Buying in Hauppauge

"Pleasantville" is how Rob Scarito of Douglas Elliman Real Estate describes Hauppauge, where he lives. "If I ever do need a cup of sugar, I can go next door," Scarito says, adding, it's a friendly community with "tons of families."

"It's a real family friendly environment," says Ronni Tranes of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage.

The Hauppauge Youth Organization's Sports Complex on Kings Highway comprises four baseball diamonds that are converted into football and lacrosse fields in the fall. About 650 kids are registered in the baseball league, Scarito says.

Hauppauge's central location is ideal as well. Northern State Parkway eastbound ends in Hauppauge, and the Long Island Expressway and Veteran's Memorial Highway are easily accessible. A plethora of shops, services and eateries can be found in the area, too.

Straddling the towns of Smithtown and Islip, the hamlet is home to the 1,400-acre Hauppauge Industrial Park, which has about 1,300 companies employing 55,000 people.

Buyers can find an eclectic mix of single-family homes as well as condos (some gated) and co-ops. Renting is an option.

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES. 21 listings priced between $125,000 and $824,999

CO-OPS. 7 listings between $152,500 and $260,000

RENTALS. 11 listings between $1,175 a month and $2,600 a month.

SALES PRICES. According to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data, there were 93 sales from March 1, 2012, to April 10, 2013. The median price was $413,000, with a low of $166,000 and a high of $805,000. From March 1, 2011, to April 10, 2012, there were 74 sales with a median price of $420,000. The low price was $163,000, and the high was $650,000.

ATTRACTIONS. The Rinx offers two indoor skating rinks; area golf courses include the Hamlet Wind Watch Golf & Country Club and Stonebridge Golf Links & Country Club.

BY THE NUMBERS

Towns: Islip and Smithtown

Area: Islip, 5 square miles; Smithtown, 5.7 square miles

ZIP code: 11788

Population: 20,912

Median age: 43

Median household income: $101,955

Median home value: $392,500

LIRR time to NYC: 62 minutes to 79 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $363

School district: The majority of students attend Hauppauge, while others go to Smithtown

Sources: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR

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