Yaphank: Historic buildings, natural beauty draw buyers
A fisherman enjoys the serentiy of Upper Lake in Yaphank. Credit: Tom Lambui
THE SCOOP Sitting along the winding Carmans River in the middle of the Island, Yaphank is a community with a thriving historic district, natural beauty and plenty of access to water activities, recreation and even hunting.
"The best part about Yaphank is all the outdoor activities and the natural land within the community," said David Rice, a real estate agent with Rice Realty Group Inc. "From the trails at Cathedral Pines to the farm festivals to the many lakes and ponds for fishing and boating, the sheer beauty of the area is what makes it so special."
Located almost exactly at the geographic center of Long Island, Yaphank is known for its historic buildings, including the Swezey-Avey House, Hawkins House, the Booth House Museum and the Homan-Gerard House and Mills across the street from the Hawkins House.
The Hawkins House, left, and Homan-Gerard House are among several preserved historic buildings in Yaphank. Credit: Tom Lambui
The Hawkins Family Cemetery, with most headstones from the mid-1700s to mid-1800s, is where much of the family is buried and is open to the public. The Robert Hawkins family home,built in 1850, is on the U.S. Register of Historic Places.
Carmans River is a kayaker's paradise, with a popular launch at Southaven County Park. Along the way, kayakers can see birds such as ospreys, great blue herons and cormorants. Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest Park offers hiking and hunting.
William Floyd Parkway is a main thoroughfare through Yaphank and houses many of its businesses. Credit: Tom Lambui
According to the Yaphank Historical Society, the Unkechaug Native American tribe in the 17th century built temporary campsites along what would later be known as Weeks Pond while hunting and fishing along the Carmans River. Early settlers bought the land, and in 1739, Capt. Robert Robinson dammed the river to build the Upper Mill, or Swezey's Mill.
Despite its welcoming feel, Yaphank had a dark history on the eve of World War II as Nazism arrived in the summer retreat called Camp Siegfried. Originally a summer camp for German families, it was used to promote Hitlerism in the United States. Thousands of "bundists" from the New York area would travel by train to the camp.
Homes along Charles Street in Yaphank. Credit: Tom Lambui
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are five condos, priced between $430,000 and $869,000, on the market.
SALE PRICES Between May 29, 2023, and May 28, 2024, there were 48 home sales with a median sale price of $453,188, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 52 home sales with a median sale price of $390,000.
OTHER STATS
Population 6,229
Median age 38.4
Median home value $507,500
Monthly LIRR ticket from Ronkonkoma $378
School districts, graduation rates Longwood (87.8%), South Country (83.8%)
Libraries Longwood, South Country
Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 77Y
Sources: 2022 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov
ON THE MARKET
$899,000
This $899,000 Yaphank home was built in 1758. Credit: Anthony Gandolfo
Built in 1758 and completely renovated with its history in mind, this three-bed, two-bath English country-style home is on 2 acres of lakefront property in Yaphank's historic district. The home has contemporary kitchens and bathrooms and central air conditioning, and a separate barn has a one-bedroom loft. The property features rose, perennial and raised vegetable gardens with a two-level stone wall patio. Annual taxes are $7,492. David Rice, Rice Realty Group Inc., 631-624-1200.
$684,999
This $684,999 Yaphank home sits on 4.2 acres. Credit: Daniel Osorio Victoria
This renovated two-story home sits on 4.2 acres, and can be used for equestrian purposes. Built in 1940, it has four bedrooms and two bathrooms. The first floor has an eat-in-kitchen with propane gas, a formal dining room and fireplace. Annual taxes are $12,951. Daniel Osorio Victoria, The Osorio Group Corp., 631-333-0057.
$430,000
This $430,000 Yaphank condo comes with access to a pool, tennis and basketball courts and a clubhouse. Credit: Stephen Abruzzo
A two-bedroom, 1½-bathroom townhouse condo has large walk-in closets, updated bathroom, attached one-car garage and a full basement with laundry area. Amenities for the association include clubhouse and pool, tennis, basketball and playground. Built in 1987, the home has a new hot water heater, new oil tank and new laminate flooring on the main floor. Annual taxes are $4,836. Stephen S. Abruzzo, Gateway to the Hamptons Real Estate, 631-325-3449.
RECENTLY SOLD
$705,000
Muellers Lane
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3½
Built 2002
Lot size 0.52 acre
Taxes $16,453
+/- List price +$5,000
Days on market 136
$598,000
Quaker Path
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1996
Lot size 0.74 acre
Taxes $11,713
+/- List price $-1,900
Days on market 73
$340,000
Schiller Court
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 1
Bathrooms 1
Built 1950
Lot size 0.54 acre
Taxes $5,400
+/- List price Sold for asking
Days on market 92
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 11
Price range $430,000 to $899,000
Tax range $4,837 to $12,951
