If you're thinking of buying a home in Commack

THE SCOOP: When Adele Rosenberg began showing properties in Commack in 1979, the school district was in austerity, she recalls. "Now, it's on par with other top districts across Long Island," says Rosenberg, office manager of the Commack branch of Coach Real Estate Associates. Ronni Tranes, a resident and agent of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, agrees. "The schools are tops," she says. "They are the big draw."

Straddling the towns of Huntington and Smithtown, this community also is popular for its central location and proximity to the parkways. Though devoid of a downtown, Commack has an ample supply of shops, services, restaurants and professional firms, especially along Jericho Turnpike and Commack Road. Also here are the Long Island Association, the Long Island Business Institute and Memorial Sloan-Kettering's ambulatory cancer center.

Well-maintained neighborhoods feature various styles, especially Colonials and split-levels. Most lot sizes range from 1/4-acre to 1/3-acre. Prices range from the $300,000s to the $900,000s. Homes in The Hamlet, a gated community, hit seven digits. A few new houses are being built with prices starting at $699,000. "Anything we have under $500,000 and obviously $400,000 sells quickly because people want to get into the schools, says Rosenberg.

Condos and homeowner associations homes: Several complexes - 20 listings; $299,000 to $1,050,000

House rentals: About $2,500 a month, Tranes says.

Sales price: Since April 2009, there were 212 sales with a median price of $428,250, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low was $257,000 and the high was $770,000. From March 2008 to March 2009, there were 128 sales with a median price of $443,750. The low was $210,000 and the high was $900,000.

Attractions: The Commack Multiplex Cinemas; small parks; Hoyt Farm Park (for Smithtown residents); The Hamlet Golf and Country Club is private.

Other stats

Towns: Huntington, Smithtown

Area: Huntington, 3.7 square miles; Smithtown, 8.3 square-miles

ZIP code: 11725

Population: 35,132

Median age: 40.9

Median household income: $109,833

Median home value: $423,500

Median age of homes: 42

Percent owning home: 92

Percent renting home: 7.4

Percent homes vacant: 1.1

LIRR time to NYC: From Deer Park, 54 to 70 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $274

School district: Commack

SOURCES: Claritas 2009; .mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road *Based on sales in the past six months according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island

RECENTLY SOLD: $715,000

7 Long Meadow Rd. On the market 42 days, this 11-room Contemporary sold in April for $715,000. The last list price was $739,000. Built in 1986, the house has one fireplace and one skylight as well as five bedrooms and 31/2 bathrooms. Amenities include a finished basement, a patio, a deck, in-ground sprinklers and a two-car garage. Taxes are $14,617.

RECENTLY SOLD: $535,000

40 Tulipwood Dr. With a last list price of $549,999, this four-bedroom Colonial sold in April. It was on the market 102 days. Set on a quarter-acre, the house has 2 1/2 bathrooms, a formal living room with cathedral ceilings and a den with a fireplace. Amenities include a finished basement, a patio, an in-ground pool, in-ground sprinklers and a two-car garage. The house was built in 1963. Taxes are $12,570.

RECENTLY SOLD: $320,000

787 Larkfield Rd. With a last list price of $379,000, this eight-room high-ranch sold in April for $320,000. It was on the market 790 days. The house features wood floors, four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The backyard, which has an in-ground pool, is fenced. The house was built in 1964 on a .20-acre lot. Taxes are $10,455.

NOW FOR SALE

$339,900. This 1970 ranch on almost 1/4-acre, has three bedrooms, one bathroom and a rear covered patio. Taxes are $8,220. Sylvia Lazar, Coach Real Estate Associates, Commack, 631-499-1000

$499,000 to $529,000. This split-level with a legal accessory apartment on .52-acres has four bedrooms, three baths and a 2 1/2-car garage. Taxes are $13,216. Ronni Tranes, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Commack, 631-499-0500

$999,999. This postmodern built in 2001 on almost 1/2-acre has moldings, a fireplace, skylights, five-bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms. Taxes are $17,752. Joanne Christoforou, RE/MAX Beyond, St. James, 631-806-8932