 years

Percent owning home: 86.3 percent

Percent renting home: 12.1 percent