Buying in Hampton Bays

Hampton Bays has been growing, says Jude Lyons of Fourth Neck Realty, noting new stores have come in over the years. Shoppers can find a mix of chain stores as well as mom-and-pop shops.

Despite the influx,  much has stayed the same, says town spokeswoman, Jennifer Garvey, who grew up there, adding that community fixtures like the Hampton Bays Diner and Shinnecock Hardware on Main Street remain.

Most residents live there year round, say local agents. "It's a good place -- it's really affordable and has the best water access," says Terry Thompson of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Southampton. "For $300,000 or $350,000, you can get yourself a cute little house," Lyons says.

Todd Bourgard of Coldwell Banker Trading Places in Hampton Bays, added, "The market is off-the-hook busy." Prices have dropped, and buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates, he says. There's new construction, including a 15-lot subdivision of single-family homes and a 12-unit condo development on Canoe Place. The condos are priced from $499,000 to $689,000. "Three sold, and three are in contract," Bourgard says.