If you're thinking of buying in Point Lookout
February 3,2011: Point Lookout NY, A shot of Lido Blvd facing east with firehouses on north side of road. Credit: Photo by Jim Staubitser
The scoop. If you decide to tour the seaside hamlet of Point Lookout, be sure to adhere to the 15 mph speed limit. "This beach community is kid-oriented and the speed of traffic is key . . . and enforced," says Tony Chiaravalloti, broker- owner of Coldwell Banker Beach West Realty in Long Beach.
There are about 860 homes and "lots of kids," adds resident Tom Hug, owner of a real estate agency bearing his name. In the summer, children frequent the beaches, athletic fields and marinas -- Ted's Fishing Station or Scotty's Marina and Fishing. In the off-season, many children gravitate to Skipperdees Lil' Ice Cream Shop on Lido Boulevard. Since opening last year, this retro parlor has encouraged students to study. Those who produce a perfect score get on the Skipperdees Honor Roll; for 10 perfect scores, a $25 gift certificate. The shop also offers tutoring. "We have in excess of 75 kids, and to date 10 have brought in perfect scores," says owner Richard Zampella.
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Jones Inlet and Reynolds Channel, the community's interior is three blocks wide and 11 blocks long. Most services, including the hamlet's first bank - First National Bank of Long Island - line Lido Boulevard.
Though a few original cottages remain, the trend of renovating and expanding homes continues, says Paul Gomez, owner of Point Realty. And even though prices have come down, buying in this community remains a solid investment, Hug adds.
Rentals. There are about 45 seasonal home rentals, Hug says, noting the highest rent last summer was $27,500 for one month. A cottage can fetch $5,000 a month, while waterfronts can start at $15,000 a month, Gomez says.
Sales price. Many sales are handled privately, hence a small sample size: According to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data, there were nine sales since January 2010 with a median price of $800,000. The low price was $490,000, and the high was $1,240,000. From December 2008 to December 2009, there were three sales. The median price was $780,000 with a low of $580,000 and a high of $990,000.
OTHER STATS
Town. Hempstead
Area. 0.25 square mile
ZIP code. 11569
Population. 1,124
Median age. 46.3
Median household income. $85,000
Median home value. $825,000*
LIRR time to Manhattan. 51 to 59 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket. $254
School district. Long Beach
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
