Buying in Woodbury
Shoppers at the Woodbury Common shopping center on Jericho Turnpike and Woodbury Road in Woodbury. (June 12, 2012) Credit: Newsday/Karen Wiles Stabile
THE SCOOP Serene neighborhoods with spacious properties coupled with upscale shops, restaurants and the sought-after Syosset school district are among the major selling points of Woodbury, say local real estate agents.
"It's a family-oriented community with great opportunities for kids as far as schooling and extracurricular activities," says Leslye Stern of Lynda Baker Realty Corp. in Hicksville. The area also is attracting new businesses, says resident Shawn Elliott, broker-owner of Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes & Estates in Woodbury.
Some Woodbury neighborhoods are named, some are gated and most are pricey. Think low- to mid-$500,000s just to break in. However, Woodbury has experienced a "major market correction," says Gail Marchbein, associate broker of Coach Realtors in East Norwich. "Prices have come down dramatically." Elliott agrees. "Prices are probably down 30 percent from five or six years ago -- buyers are finding great value," he says.
For instance, houses that commanded $1.7 million five years ago now fetch about $1.4 million, Marchbein says. "I think we have bottomed out."
There are three town-operated senior developments in Woodbury -- Woodbury Cove, Woodbury Meadows and Woodbury Gardens. All have age and income restrictions and waiting lists.
CONDOS AND TOWNHOUSES 28 listings between $359,000 and $1,125,000
SALES PRICE From May 1, 2011, to June 10, 2012, there were 42 sales with a median sales price of $957,500, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $312,000 and the high price was $2,100,000. From April 1, 2010, to April 30, 2011, there were 37 sales. The median price was $852,500, with a low of $394,000 and $1,750,000.
ATTRACTIONS The Syosset-Woodbury Community Park is a town facility with athletic fields, a pool and skating rink. There also is the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course on Southwoods Road and Trail View State Park, also known as the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt, which has hiking and biking trails.
BY THE NUMBERS
Town: Oyster Bay
Area: 5 square miles
ZIP code: 11797
Population: 8,907
Median age: 46.9
Median household income: $147,026
Median home value: $1,070,000*
LIRR time to NYC: From Syosset, 44 minutes to 59 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket: $254
School district: Syosset
SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road
*Based on sales in the past six months according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island
