If you're thinking of buying in Jericho

THE SCOOP This community falls within the Jericho and Syosset school districts, both top notch, according to local real estate agents. "Jericho schools have been one of the top in the country as long as I can remember," says resident Linda Petralia, an associate broker of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty in Syosset, adding, "Syosset is also a highly regarded school district." She notes the ease of accessing all the major highways via entrances to the LIE and the Northern State Parkway from North Broadway.

Perhaps this combination has contributed to the increase of sales - 92 homes sold in the past year, up 23 from 69 the previous year, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island. "Buyers are clamoring to get into Jericho," says former resident Robyn Sher of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in East Norwich.

Jericho has had its price corrections, Sher adds. Inventory is moving, Petralia says, noting that most activity is in the $600,000-to- $799,000 price range and even entering the $800,000s. Developments - many of them named - include Colonials, split-levels and various ranch styles. Most condo and town house communities are along Jericho Turnpike and the LIE service road.

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES 38 listings priced between $525,000 and $1,650,000.

MONTHLY RENTALS Six listed at $1,950 to $4,500.

SALES PRICE Year over year, the numbers are up. Since September 2009, there were 92 sales with a median price of $700,000. The low was $430,000, the high $1,425,000. From August 2008 to August 2009, there were 69 sales. The median price was $675,000 with a low of $412,500 and a high of $1,650,000.

ATTRACTIONS Nassau Equestrian Center on Route 106 boards horses and offers lessons, summer camp and trail rides. This Sunday, the center will host a fall horse show. The Jericho Cider Mill - think apples, ciders and pies - is also on Route 106. Cantiague Park in Hicksville is nearby.

OTHER STATS

Town: Oyster Bay

Area: 4.0 square miles

ZIP code: 11753

Population: 12,820

Median age: 45.8

Median household income: $130,721

Median home value: $718,000*

Median age of homes: 47

Percent owning home: 85.8

LIRR time to NYC: From Hicksville, 40 to 52 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $232

School district: Most students attend Jericho, though some go to Syosset.

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

RECENTLY SOLD

$955,000

12 Livingston Ave. On the market 29 days, this two-story house sold in August. The original asking price was $999,500. Expanded and renovated, this 12-room house has a fireplace, five bedrooms and four bathrooms. It was built in 1966 on a 80-by-125-foot lot. Taxes are $18,474.

$715,000

218 Birchwood Park Dr. With a last asking price of $749,000, this nine-room split-level sold last month. It was on the market 83 days. Built in 1958 on a 75-by-115-foot lot, the updated house has four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Amenities include a skylight, in-ground sprinklers and a one-car garage. Taxes are $13,561.

$550,000

107 Dewey St. After 103 days on the market, this seven-room expanded ranch sold last month. The last asking price was $569,000. Completely updated, the home features a fireplace, wood floors and recessed lighting. There are three bedrooms and two bathrooms. The lot is 53 by 120 feet. The taxes are $12,212.

NOW FOR SALE

$459,000 Offering a new eat-in kitchen, this six-room Cape has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a finished basement. The lot is 60-by-100 feet. The taxes are $9,121. Susan Kurz, Century 21 Laffey Associates, Syosset, 516-921-4300

$899,000 Reconstructed nine-room split-level on an 85- by-125-foot lot with a fireplace, wood floors, four bedrooms and three bathrooms. Taxes are $15,653. Robyn Sher, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, East Norwich, 516-624-9000

$3,475,000 Horse property on 6.18 acres approved for subdivision. The eight-room farm ranch has five bedrooms, four baths. Taxes: $39,170. Kathryn Maxwell Pournaras, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, Locust Valley, 516-759-4800

ON MULTIPLE LISTINGS

Number of houses: 73

Price range: $459,000 to $3,475,000

Tax range: $6,034 to $39,170