Kings Park: Quaint retreat halfway to Hamptons draws generations of buyers
Main Street is home to restaurants, businesses and more in Kings Park. Credit: Rick Kopstein
THE SCOOP The North Shore hamlet of Kings Park lives up to its name with tons of green space, waterfront views and a peaceful feel that many civic activists want to preserve as they review two master plans.
"Most Kings Park residents who have grown up in Kings Park either stay there or find themselves moving back to the area," said real estate agent Lori Zamore, who called the hamlet a "quaint" retreat, halfway between the Hamptons and Manhattan.
Among the local parks, two state ones are beacons for birdwatchers, kayakers and other nature lovers. Sunken Meadow State Park tops the 32-mile Long Island Greenbelt Trail, a hike that ends at Heckscher State Park on the Great South Bay. Nissequogue River State Park provides views of Long Island Sound from its bluffs.
"When you take a walk at Sunken Meadow State Park or Nissequogue State Park, it's hard to imagine you live on Long Island," said Mike Rosato, president of the Kings Park Community Association. "It's quiet, it's peaceful. It's a beautiful place to live."
Indian Head Road cuts through the southern section of Kings Park and houses more businesses. Credit: Rick Kopstein
But perhaps the hamlet is best known for the shuttered Kings Park Psychiatric Center, once one of the nation's largest mental health institutions. Opened in 1885 as a therapeutic farm community for Brooklyn asylum patients, it ballooned into an institution with 8,500 patients and a dark history.
After the center closed in 1996, the community thwarted a high-density housing plan there in favor of turning its 521 acres into the Nissequogue River park. In November, state officials unveiled a master plan reimagining the park as a "recreation destination." As part of preserving the psychiatric history, York Hall, built in the 1930s as a theater and community center for patients, would be transformed into a performance and events space.
Residents use the Smithtown Library-Kings Park branch on Indian Head Road. Credit: Rick Kopstein
The other master plan in the works covers downtown Kings Park, which has been undergoing sewage upgrades and been opened up to redevelopment plans. Town officials have an eye on walkable neighborhoods of apartment and retail options, while some community leaders want to ensure it retains a suburban feel.
For a quirky stop, the Kings Park Heritage Museum is an all-volunteer museum on the first floor of the Ralph J. Osgood Intermediate School. It's crammed with artifacts — a replica of a General Store, antique sewing machines found in residents' homes, a Ford Model T and thousands of photos of local families.
Homes along Twin Oaks Drive, top, and Marvin Drive in Kings Park. Credit: Rick Kopstein
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are no condos or co-ops on the market.
SALE PRICES Between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, there were 141 home sales with a median sale price of $635,750, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 145 home sales with a median sale price of $610,000.
OTHER STATS
Population 16,730
Median age 43.5
Median home value $654,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Kings Park $378
School district, graduation rate Kings Park (94.5%)
Library Smithtown
Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 5
Sources: 2021 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov
ON THE MARKET
$799,000
This $799,000 Kings Park home is on the Nissequogue River. Credit: Signature Premier Properties
On the banks of the Nissequogue River, this two-bed, two-bath home boasts views of sunsets over the Long Island Sound. The wood-and-windowed home, built in 1935, has three fireplaces, skylights and a finished basement with walkout access. A gazebo in the garden is steps away from a Jacuzzi and an outdoor kitchen and bar with a television. Taxes are $7,256. Lori Zamore, 631-804-0440, Signature Premier Properties
$699,000
This $699,000 Kings Park home contains three bedrooms. Credit: Compass Greater NY
This three-bedroom 2½-bath condo is in the pet-friendly Lakebridge Development, a gated community with 24-hour security. Built in 1993, the townhome features an open floor plan with a natural gas fireplace and two decks. The residential community has a clubhouse, gym, in-ground pool, playground, a tennis and pickle ball court and dog run. Taxes are $7,400. Monthly maintenance is $689. A contract is pending. Raffaela Ferro, Compass Greater NY 631-219-5705
$524,900
This $524,900 Kings Park home sits on half an acre. Credit: Coldwell Banker
This 1955 Cape sits on a half-acre, nestled among trees and shrubbery. It has two bedrooms, two full baths, a formal dining room and an eat-in kitchen. The partial basement is partly finished. A contract is pending. Taxes are $7,349. Frank S Morreale, Coldwell Banker, 631-902-9700
RECENTLY SOLD
$1.15 million
Kohr Road
Style Post modern
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3 full, 2 half
Built 2000
Lot size 0.79 acre
Taxes $18,384
+/- List price -$200,000
Days on market 151
$800,000
Brand Street
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2
Built 1960
Lot size 0.54 acre
Taxes $15,592
+/- List price -$59,000
Days on market 113
$492,000
Brocton Lane
Style Split ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1½
Built 1951
Lot size 0.31 acre
Taxes $12,015
+/- List price +$17,000
Days on market 44
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 15
Price range $259,000 to $1.2 million
Tax range $6,981 to $16,179
