If you're looking to buy in Lindenhurst

THE SCOOP If you've taken a ride through Lindenhurst lately, you may have noticed the latest improvement - a streetscape at the corner of Wellwood Avenue and Montauk Highway, where the median was expanded and beautified with decorative streetlights. Plus, the landmark gatling gun was raised onto a concrete pedestal, says village clerk Shawn Cullinane.

Other enhancements include the new playground at Village Square Park. Since the park's gazebo was destroyed by a storm in March, the village plans to build a new one in 2011. "We put a lot of investment into the community to keep it viable and interesting," Cullinane says.

Lindenhurst is a community made up of an incorporated village and an unincorporated area. Stretching from the Great South Bay north of Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst offers waterside attractions, recreation areas and shopping, including a vibrant pedestrian-friendly downtown district where two new restaurants are to open soon, says Jo Ann Boettcher, president of the Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce and an agent with Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Babylon.

Festivities include an array of annual events, such as a summer concert series and an Octoberfest hosted by the village and the Lindenhurst Rotary, respectively.

Neighborhoods feature ranches, high-ranches, split-levels, Capes and Colonials. About 25 percent to 30 percent of the inventory are short sales, says Jackie Connelly Fornuff of Century 21 AA Realty, noting there aren't many foreclosures left. "It's still an affordable community with great schools," Boettcher says. However, for economic reasons, Bower Elementary School (one of seven elementary schools in the district) is to close next year.

CONDOS Villas at Narragansett (55 plus), between $349,990 and $389,000

HOUSE RENTALS Up to $2,400 a month for a three-bedroom house

SALES PRICE According to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, there were 307 sales since last November. The median price was $305,000, with a low of $120,000 and a high of $610,000. From October 2008 to October 2009, there were 234 sales with a median price of $310,000. The low was $150,000, and the high was $675,000.

Lindenhurst by the numbers

Town: Babylon

Area: Village, 3.8 square miles; North Lindenhurst, 1.9 square miles

ZIP code: 11757*

Population: Village, 26,861; North Lindenhurst, 11,442

Median age: 38.5

Median household income: Village, $79,381; North Lindenhurst, $71,324

Median home value: $307,000**

LIRR time to NYC: 57 minutes to 74 at peak; monthly ticket: $274

School district: Most students attend Lindenhurst, some go to Copiague.

SOURCES: Claritas 2009; www.mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road

*Includes North Lindenhurst

**Based on sales in the past six months according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island

Recently sold

$545,000

827 Canal St. Set on a deep- water canal, this seven-room high-ranch, which sold in October, was on the market 64 days. Built in 1994 in a cul-de-sac, the house features wood floors, central air-conditioning, and upper and lower decks. There are three bedrooms and 21/2 bathrooms The lot size is 85 by 117 feet. Taxes are $12,681, with additional village taxes of $994.

$389,000

325 N. Fourth St. With a last asking price of $389,990, this 10-room split-level sold last month. Set on a 100-by-100-foot parcel, the exterior features new vinyl siding, windows, a roof and a front porch. Interior details include wood floors and new kitchen appliances. The house, which was built in 1958, has five bedrooms and two bathrooms. Taxes are $9,484; additional village taxes are $849.

$215,000

438 Eighth St. On the market 51 days, this four-room ranch sold earlier this month. The last asking price was $250,000. Set on a 100-by-100-foot lot, the two-bedroom, one-bath house features a fireplace in the living room and an eat-in kitchen. It was built in 1938. Amenities include a detached two-car garage. Taxes are $8,443, with additional village taxes of $773.

Now for sale

$239,000 Offering exterior updates, this six-room ranch has three bedrooms and one bathroom. The lot is 50 by 100 feet. Taxes are $5,948. Jo Ann Boettcher, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Babylon, 631-422-9292

$399,000 Featuring a custom kitchen, wood floors, four bedrooms and four bathrooms, this seven-room ranch is on a 64-by-100-foot lot. Taxes: $10,436. Jackie Connelly Fornuff, Century 21 AA Realty, Lindenhurst, 631-703-0201

$749,000 On a canal with bulkhead and slips, this 10- room house has a two-sided fireplace, five bedrooms, four baths. Taxes: $14,886, plus village taxes of $1,185. Lisa Hendrickson, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Sayville, 631-589-8500

On multiple listings

Number of houses: 212

Price range: $149,000 to $749,000

Tax range: $1,953 to $15,618