In Massapequa, waterfront activities within easy reach
Visitors cross a bridge spanning the lake in the Massapequa Preserve, which has hiking and biking trails and fishing spots. Credit: Linda Rosier
The hamlet is home to the Tackapausha Nature Preserve, which shares its address with neighboring Seaford, and the 423-acre Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve, with a lake and ponds for fishing, and biking and hiking trails. John J. Burns Park next door in Massapequa Park faces the bay and has athletic fields, a boat ramp and free concerts in summer.
John J. Burns Park in Massapequa Park is on a canal off Great South Bay and has athletic fields, a boat ramp and free summer concerts. Credit: Linda Rosier
Massapequa is also the former home of Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin, both graduates of Massapequa High School.
Called Great Water Land by the Massapeag Indians, the hamlet lost its peaceful allure in 1653, when English Captain John Underhill, working at the behest of Dutch colonizers, led troops in an attack that killed 120 Native Americans in what was considered the only Indian battle on Long Island. The first white settlers, Freelove and Thomas Jones, owned 6,000 acres in the area, including the waterfront that would later become Jones Beach.
With the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1867, the area soon developed into a resort, and over the next century gradually morphed into a suburban community.
Massapequa's All American Hamburger Drive In has been a community mainstay since 1963. Credit: Linda Rosier
Today’s business district is centered around Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road, with shops and restaurants that include the All American Hamburger Drive In, a mainstay since 1963.
Massapequa has been popular with city househunters looking for large homes near the water, said Frank Mann of Berkshire Hathaway, noting that waterfront homes require flood insurance, “which is not as expensive as people may think.”
Flood insurance for waterfront homes can range from $500 to $3,000 a year, depending on whether a home is elevated, said Ryan Ranellone, an agent with Signature Premier Properties.
The hamlet has an abundance of Colonials, ranches and split-level homes, with prices starting at about $500,000 and going up to $2 million-plus for an updated five-bedroom waterfront.
Massapequa Preserve is a watershed property with a lake, above, as well as streams, swamps and sandy-bog area for endangered plants. Credit: Linda Rosier
Priced at $2 million, this bayfront Colonial on East Shore Drive has panoramic water views. Credit: Mandalay Luxury Photography/Brian Ryner
Set on the bay with panoramic water views, this 1966 Colonial with an open floor plan has five bedrooms, four bathrooms, radiant heated oak floors, a second-floor balcony and kitchen with high-end appliances. The 0.22-acre property has a large deck, pool, outdoor kitchen, firepit, pier with boat lift, bulkhead and whole-house generator. Taxes are $23,278. Ryan Ranellone, Signature Premier Properties, 631-368-6800.
Priced at $1.175 million, this Colonial on Exeter Road feautres a large porch with Trex decking. Credit: EPM Real Estate Photography
This renovated 1950 Colonial with an open floor concept features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a large front porch with Trex decking, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and maple cabinetry, primary suite with attached office, and natural gas. The fenced-in 0.18-acre lot has a brick patio, heated pool, and attached one-car garage. Taxes are $22,594. Lara Barra and Debra Carpluk, Keller Williams Realty Elite, 516-795-6900.
Priced at $825,000, this 1904 Victorian on Clocks Boulevard, set on Narraskatuck Creek off the bay, has new bulkhead. Credit: Berkshire Hathaway
Built in 1904, this Victorian on a canal off Narraskatuck Creek off the bay has five bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms, a large front porch and a full unfinished basement. The 0.84-acre property has more than 100 feet of new bulkhead. Taxes are $9,343. Frank Mann and Laurie Mann, Berkshire Hathaway, 631-824-8484.
Cabot Rd.
Sunset Rd.
Frankel Rd.
