If you're thinking of buying in Locust Valley

THE SCOOP The quaint hamlet of Locust Valley, on the Gold Coast, neighbors Glen Cove as well as the villages of Lattingtown and Matinecock.

Though laid back, this pastoral community is quite active, says Nancy Hawkins, an associate broker at Piping Rock Associates. The heart of Locust Valley - accessible by two-lane, meandering roads - houses antiques shops, boutiques and services such as banks, repair shops and salons. On Saturday mornings from May to November, an outdoor farmers' market at the Long Island Rail Road station sells fresh produce, breads and such. And there are restaurants, too, adds Katie Cuddeback, an associate broker of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.

Locust Valley is home to the Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club, which provides programs for children and young adults, as well as two well-known private schools: Friends Academy and the Portledge School.

Homes, including smaller Colonials and ranches in and around the village, start at about $350,000, Cuddeback says. Most houses, even newer ones, lean toward a classic design, says Hawkins, noting property sizes can range from a quarter acre to about 2 acres.

The market has been sporadic, Hawkins says. "We tend to hold our values pretty well on the North Shore, but we have been just as affected as everyone else." On a high note, Hawkins says, her office had more sales in 2010 than in 2009.

RENTALS One apartment, listed for $1,200 a month.

SALES PRICE According to Multiple Listing Service data of Long Island, there have been 58 sales since December 2009. The median price was $575,000, with a low of $125,000 and a high of $4,630,000. From November 2008 to November 2009, there were 21 sales, with a median price of $555,000. The low was $165,000 and the high was $1,985,000.

ATTRACTIONS The Rotary Club's "Taste of Locust Valley" on Jan. 27; annual events include an Octoberfest and summer concerts. The John P. Humes Japanese Stroll Garden is on Oyster Bay Road.

Locust Valley by the numbers

Town: Oyster Bay

Area: 1 square mile

ZIP code: 11560*

Population: 3,377

Median age: 41

Median household income: $70,372

Median home value: $575,000**

LIRR time to NYC: 66 minutes to 73 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $254

School district: Students attend Locust Valley school district.

SOURCES: Claritas 2009; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road

*Includes Lattingtown, Matinecock

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

Recently sold

$650,000

18 ALLEN DR. On the market 29 days, this eight-room Colonial sold in November. The last asking price was $659,000. Built in 1964 on a 70-by-100- foot lot, this updated house has a new kitchen and one fireplace, as well as five bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. The taxes are $11,167.

$575,000

35 Walton Ave. With an original asking price of $599,000, this 10-room expanded Cape was on the market 164 days. The sale closed last month. Completely renovated, the house has three bathrooms and four bedrooms, including a master suite. Amenities include a finished basement, central air-conditioning and a detached, one-car garage. The house was built in 1949 on a 60- by-106-foot lot. Taxes are $9,347.

$435,000

105 Baldwin Ave. The sale of this five-room cottage closed last month. It was on the market 130 days with a last asking price of $459,000. Recently renovated, the cottage features wood floors and a stone fireplace. Built in 1940 on a 50-by-150-foot parcel, the cottage has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Taxes are $7,970.

Now for sale

$339,000 This updated six-room Colonial with three bedrooms and one bathroom was built in 1925 on a 50-by-110-foot lot. Taxes are $5,775. Dara Crawford, Century 21 Prevete Real Estate, Levittown, 516-520-3838

$959,000 Nine-room Colonial on a 100-by-230-foot lot, with four bedrooms and 21/2 bathrooms. It features three fireplaces, wood floors and French doors. Taxes are $16,352. Nancy Hawkins, Piping Rock Associates, 516-676-2230

$1,450,000 This updated 12-room Colonial has a fireplace, custom woodwork, five bedrooms and 31/2 bathrooms on 3.4-acres. Taxes are $27,595. Bryan McMillen, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, Locust Valley, 516-759-4800

On multiple listings

Number of houses: 49*

Price range: $275,000 to $5,995,000*

Tax range: $4,809 to $48,372* *Includes Lattingtown, Matinecock