If you're thinking of buying in Freeport
A boat enters the port on a hazy day in Freeport. Credit: Photo by Danielle Finkelstein
THE SCOOP. Like many waterside communities on Long Island, the village of Freeport hops in the warmer months.
The main attraction, Nautical Mile alongside Woodcleft Canal on Woodcleft
Avenue, is dotted with restaurants and bars, some with outdoor seating and live music, as well as fish markets and a few shops. "Nautical Mile is fabulous," says longtime resident Rose Bruscino, of Action Homes Real Estate Corp. in Freeport, noting that the annual Nautical Mile Family Festival is scheduled this weekend.
This ethnically diverse community offers other recreational and commercial areas, including those along Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road. The central business district is on Main Street.
Buyers can find a mix of architectural styles in a variety of price ranges. "From fixer-uppers to grand Victorians, there's something for everyone," says resident Carol Sparaco, owner of Sparaco Lieberman Realty.
Sales are picking up. "Houses are probably more affordable now than they have been in a long time and the interest rates are still low," Sparaco says, adding, "buyers are stepping back into the market."
CONDOS, CO-OPS, TOWN HOUSES. A total of 94 listed between $39,990 and $598,876.
SALES PRICE. Since last April, there were 217 sales with a median price of $278,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $85,000 and the high was $900,000. From March 2009 to March 2010, there were 203 sales. The median price was $275,000 with a low of $90,000 and a high of $875,000.
ATTRACTIONS. Fishing and casino boats; Crow's Nest Mini Golf; Freeport Recreation Center on East Merrick Road has an indoor pool, three outdoor pools and an ice-skating rink; Glacken Park, Northeast Park, Randall Park and Waterfront Park; Freeport Memorial Library.
VILLAGE SERVICES. Electric and water utilities, police department, sanitation and highway.
OTHER STATS
Town. Hempstead
Area. 4.6 square miles
ZIP code. 11520
Population. 44,001
Median age. 37
Median household income. $67,954
Median home value. $279,250*
School districts. Most students attend Freeport; A few go to Roosevelt or Baldwin.
LIRR time to NYC. 40 minutes to 49 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket. $254
Sources: Census estimates; www.mlsli.com; LIRR
*Based on sales in the past six months according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island
