Looking to buy in Westhampton?
Water views of all kinds, including those of Beaverdam Pond, are a big draw for home buyers in the Westhampton area. (April 25, 2013) Credit: Randee Daddona
Each Hampton has its own bragging rights. For Westhampton, it's proximity to Manhattan. "It's the closest Hampton to the city," says Mark Shuster of Hampton Estates Realty, noting the commute is roughly 90 minutes without traffic.
Though the area attracts summer visitors and second-home buyers, a lot of people now live there full-time, says Patrick Galway, managing director of Town & Country Real Estate. "Technology helps," Galway adds, noting many people are able to work from home. "The majority of buyers are from Manhattan," Galway says.
The housing stock ranges from modest ranches to elaborate multimillion-dollar spreads. Prices generally start around $500,000, though some homes are priced lower.
Higher-priced houses tend to be along the ocean, bay or canal. "Lower-priced homes -- less than $1 million -- are having a nice run," Galway says.
While Shuster says the market has been picking up, he has noticed an uptick in summer rentals as well.
CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES
12 listings, $419,000 to $1.695 million
CO-OPS
Two listings, $215,000 and $389,000
SEASONAL RENTALS
(Memorial Day to Labor Day) Depending on size, location and amenities, rents can range from $20,000 to $200,000.
SALES PRICES
According to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data, there were 33 sales with a median price of $710,000 from March 1, 2012, to April 20, 2013. The low price was $200,000 and the high was $3,800,000. From March 1, 2011, to April 20, 2012, there were 25 sales. The median price was $985,000, with a low of $195,000 and a high of $2,525,000.
ATTRACTIONS
Residents share the same beach rights as those who live in Westhampton Beach, Shuster says, noting they have access to Rogers Beach and Lashley Beach. Galway says those beaches fared well in superstorm Sandy. Check out the Greater Westhampton Chamber of Commerce website (whbcc.com) to keep abreast of activities and events.
BY THE NUMBERS
TOWN: Southampton
AREA: 14.8 square miles
ZIP CODE: 11977
POPULATION: 3,128
MEDIAN AGE: 52.5
MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME: $99,643
MEDIAN HOUSE VALUE: $762,000*
LIRR TIME TO NYC: 121 minutes at peak
MONTHLY TICKET: $466
HAMPTON JITNEY STOP: Inside Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach
SCHOOL DISTRICT: Most attend Westhampton Beach; others go to Remsenberg-Speonk.
Sources: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR;
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI
