If you're looking to buy in Islip Terrace

"I live three blocks from where I grew up," says Christine Geraghty of Winkler Real Estate. "There's that trend here," she adds "It's a great community -- you see people walking dogs, kids riding bikes and families with strollers."

Debbie Carpluk of Century 21 Selmar Realty, who also hails from Islip Terrace, echoes the sentiment: "As my mother always says, we are a long line of boomerangers and homing pigeons."

The hamlet, which is just north of Sunrise Highway, has its own post office and fire department. And though there isn't a downtown district, there are clusters of stores -- many of them long-standing mom-and-pop shops as well as a new CVS.

When it comes to housing, ranch styles rule, though Capes, Colonials and split-levels are part of the mix. Horse properties (two horses per half-acre) can be found on the northern side of town near Connetquot River State Park. Properties on the southwest side of Heckscher State Park are on the sewer system.

A new 55-plus community -- Providence on the Park off Connetquot Avenue -- opened last year. It comprises a clubhouse and 200 apartments ranging from $1,595 to $1,750 a month. There are two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos for sale as well. A total of 40 will be built with a starting price of $299,000.

Town Islip

Area 1.4 square miles

ZIP code 11752

Population 5,389

Median age 38.4

Median household income $86,324

Median home value $258,375*

Monthly ticket $334

School district Most students attend East Islip; others go to Central Islip and Connetquot