If you're thinking of buying in Smithtown

THE SCOOP. The hamlet of Smithtown is in, not coincidentally, the heart of the Town of Smithtown. Surrounding communities are Kings Park, Commack, Nissequogue, Hauppauge and St. James.

When asked what the big draws are for those considering relocating to Smithtown, Cindy Mantione of Coach Realtors in Smithtown is quick to offer the easy access to major roadways and North Shore beaches. Olga Baram of Town & Country Homes adds, "Smithtown is family oriented and a great place to raise kids."

The hamlet enjoys a balance between work and play. An active Main Street area, undergoing a traffic calming study, is flanked by small businesses, banks and restaurants. Barbara Franco, executive director of the Smithtown Chamber of Commerce, says the community has become a dining destination.

Homes include ranches, Colonials, splanches and Postmoderns. There is a rental market, but properties don't remain available long, says Katherine Ferraro of Coldwell Banker Residential. Rental prices run about $2,400 a month for a two-bedroom home to $5,000 for a three-bedroom home. An exception is a home currently renting for $125,000 a month for the summer, Ferraro says.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS. Among 10 complexes in Smithtown, 38 properties are represented on the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island website, with prices ranging from $125,000 to $929,000.

SALES PRICE. According to Multiple Listing data, there were 248 sales from April 2010 to May 2011. The median price was $435,000, with a low of $220,000 and a high of $1,300,000. From March 2009 to March 2010, there were 193 sales, with a median price of $434,000. The low was $232,000, and the high was $999,500.

ATTRACTIONS. The Smithtown Performing Arts Center, Smithtown Landing Country Club (public), and several parks, including Landing Avenue Park, Blydenburgh Park, Brady Park and the Sweetbriar Nature Center.

OTHER STATS

Town: Smithtown Town

Area:  11.8 square miles

ZIP code: 11787

Population: 28,018

Median age: 39.5

Median household income: $106,977

Median home value: $410,000*

LIRR time to NYC: 75 to 90 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $334

School district: Smithtown, Hauppauge and Commack

Sources: Census estimates; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road

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