Creating advancements in everything from politics to psychiatry, Brentwood’s legacy is perhaps the most unusual among the inland communities of Long Island. Today, it has a suburban quality similar to neighboring cities like Deer Park. But plenty of historic landmarks remain, telling a story of Brentwood ambitiously forging a unique identity. In the mid-1800s the city was the site of a progressive commune called Modern Times. A local currency was established, but the Civil War eventually led to the project’s dissolution. Residents can visit the commune’s wooden octagonal building that served as a one-room schoolhouse. Also still standing is the former Pilgrim State Hospital, previously one of the world’s largest psychiatric institutions.
Health care continues to be a leading local industry, with the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center being a top employer. The city’s population is around 65,000 people, and the median age is 36 years. Over half of residents are part of a Central American community, and a sizable portion hails from Puerto Rico.
Brentwood is considered a hamlet of Islip, which launched a 20-year master plan in late 2024. Improving infrastructure and relieving traffic congestion are key goals. Brentwood is part of the third most populated municipality in New York State. That said, the city has plenty of park space tucked away, and even has a nature preserve on its west side. Plus, away from the highly trafficked roads, the city stays quiet. “We’re primarily a single-owner home community,” says Jose Martinez, broker at Power Team Realty. “We don’t have co-ops and townhouses.”
Most of the homes in Brentwood, NY are either ranches or hi- ranch style homes.
A historical sign is at the current location of the original schoolhouse in Brentwood, NY.
The Pilgrim Psychiatric Center was once one of the biggest in the country.
The Modern Times School in Brentwood, NY is currently under renovation.
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Modest home styles and mature trees on lawns
One of the appeals of Brentwood’s housing market is that the prices are consistent across the city, with the exception of some large luxury properties on the west side. “Typical of mid-island residential real estate, homes in this neighborhood are modest and modestly priced,” says Todd Yovino, a licensed real estate broker and owner at Island Advantage Realty. The median price is $569,500. The national median is $418,700. Ranch-style homes here typically have leafy settings, with mature trees. “Yards can be a quarter acre to half an acre,” says Martinez. “They try to preserve the environment here, especially in East Brentwood, to the right of Suffolk Avenue. You’ll see lots of trees.” Prices range from $450,000 to $560,000. Homes often feature driveways leading to attached garages, and some subdivisions have sidewalks, but that’s not always the case. Other prevalent styles in Brentwood include split-level homes that range from $575,000 to $745,000. Colonials, modern traditionals and custom homes sell for $800,000 into the $2 million range.
Solar panels on ranch style homes roofs are a common sight in Brentwood, NY.
Homes are often placed on their lots cady-cornered at the end of many streets in Brentwood, NY.
Many streets in Brentwood, NY have rows of ranch style homes on them.
Many residents of Brentwood, NY have expanded their ranch homes to create more living space.
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Successful sports teams at Brentwood High
Brentwood Union Free School District serves the city, earning a B-minus rating overall from Niche. Students can start at Pine Park Elementary, which receives a B-plus rating. North Middle School has a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio and is C-rated. Brentwood High is known for successful sports teams. In 2023, the boys’ basketball team became Class AA Long Island Champions. That year the boys’ soccer team became state Class A champions after an undefeated season. The school is B-rated. Suffolk County Community College provides a higher education option for the community.
Flag football is one of many activities located at Brentwood State Park.
Oak Park Elementary School in Brentwood, NY serves students in grades K-5.
Brentwood soccer lovers play all year around at Brentwood State Park.
The East Middle School in Brentwood, NY has 90% economically disadvantaged students.
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From skate parks to nature preserves, there are plenty of outdoor recreation options
Visitors can keep busy at Roberto Clemente Park on the south side: It contains a swimming pool, athletic fields, a playground and Brentwood Skatepark, which is full of ledges and half pipes. Brentwood State Park is even more extensive, with 52 acres, some of which used to be part of the Pilgrim Psychiatry Complex. The park opened in 2009, after $15 million in investments. Amenities include a playground, a concession stand and athletic fields that use artificial turf. For an immersive experience, residents can head to the city’s western face, which is almost entirely hugged by the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve. Nearly 25 miles of trails are available to explore, taking visitors through a pine barren ecosystem.
Roberto Clemente Park has a newly established skateboard park for hours of fun in Brentwood.
There are a lot of large open green spaces at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
Skateboarding can be enjoyed at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
Residents of Brentwood often go for walk at the Nature Preserve at Suffolk Community College.
