Port Jefferson: Walkable waterfront, bustling downtown draw buyers to historic village

Port Jefferson has a multi-block downtown area with small shops,... — Port Jefferson has a multi-block downtown area with small shops, eateries and parks along the water. Credit: Rick Kopstein

By Stacey AltherrSpecial to NewsdayUpdated January 26, 2026 5:26 am

THE SCOOP In many ways, Port Jefferson is a quintessential Long Island community; historical significance, a nautical past and full of summertime entertainment.

"The parks alone bring people from all over Long Island," said Port Jefferson Village Mayor Lauren Sheprow. "A lot of people feel a sense of ownership, even if they don't live here."

The amenities in this small village — only a little more than 3 square miles — are many; from Harborfront Park on the water's edge, East and West beaches, ice skating overlooking the water at the Village Center and numerous restaurants and clothing shops, many of which have been there for years.

Harborfront Park, top, and West Beach are among multiple areas to enjoy the waterfront in Port Jefferson. Credit: Rick Kopstein

One of the great draws to Port Jefferson Village is its walkability. Once on the main street, everything is within less than 1 mile away. In summer, crowds swell and fill up the eateries, pubs and shops, and people flock to the farmer's market.

"Everyone loves the idea of walking to the village from their homes," said Julie Malsky, a real estate agent with Re/Max Signature Real Estate.

Each winter, Port Jefferson holds its "Dickens Festival," complete with locals dressed as 19th-century townspeople, a much-acclaimed Dickens play, "A Christmas Carol" at Theatre Three, and chorale singers at churches, and ending with a Dickens-themed parade.

Port Jefferson is also home to the Bridgeport-Port Jefferson Ferry, whose horns can be heard through the village, and is a great asset, the mayor said.

The downtown area of Port Jefferson is winding and walkable,... — The downtown area of Port Jefferson is winding and walkable, making it convenient to live nearby. Credit: Rick Kopstein

Walking down its winding and hilly streets is a trip through history. It is not unusual to find homes built in the 16th century or with its Victorian façades and colors. The village has a maritime history, with its whaling industry, and strong ties to the American Revolution.

"The Culpepper Spy Ring has a big imprint here," said Sheprow, noting George Washington's legion of spies on Long Island and New York City during the war.

A big selling point, Sheprow said, is the Port Jefferson Country Club, which gives discounts to village residents.

Another asset is the world-renowned Stony Brook University Hospital, plus two other highly ranked hospitals in the greater Port Jefferson area.

"Mather Hospital and St. Charles are pillars of the larger part of our community," said Malsky.

Home along Soundview Drive in Port Jefferson, which sports a... — Home along Soundview Drive in Port Jefferson, which sports a variety of styles from the contemporary to the historic. Credit: Rick Kopstein

The power plant in the village helps to offset the tax levy, Sheprow said. "It helps keep our taxes low."

Seventeen homes listed for sale range from $499,900 for a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bathroom condo to a $4.49 million estate-style home on the waterfront of Port Jefferson Harbor.

Port Jefferson also has two large rental complexes on the harbor — The Shipyard and OverBay, both with rents starting in the mid-$3,000s to about $5,000 a month. Other apartment complexes are scattered throughout the village.

SALE PRICES Between Dec. 11, 2024, and Dec. 10, 2025, there were 91 home sales with a median sale price of $735,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 86 home sales with a median sale price of $697,500.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are two condos, priced at $499,900 and $649,000, on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 8,029

Median age 45.3

Median home value $775,000

Monthly LIRR ticket from Port Jefferson $394.50

School districts, graduation rates Port Jefferson (98%), Comsewogue (92%), Three Village (97%)

Libraries Port Jefferson, Comsewogue, Emma S. Clark

Transit Suffolk County Transit Routes 51, 53, 55, 62

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

ON THE MARKET

$2.95 million

This waterfront home overlooks Long Island Sound with its own beach. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home also has three half-baths. Large windows throughout allow light and views of the water, plus a landscaped property has several patios and decks. The primary suite has an ensuite bathroom and balcony overlooking the water, and the second floor has a gallery balcony overlooking the main floor. Taxes are $34,961. Lynn Sabatelle, 516-241-6200, and Tor Johnson, 631-697-3819, Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty.

$889,000

Built in 1969, this ranch has been renovated over the years. The Harbor Hills neighborhood home has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The open concept includes a fireplace in the living area, built-in bar with pantry, vaulted family room, TimberTech deck installed in 2022 and 20-by-40-foot in-ground pool. Taxes are $16,038. Edward Schmidt, 631-946-1895, and Nikki Taylor Friedman, 631-334-5964, Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

$499,900

This two-bedroom, 1½-bathroom condo, built in 1999, is in The Highlands community. The two-story home in the village has a fireplace in the living room, an updated kitchen with five-burner gas stove, a one-car attached garage with storage room and a private deck. The condo association has a gym, pool, tennis and clubhouse. HOA fee is $647. Taxes are $4,938. Julie A. Malsky, Re/Max Signature Real Estate, 631-513-6168.

RECENTLY SOLD

$2.65 million

Waterview Drive

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 5

Bathrooms 3 full, 2 half

Built 1974

Lot size 2.09 acres

Taxes $23,887

+/- List price -$50,000

Days on market 70

$1.05 million