If you're looking to buy in Syosset

THE SCOOP Syosset offers a central location and a bevy of retailers, which many find appealing, but buyers often look to this community with one thought in mind -- the school district.

"It's always top-rated," says Elyse Mayer of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in Syosset, noting that the school district is still a big draw and attracts buyers from Queens. Paula Johnson of Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes & Estates in East Norwich says the schools are driving the market, noting that home prices have not dipped as significantly as other communities on Long Island.

Syosset offers a variety of architectural styles and price ranges. Larger homes on lots of one-plus acres in North Syosset often fetch prices north of $1 million. Newer homes in the southern sections are listed up to the $900,000s.

Retailers, eateries and medical facilities dot Jericho Turnpike, while the pedestrian-friendly commercial district is just north of the train station on Jackson Avenue.

A reconstruction project is under way on Jackson Avenue from Underhill Boulevard to Jericho Turnpike to widen the road, add a center turn lane and install new sidewalks, says town spokeswoman Phyllis Barry. Sidewalks and decorative lighting are also to be installed on the east side of Jackson Avenue from the railroad tracks to Convent Road.

CONDOS Hidden Ridge, eight listings from $429,000 to $629,500.

SALES PRICE Since March 2010, there were 187 sales with a median price of $530,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $250,000; the high was $1,250,000. From February 2009 to February 2010, the number of sales also was 187. The median price was $550,000 with a low of $301,000 and a high of $1,180,000.

ATTRACTIONS The town-operated Syosset-Woodbury Community Park in neighboring Woodbury offers pools, playgrounds, ballfields, tennis courts and picnic areas, plus youth and senior programs.

OTHER STATS

Town: Oyster Bay

Area: 5.0 square miles

ZIP code: 11791*

Population: 19,174

Median age: 41.8

Median household income: $125,808

Median home value: $512,500**

LIRR time to NYC: 55 minutes to 70 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $254

School district: Syosset

SOURCES: Census estimates; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road

*Includes Muttontown

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