Buying in Rocky Point: Beaches, businesses, proximity to North Fork are draws
Route 25A is a main thoroughfare in Rocky Point with businesses, restaurants and shops. Credit: Rick Kopstein
THE SCOOP Tucked away on the North Shore of Suffolk County, Rocky Point prides itself on its thriving business community, successful school district and abundant access to nature.
"We have all these amazing businesses, open spaces, North Fork wineries nearby ... It's a great location," said Gary Pollakusky, president and executive director of the Rocky Point-Sound Beach Chamber of Commerce and president of the Rocky Point Civic Association.
Along Route 25A, Rocky Point boasts several shopping areas, from small strip malls with ice cream shops to larger ones like Crossroads Plaza, which houses a new Aldi.
"Our businesses are the lifeblood of our community," said Pollakusky.
Robert Miner Park, or "Rocket Ship Park," sports a playground. Credit: Rick Kopstein
But away from the bustling main artery through the town, Rocky Point is a bucolic, tree-lined suburban community. Along the bluff overlooking the Long Island Sound are three private, deeded beaches, with annual fees that cover lifeguards, restrooms and maintenance of the bluff and beaches. Some small beach areas, such as Hallock Landing Beach, are for public use.
The new 10-mile Rails to Trails bike path, once a Long Island Rail Road track that connected Port Jefferson and Wading River, runs through Rocky Point, with a rest area for cyclists near the town and its shops.
Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church sits along Route 25A in Rocky Point. Credit: Rick Kopstein
People who live south of Route 25A border a large swath of preserved land.
"There's a great expanse of woods there," said Pollakusky. "We have wonderful green spaces like that, and a lot of it."
Broadway Beach is one of multiple along the Sound in Rocky Point. Credit: Rick Kopstein
A farmers market is held in season at the Old Depot Park, site of the old Rocky Point LIRR station, where a new Rocky Point Veterans of Foreign Wars' World War II museum has also opened.
Pollakusky says the school district is also a point of pride in the community.
"We love our teachers, and the district is winning awards left and right," he said. "From robotics to cheerleading to our sports teams."
From 1921 through the 1930s, the area of Rocky Point and Wading River was the focus of an emerging radio technology. RCA's towers in the area were once the largest radio transmitting station.
Homes along Broadway, top, and Sunburst Drive in Rocky Point. Credit: Rick Kopstein
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are two co-ops, priced at $186,000 and $189,850, on the market.
SALE PRICES Between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2023, there were 144 home sales with a median sale price of $465,000, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $228,000 and the high was $890,000. During that period a year earlier, there were 220 home sales with a median sale price of $414,750. The price range was $170,000 to $940,000.
OTHER STATS
Population 13,716
Median age 38.9
Median home value $470,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Port Jefferson $378
School district, graduation rate Rocky Point (92.4%)
Library North Shore
Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 62
ON THE MARKET
$1.5 million
This $1.5 million Rocky Point home contains 7,500 square feet. Credit: EPM Real Estate Photography
This five-bedroom, 5½-bathroom home has Long Island Sound views. Built in 1998, the 7,500-square-foot, 12-room house has a sauna/gym, movie room, recording studio, billiard room with full bar and custom European-style kitchen cabinets. The corner lot also sports an inground pool. Annual taxes are $20,857. Albert Bongiorno, Nest Seekers International, 631-617-7748.
$699,900
This $699,900 Rocky Point home sports views of the Long Island Sound. Credit: Jennie Marian
With unobstructed views of Long Island Sound from all rooms, this two-bedroom, three-bathroom contemporary has an updated kitchen and baths, hardwood floors, cathedral ceilings, two decks and a walk-out basement. Built in 1926, the house has annual taxes of $12,083. Jennie Mariani, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 631-929-8400.
$450,000
This $450,000 Rocky Point home has taxes under $10,000. Credit: Matthew Marchese
This three-bedroom, one-bathroom ranch has a formal dining room, large updated kitchen and bathroom and partially finished basement. Built in 1976, the home has central air conditioning. Annual taxes are $9,849. Antonio Quinones, Jason Mitchell Real Estate NY, 718-980-2200.
RECENTLY SOLD
$850,000
Anthony Drive
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2½
Built 2014
Lot size 1.42 acre
Taxes $17,066
+/- List price +$75,000
Days on market 80
$555,000
Mahogany Road
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2
Built 1966
Lot size 0.33 acre
Taxes $12,235
+/- List price +$20,000
Days on market 91
$260,000
Odin Road
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2
Built 2021
Lot size 0.14 acre
Taxes $5,235
+/- List price -$39,000
Days on market 276
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 53
Price range $186,000 to $1.5 million
Tax range $6,500 to $20,858
