If you're looking to buy in Island Park

THE SCOOP Like many other waterside communities, Island Park buzzes this time of year. "Summertime is a busy time," says Mayor James Ruzicka. Masone Beach, where seasonal concerts are staged, is a popular draw, as are waterside

restaurants, such as Coyote Grill, Paddy McGees and Montego Bay, adds resident Nuala Elges of Weichert Realtors Hastava.

Island Park is composed of three communities: The Village of Island Park is nestled between the hamlets of Harbor Isle to the west and Barnum Island to the east. "It's three parts, but we are all one," says Michael Scully, a resident and broker-owner of Century 21 Scully Realty.

Residents have access to a downtown along Long Beach Road, where the train station and the renovated Island Park Public Library are situated.

House buyers can find ranch styles, Capes, Colonials and Contemporaries priced from $309,000 to about $1.5 million. A smattering on the waterfront can command up to $1.9 million, Scully says, adding that the National Grid facility on the outskirts of Island Park helps subsidize the school tax.

Folks who grew up here tend to stay. "It's a very homey town," Elges says.

CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES From the mid $200,000s to the $600,000s.

SALES PRICE Since July 2009, there were 53 sales with a median price of $370,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $105,000; the high was $980,000. From June 2008 to June 2009, there were 52 sales with a median price of $403,250. The low was $200,000 and the high $785,000.

ATTRACTIONS A concert followed by Grucci fireworks will be held Sept. 4 at Masone Beach. The annual Greek and San Gennaro festivals. Parks include Shell Creek in Barnum Isle.

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ZIP code: 11558

Population: Village, 4,328; Barnum Isle, 2,295; Harbor Isle, 1,216

Median age: Village, 41.8; Barnum Isle, 46.4; Harbor Isle, 45.7

Median household income: Village, $69,960; Barnum Isle, $96,260; Harbor Isle, $108,929

Median home value: $327,500*

Median age of homes: 46

Percent owning home: 70.4

Percent renting home: 27.9

LIRR time to NYC: 47 to 53 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $232

School districts: Island Park. For high school, students have a choice between West Hempstead or Long Beach.

SOURCES: Claritas 2009; www.mlsli.com; LIRR

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

Recently sold

$509,000

167 McKinley Ave. On the market 63 days, this nine-room split-level in Harbor Isle sold in June. The original asking price was $529,000. Built in 1955 on a 75-by-85-foot lot, the house features several updates, including two bathrooms and a renovated eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The living room has a fireplace. There are four bedrooms, including a master suite. Taxes are $9,402.

$400,000

4070 Connecticut Ave. This 10-room high ranch in Barnum Isle sold in June. It was on the market 85 days with an original asking price of $409,000. The house features several updates, including a new floor and new windows as well as a new gas boiler and hot water heater. Built in 1965 on a 60-by-100-foot parcel, the house has four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. Taxes are $7,443.

$320,000

36 Hastings Rd. With a last asking price of $339,000, this two-family home in the village sold in June. It was on the market 194 days. Built in 1957 on a 40-by-100-foot lot, the house has two bathrooms plus seven rooms, including three bedrooms. Amenities include a full basement, in-ground sprinklers and a one-car garage. Total taxes are $6,966.

Now for sale

Starter: $325,000 Built in 1932 on a 70-by-100-foot parcel in the village, nine-room duplex has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. Taxes, $5,470; additional village taxes, $218. Nuala Elges, Weichert Realtors Hastava, Island Park, 516-432-8382

Trade up: $569,000 This eight-room expanded split-level built in 1954 in Harbor Isle has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The lot is 100 by 85 foot lot. Taxes are $8,251. Michael Scully, Century 21 Scully Realty, Island Park, 516-889-7110

High end: $999,000 Overlooking the Bay, this 1967 two-story Barnum Isle home has four bathrooms and 10 rooms (five bedrooms). Taxes are $10,800. Thomas Tripodi, Cynthia Altkin, Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Long Beach, 516-432-3400

Currently on Multiple Listing

Number of houses: 78

Price range: $153,000 to $1,825,000

Tax range: $2,862 to $13,867

Village tax range: $218 to $1,305