Buying in Oakdale
Oakdale, with a bit of Gatsby-esque history, is home to academics and creative types. Credit: James Carbone
In its Gatsbyesque history, Oakdale attracted William K. Vanderbilt, whose mansion, Idle Hour, rested on 900 acres on the Connetquot River. Idle Hour today is home to Dowling College. Over time, the Vanderbilt farm houses were converted into residences for artists, says Tracy Boucher of Coach Realtors. This area, known as Artist Colony, is scenic with creeks, interconnecting canals and bridges. The area continues to appeal to creative types, Boucher notes.
Another mansion that originally belonged to Frederick Bourne, a president of Singer Sewing Machine Co., later became the La Salle Military Academy. Today, it's home to the Oakdale campus of St. John's University.
Buyers can find a mix of architectural styles, as well as condos and townhouses, including 55-and-older communities.
Residents have access to one-stop shopping on Montauk Highway, which houses, in part, a Best Yet market, restaurants, Wendy's, Dollar Store and the post office. Also here is Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center, where shows are staged year-round.
Town Islip
Area 3.3 square miles
Population 7,423
Median age 43.7
Median household income $91,667
Median home value $351,000
Monthly ticket $363
School district Connetquot
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI
