Montauk: Laid-back vibe, natural beauty draw buyers, celebs

THE SCOOP Known for great surfing and fishing, beach town vibes and expensive waterfront homes, Montauk is divided into yearlong residential living and summer folks.

Called "The End" for its position on the easternmost point of Long Island, Montauk, on the South Fork, is included in the East End resort towns. 

Decades ago, the community was thought of as more modest than the swanky Hamptons. Now, it's considered part of the nightlife scene, drawing residents — including some celebrities — with the ability to pay top dollar for homes and rentals.

Theresa Eurell, a board member for the Montauk Village Association, which does beautification along Main Street, grew up in Montauk. 

"I'm a third generation here," she said. "It's very laid back. There's a ton of restaurants with views of the water or on the beach. It's mostly geared toward outdoorsy people."

Its beachy reputation lends itself to be the setting for Hollywood movies and shows, including the long-running TV drama "The Affair" and the comedy movie starring Jennifer Lawrence, "No Hard Feelings."

Montauk is also known for its natural beauty. The habitats of different species of sea birds are on Montauk Point. In 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill creating the Montauk Point Shoals Bird Conservation Area, protecting waterfowl and offering a place to see thousands of birds.

Since the town has a portion of year-round residents, a sense of community is also a big part of Montauk.

"Most of them buy for the destination and are not living here full time," Eurell, who is also a real estate agent, said. "It's mostly a vacation property or it's an investment property."

The Playhouse Community Center has childcare, a senior nutritional center and meeting rooms for the community, plus a gymnasium for sports. Ground has been broken for a large expansion that will feature aquatic and cultural centers.

Montauk Lighthouse, built in 1796, is the oldest lighthouse in New York State and sits near the tip of Long Island. It is open to the public.

Camp Hero State Park, on Montauk Point, is a natural parkland of more than 400 acres. Once a military installation, is has freshwater wetlands, ocean views from the ground and bluffs, and is open to the public for biking, hiking and horseback riding.

SALE PRICES Between May 17, 2024, and May 16, 2025, there were 14 home sales with a median sale price of $1.755 million, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 15 home sales with a median sale price of $1.45 million.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are six condos, priced between $375,000 and $2.3 million, and two co-ops, priced at $458,888 and $575,000, on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 4,073

Median age 51.2

Median home value $1.71 million

Monthly LIRR ticket from Montauk $468

School districts, graduation rates East Hampton (high school only) 88%

Library Montauk

Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 92 (terminates in East Hampton)

Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov, Suffolk County Transit

ON THE MARKET

$8.5 million

With 104 feet of access to Montauk Lake, the four-bed, four-bath Colonial has a private sandy beach and water views from most of the rooms. The kitchen flows into the living and large dining area. Outside are patios with "multiple seating areas," according to the listing. There's a primary suite and three additional bedrooms, a two-car garage and full basement. Taxes are $21,775. Kelly DiJorio, Daniel Gale Realty, 631-384-5470.

$3 million

With views of Long Island Sound, this four-bedroom, 2½-bathroom home has a dining room, hardwood flooring and a primary bedroom with an ensuite on first floor. The backyard has room for a pool. Taxes are $8,628. Mary Lappin Marmorowski, 631-668-6565.

$1.2 million