Bethpage, a hometown of reinvention

THE SCOOP Sometimes you can go home again. At least that's the case for a number of people raised in Bethpage, a community about midway between the North and South shores.

"Everybody comes back to Bethpage," says resident Kim Testa of Charles Rutenberg Realty. "It has that small-town feel," adds resident Mary Macaluso of Realty Connect USA.

A portion of Stewart Avenue and Broadway is dotted with mom-and-pop shops, chains, eateries and services. There is a host of other commerce along Hempstead Turnpike, Route 107 and Hicksville Road.

Buyers can find a mix of house styles, generally priced from the $300,000s to the $700,000s.

It was in Bethpage that Grumman built the lunar module that landed on the moon in 1969. However, from 1949 to 1962, Grumman legally dumped chemicals, resulting in groundwater and soil contamination. The issue is being addressed by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

"The diligence of the Bethpage water district has safeguarded residents from the environmental effects of the defense industry," says Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, a resident.

And the area continues to reinvent itself. Homeland Security has offices here, as does the film industry, including Gold Coast Studios.

CO-OPS Three listings, $129,900 to $175,000

SENIOR HOUSING Housing that's part of the Golden Age program includes Central Park Estates, Sunny Lane and the Apollo. There is a waiting list. For information, call the town's department of Community and Youth Services, 516-797-7935.

SALES PRICE From April 1, 2012, to May 10, 2013, there were 144 sales with a median price of $360,000, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $230,000 and the high was $612,000. From April 1, 2011, to May 10, 2012, there were 124 sales. The median price was $364,750, with a low of $126,500 and a high of $695,000.

ATTRACTIONS Bethpage State Park offers a picnic area, polo field, and five golf courses.

OTHER STATSTown Oyster Bay

Area 3.6 square miles

ZIP code 11714

Population 16,603

Median age 44

Median household income $86,761

Median home value $356,250

LIRR time to NYC 45 minutes to

55 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket $276

School district Most students attend Bethpage; others go to Island Trees or Plainedge

SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlslI.com; LIRR;

*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI