After leaving for college, mother of 3 comes back to E. Moriches

Karen Lee, 39, East Moriches

How long have you lived here?
I was raised here as a child. I moved away for college but then came back here. That was about 10 years ago.

Why come back?
My parents are still here and they like it. It’s quiet, it’s residential, it’s a good neighborhood. There is a sense of community here. And it’s on the South Shore, it’s always a little cooler in the summer and a little warmer in the winter.

What’s changed since you were growing up?
There are more homes. Other than that, it’s mostly the same. I don’t drive around much.

Are you involved with any community organizations?
Not yet. I have three kids, so we’re really in baby mode. They’re 5, 2 and 7 months. [The 5-year-old] just started kindergarten, so I’ll probably be more involved with the school.
She went to Pre-K for two years and that was great. The parents were great, all really good people.

What kind of things do you like to do with the kids around town?
We go to carnivals, festivals, anything local. We like to walk around the neighborhood.

How would you define the character of Moriches?
Quiet.