Massapequa: All American, nature preserves, beaches are draws
All American Hamburger Drive In, left, and Marshall's ice cream shop on Merrick Road are longtime favorites in Massapequa. Credit: Rick Kopstein
THE SCOOP Massapequa is known for its access to beaches and its parks, landmark eateries and famous former inhabitants, as well as its community pride.
"It really is an exceptional lifestyle, but the number one aspect of the quality of life is the people here," said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino, a third-generation resident of the hamlet. "They really are amazing, tight-knit, high achievers."
The hamlet is home to the All American Hamburger Drive-In, a Merrick Road landmark since 1963, shops and restaurants on Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road and is close to John J. Burns Park in Massapequa Park.
Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve has 423 acres of tranquil areas, plus biking and hiking. Credit: Rick Kopstein
In addition to bustling downtown areas, Massapequa also boasts easy access to natural beauty like Tackapausha Nature Preserve and the 432-acre Peter J. Schmitt Massapequa Preserve, with its long stretches of biking and hiking trails.
"We have access to the water here for fishing, clamming and water sports galore," Saladino said.
Massapequa has a strong sense of community, noted Aaron Bates, of Real Broker NYC.
"The preserve is a big draw, as is its proximity to the beaches, the shopping, the railroad, and good pizza places and other restaurants," Bates added.
Krisch's Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlour, top, and Massapequa Diner are staples in the community. Credit: Rick Kopstein
Famous native sons include Jerry Seinfeld and Alec Baldwin, as well as his brothers. It's also the hometown of Peggy Noonan, a journalist and speechwriter for President Ronald Reagan, who referred to Massapequa as "quintessential suburban America."
Dubbed "Great Water Land" by the Massapequan tribe, the hamlet lost its serene allure in the 1600s, when English Captain John Underhill, working at the behest of Dutch colonizers, led troops in an attack that killed 120 Native Americans. The first white settlers, Freelove and Thomas Jones, owned 6,000 acres in the area, including the waterfront that would later become Jones Beach.
When the LIRR reached the hamlet in 1867, the area soon developed into a resort, and over the next century, gradually morphed into a suburban community. It went on to attract visitors like Will Rogers and Annie Oakley and residents like Neil Diamond.
Homebuyers today will find a mix of Capes, split levels, Colonials and ranches.
Homes along Harrison Avenue, top, and Dolphin Drive in Massapequa. Credit: Rick Kopstein
SALE PRICES Between July 31, 2024, and July 30, 2025, there were 403 home sales with a median sale price of $755,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 414 home sales with a median sale price of $700,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There is one condo, priced at $589,000, on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 21,822
Median age 43.6
Median home value $755,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Massapequa $287
School districts, graduation rates Massapequa (97%), Plainedge (96%)
Libraries Massapequa, Plainedge
Transit NICE Routes 19, 19x, 54, 55, 80
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express
ON THE MARKET
$1.65 million
This $1.65 million Massapequa home has over 300 feet of bulkhead. Credit: Elizabeth Leidel
This 2,855-square-foot waterfront home features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, an open floor plan, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry and wine fridge and a second story deck. In the gated Biltmore Shores community, the 0.36-acre property includes a pool, spa, 314 feet of bulkhead and an attached two-car garage. Taxes are $24,747. Aaron Bates and Rebecca Bates, Real Broker NYC, 516-528-4824.
$1.35 million
This $1.35 million Massapequa home is 2,804 square feet. Credit: Mike Nelson
This four-bed, four-bath home is 2,804 square feet. The kitchen has stainless steel Viking appliances and wine cooler. The 0.23-acre fenced-in property features a pool, hot tub, sauna, fire pit, outdoor kitchen and large TV with surround sound. The attached one-car garage is heated and has a laundry room, dog washing area and a generator. Taxes are $20,458. Alexander Iaquinta, Iaquinta Premier Properties, 516-992-2888.
$999,000
This $999,000 Massapequa home has four bedrooms. Credit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Built in 2015, this canal front expanded Cape is 1,600 square feet. It has four beds, 2½ baths, an open floor plan, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a first floor master suite. The 0.14-acre property includes a patio, garden and 60 feet of bulkhead. Taxes are $15,679. Jason Orsini, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-681-2600.
RECENTLY SOLD
$1.5 million
Ocean Avenue
Style Traditional
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3
Built 1956
Lot size 0.53 acre
Taxes $29,930
+/- List price -$199,000
Days on market 122
$830,000
Ontario Avenue
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2½
Built 1956
Lot size 0.16 acre
Taxes $14,501
+/- List price +$51,000
Days on market 81
$650,000
Boston Avenue
Style Exp ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Built 1949
Lot size 0.16 acre
Taxes $12,092
+/- List price +$81,000
Days on market 43
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 69
Price range $325,000 to $2 million
Tax range $8,405 to $24,747
