Selden housing market affordability lures first-time buyers
The Selden branch of the Middle Country Public Library is seen on Middle Country Road in Selden. (Dec. 19, 2013) Credit: James Carbone
Selden has a reputation for being affordable, so it's a magnet for many first-time home buyers, say local real estate agents.
"Selden allows a buyer the dream of a white picket fence and a backyard," says Gail Carillo, an associate broker for Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. For example, Carillo says, it's not unusual to find a four-bedroom home with 2½ bathrooms, a basement and a garage for under $350,000. Compared to other areas, that's a lot of bang for the buck, she adds.
The housing stock is diverse, says Lina Lopes of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. It ranges from older, two-bedroom cottages to a newer, 3,000-square-foot Colonials. The median home price is less than $250,000, but newer, larger homes -- from 2,000 square feet to 3,000 square feet -- are priced from $350,000 to $500,000 and can be found in the Meadows development.
The Catholic Charities' Housing Department offers affordable housing to seniors who meet income guidelines at the 200-unit St. Joseph Village on Boyle Road.
Another selling point is Selden's central location. "It's so accessible to everything," says Lopes, who grew up there. North Ocean Avenue and Nicolls Road lead to the Long Island Expressway. "Commuting-wise, it's very good," says Lopes, noting that residents can get to the Ronkonkoma train station quickly, and that North Shore and South Shore beaches are both within easy driving distance.
Shops, eateries and services are plentiful, especially along Middle Country Road, where shopping centers include Independence Plaza and Selden Plaza.
Selden is also home to the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk County Community College.