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Central American food scene, plus a regional mall nearby
The food scene is boosted by Brentwood’s Hispanic and Central American communities. “Portuguese, Colombian, El Salvadorean food, we have universal cuisine,” says Martinez. “Argentinians bring their steakhouses. We have Italian, too.” Martinez describes the intersection of Suffolk Avenue and Brentwood Avenue, near Brent City shopping mall, as a reliable concentration of eateries, for those who want to begin exploring the scene. “Tango on Suffolk is an absolutely delicious Argentinian steakhouse,” says Susan Lombardi, Realtor with Douglas Elliman. “We went with a group, got a steak platter for four and still had plenty left over.”
Like many suburban locales, destinations for errands can be a bit spread out, but are still easily reachable via main corridors. “They have a lot of delis, bodegas, small supermarkets with specialty items,” says Lombardi. Wicks Road leads past a Food Bazaar supermarket and a Walgreens, for example, then connects with Suffolk Avenue where plenty of fast-food eateries are lined up. Entertainment venues show up, too, like Great South Bay Brewery. This renovated warehouse space features a simulated golf range and a packed calendar of events, including live music shows, trivia nights and bingo nights. Motor Parkway along the north side is dotted with fast casual stops like Chipotle, as well as locally owned Italian restaurants, including Mezza Luna, an upscale establishment adorned by white tablecloths. South Shore Mall in Bayshore is less than 3 miles south, offering large brand names for shopping and dining, like American Eagle and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Mi Tierrita is a great local Colombian restaurant in Brentwood
Brentwood residence commonly shop in Macys at the South Shore Mall.
The great big Central American mural was painted by local Brentwood students
Deli Chaparrastique serves up authentic Central American cuisine.
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A popular rail line and Interstate 495 take commuters to New York City
Commuters can take the Ronkonkoma Branch of the Long Island Rail Road from Brentwood station, which is also a hub for Suffolk Transit buses. Or, there’s always the option to drive. Interstate 495 runs along the north side, providing the route of choice for commuters to Manhattan. The 50-mile trek can be completed in just under two hours. Sagtikos Parkway, which intersects with 495, is the city’s major north-south path. Suffolk Avenue is the main east-west path, and often referred to by residents as a primary landmark, since it divides Brentwood in half. Still, according to Islip’s master plan released in 2024, reducing traffic is in focus. “Brentwood is a trendy community, and traffic’s becoming an issue,” says Martinez. “But that’s good for businesses who are moving in.”
Police aiming to reduce gang violence
Gang violence has been an issue for over a decade, with the MS-13 gang in particular becoming a concern for the community. The Center for Immigration Studies attributes this to the rapid influx of unaccompanied children from Central American countries. Even from a nationwide perspective, Suffolk County in general and Brentwood in particular have born the brunt of trying to rehome unaccompanied children. Between 2014 and 2016 alone, nearly 4,000 unaccompanied children showed up in Suffolk County. In 2018, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $20 million package to reduce MS-13 violence on Long Island. Additional funding was provided to Suffolk County Police for the purchase of surveillance cameras and other technology. “Crime used to be driven by gangs in Brentwood, but it’s gotten better,” says Martinez.
Written By
Paul Spencer
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Siegel
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Raj Jaggi,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Brentwood, NY sell after 14 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Brentwood, NY over the last 12 months is $690,000, up 36% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Solid 4-Bedroom Home with Practical LayoutThis home features 4 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, a comfortable living room, and a separate dining area next to the kitchen. It offers a straightforward, functional layout that works well for anyone needing extra space. Located in a convenient area, the property has potential for updates to make it your own. A good option for first-time buyers or
Fully Renovated Ranch Home for Sale in Brentwood NY – Spacious Yard, Modern Kitchen, Move-In Ready. This beautifully updated ranch-style home offers modern comfort and timeless charm. Step into a bright, open-concept kitchen featuring sleek stainless steel appliances, crisp white cabinetry, and quartz countertops. The home boasts rich hardwood floors throughout, freshly painted interiors, and
Welcome Home to this beautifully maintained Ranch offers a perfect blend of space, comfort, and flexibility. The home has been updated throughout and pride of ownership shines through, providing a seamless move-in experience. This is Truly a Must See Home!It features three bedrooms and two bathrooms, with kitchen appliances included, and is equipped with central air conditioning, a gas
Welcome to 11 Orient Avenue! This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bath basement apartment offers modern living in the heart of Brentwood. With a private entrance, this bright and inviting unit features an open-concept living area, updated kitchen with sleek countertops, and full-sized appliances. Both bedrooms are generously sized with ample closet space, and the bathroom is stylish and
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