Long Beach: Oceanfront homes, nightlife, little need for cars draw buyers
The Long Beach boardwalk has been a centerpiece of the barrier island community for generations. Credit: Jeff Bachner
THE SCOOP Known for its proximity to sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, Long Beach is home to large private homes, multi-bedroom condos and one- or two-bedroom co-ops, all vying for space along the waterfront.
Long Beach is famous for its iconic boardwalk. Stretching 2.2 miles along the Atlantic Ocean, it is often central to daily life, some say, because of the salt air and ocean breezes.
"We can ride on it, or walk on it, and stay active," said Kelly Forman, real estate agent for Compass Real Estate, who is opening her own office in Long Beach.
Forman said that Long Beach offers Manhattan residents the choice to buy a summer home without spending hours getting to the Hamptons.
"You can buy your second-home first," she said — something she and her friends did, while still working and renting in Manhattan. "You can enjoy the equity."
Park Avenue, Long Beach's main thoroughfare, is home to businesses, shops and eateries. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
As far as entertainment, Long Beach has lots of it. From twice weekly farmers markets to summer movie nights, live music on the beach to the nightlife on the trendy West End, the small city has plenty to do. Away from the beaches, there are numerous restaurants and boutiques, Forman said.
Transportation is a big bonus to living in Long Beach. There are three bus routes that ferry passengers can take around town and connect to the LIRR station, a 50-minute train ride to Manhattan, she said.
"You don't really need a car," to get around, Forman added.
Long Beach has a large array of housing in both price and type. One- or two-bedroom co-op apartments can be quite modestly priced by Long Island standards. Homes along the water can reach $6 million.
Old brick-style homes still stand on West Walnut Street in Long Beach, which has also seen plenty of development. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
New luxury rental buildings, such as The Breeze along the boardwalk, are renting from $3,750 for a studio up to $5,850 for a two-bed, two-bath unit.
A lesser-known area of Long Beach is "The Walks." Named after the months of the year, the small area has walkways with no cars allowed, said Angie Vazquez, an agent with Coldwell Banker American Homes.
"It's reminiscent of Fire Island living," she said. "Homes are closer together, with a private feel."
The first passenger train to the area was established in the summer of 1880, when the Long Beach Hotel, then considered the largest in the world, brought in 300,000 visitors a season, but it slowly fizzled as a destination. In 1906, a former state senator, William H. Reynolds, bought land from private owners and the Town of Hempstead to build oceanfront homes and the boardwalk along the beach.
SALE PRICES Between May 31, 2024, and May 30, 2025, there were 358 home sales with a median sale price of $822,500, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 270 home sales with a median sale price of $599,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are 43 condos, priced between $389,000 and $4.5 million, and 33 co-ops, priced between $264,000 and $949,000, currently on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 34,741
Median age 45.8
Median home value $855,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Long Beach $287
School district, graduation rate Long Beach (95%)
Library Long Beach
Transit Long Beach Bus, NICE Bus Routes 15, 33
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express
ON THE MARKET
$5.9 million
This $5.9 million Long Beach home sports 63 feet of beachfront. Credit: One Fine Day Media/Howard Fritz
Built in 1984, this five-bedroom, five-bathroom home on the ocean has 63 feet of beachfront. The custom-built home has a nine-car capacity driveway and two-level decks facing the ocean, with one off the primary suite. The home has a grand staircase, sound and security systems, bamboo flooring and an expansive living room. Taxes are $35,883. Kathleen Walsh, C21 Verdeschi and Walsh Realty, 516-431-6160.
$949,000
This $949,000 Long Beach co-op overlooks the ocean. Credit: Greenroom Property/Mike Nelson
Located in the Parker Deauville Co-op, the south-facing terraced home has two bedrooms and one bathroom. Co-op features include pool, gym, party room and garage parking. The renovated home has an eat-in kitchen/dining area, hardwood floors and large windows overlooking the ocean and beach. Kelly Forman, Compass Realty, 516-297-3308.
$330,000
A unit is listed for $335,000 in this building a few blocks from the beach. Credit: Coldwell Banker American Homes
This one-bed, one-bath co-op has a community gym, outdoor showers and is a few blocks from the beach. Laundry facilities are on each level, and the bathroom is updated. Heat and gas cooking is included in monthly fees. Board approval is required. Monthly maintenance is $880. Angie Vazquez, Coldwell Banker American Homes. 516-665-2000.
RECENTLY SOLD
$2.025 million
W. Bay Dr.
Style Split level
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3
Built 1959
Lot size 0.17 acre
Taxes $29,839
+/- List price -$344,531
Days on market 286
$1.34 million
Virginia Avenue
Style Contemporary
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2½
Built 2020
Lot size 0.04 acre
Taxes $12,884
+/- List price -$37,500
Days on market 234
$586,000
E. Harrison St.
Style Bungalow
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1
Built 1950
Lot size 0.14 acre
Taxes $9,523
+/- List price -$13,999
Days on market 97
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 153
Price range $264,000 to $6 million
Tax range $8,900 to $44,898
