If you're looking to buy in Westbury

THE SCOOP Last year, Westbury made Money Magazine's list of the "Best Places for the Rich and Single," says Mayor Peter Cavallaro. The survey, which ranked Westbury 13 of 25, according to CNNMoney.com, suggests that many affluent New Yorkers reside in Westbury but work in Manhattan.

"I think a lot of young professionals want to put some space between where they work and where they live," says Cavallaro, adding, "It's a great place for families and seniors, as well."

Much of Westbury's appeal centers around its location. "We are near everything," says resident Wendy Liotti of Rowan Real Estate in Carle Place, citing proximity to shops, restaurants, highways and a fairly quick commute into Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road. Mel Kussoy, a resident and agent with Century 21 American Homes in Westbury, adds that area colleges include Hofstra University and that "two of the greatest parks are nearby - Eisenhower and Cantiague."

Downtown Westbury, along Post Avenue, will be rejuvenated when a new performing arts center replaces the old movie house. The project should be complete within a year, Cavallaro says. "A lot has been done to revitalize Post Avenue, but this will be a big boost," Liotti says.

Westbury, which includes the unincorporated neighborhoods of Salisbury and New Cassel, is a culturally and economically diverse community.

Houses in the village - many of them historic - are generally priced from $250,000 to $750,000; those in Salisbury can range from $300,000 to more than $800,000; homes in New Cassel, where revitalization efforts are ongoing, generally range from $150,000 to $400,000.

The big news, Kussoy says, is houses are selling, noting that 77 are in contract.

CO-OPS AND CONDOS 26 listed between $65,000 and $759,000

SALES PRICE Since September 2009, there have been 284 sales, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The median price was $353,750, with a low of $99,900 and a high of $950,000. From August 2008 to August 2009, there were 195 sales, with a median price of $356,000. The low was $119,000, and the high was $785,000.

Westbury profile

Town: North Hempstead

Area: Village, 2.4 square miles; New Cassel, 1.5 square miles; Salisbury, 1.7 square miles

ZIP code: 11590

Population: Village, 14,278; New Cassel, 13,492; Salisbury, 11,808

Median age: Village, 40.6; New Cassel, 33.1; Salisbury, 42.3

Median household income: Village, $90,500; New Cassel, $65,243; Salisbury, $94,157

Median home value: $365,000*

Median age of homes: 52 years

LIRR time to NYC: 39 to 45 minutes at peak; monthly ticket: $232

School districts: Westbury, East Meadow, Carle Place, Hicksville and Jericho

SOURCES: Claritas 2009; mlsli.com; LIRR;

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

Recently sold

$542,500

4 Avon Lane With an original asking price of $554,000, this six-room expanded Cape was on the market 29 days. The sale closed in October. Built in 1953 on a 108-by-116-foot lot, the house features wood floors, custom moldings and a fireplace. There are three bedrooms and 31/2 bathrooms. Amenities include a 21/2-car garage and in-ground sprinklers. Taxes are $11,376.

$392,200

508 Rockland St. This six-room 1946 Colonial closed last month. It was on the market 123 days with a last asking price of $399,000. The layout includes a living room with fireplace, a formal dining room, eat-in kitchen, three bedrooms, 21/2 baths, a full basement, a two-car garage and in-ground sprinklers. The lot is 80 by 100 feet. Taxes are $8,683, with additional village taxes of $931.

$245,000

394 King St. On the market 58 days, this 1952 Cape closed last month. The last asking price was $285,000. Set on a 100-by-100- foot lot, it has seven rooms, including a living room with a fireplace, a dining room, an eat-in kitchen and four bedrooms. There are 21/2 bathrooms. Amenities include a full basement, a one-car garage and in-ground sprinklers. Total taxes are $12,437.

Now for sale

$239,990 This updated six-room Cape with a fireplace has three bedrooms and one bathroom on a 54-by-100-foot lot. Taxes are $8,685. Linda Palladino, Weichert Realtors, The Dallow Agency, North Bellmore, 516-679-0133

$499,000 On a 81-by-150-foot lot, this expanded Cape has four bedrooms and 21/2 bathrooms. Total taxes are $11,605. Wendy Liotti and Carole Zeilman, Rowan Real Estate, Carle Place, 516-333-1122

$849,999 This Contemporary on a 68-by-100-foot lot with an inground pool has two fireplaces, six bedrooms and three bathrooms. Taxes are $17,505. Mel Kussoy, Century 21 American Homes, Westbury, 516-334-4333

On multiple listings

Number of houses: 190

Price range: $150,000 to $1.1 million

Tax range: $5,364 to $19,792