Brookhaven feels very different from many of Long Island’s busy, crowded suburbs. Although the hamlet covers nearly 6 square miles, a wildlife refuge and wetlands consume a good amount of this space. Its population density is roughly 550 people per square mile — more than three times less than the neighboring North Bellport, which has about 1,950 people per square mile. With fewer people, Brookhaven generally has less traffic and an overall slower pace of living. “It’s a country atmosphere and they have easy access to Bellport Village,” says Joy Bryant, a licensed broker associate with Coldwell Banker American Homes who has sold homes for nearly 30 years. “I think if you’re looking for a quaint country area with access to plays and restaurants and beaches and hiking, this is a great area.” Brookhaven also has access to highways and public transportation, which draws in homebuyers who want its country vibe and low traffic without making big sacrifices on their commutes, says Norma Dispenza, a licensed real estate salesperson with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty.
There are dozens of little harbor-side beaches along the coast in Brookhaven.
Brookhaven ranges from ranch style homes to larger colonial homes.
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Hiking, bird watching and boating at Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge
Sprawling across a good chunk of Brookhaven is the 2,550-acre Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. With 6 miles of hiking trails through a variety of habitats and the Carmans River running through it, the refuge is a popular destination for nature lovers. Birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and quiet hikers can catch sight of osprey, wild turkeys, red foxes and white-tailed deer. Others head there to enjoy boating, fishing and paddleboarding. Just a couple of miles from Brookhaven’s center, Bellport Country Club is also popular among residents. “It’s lovely if you’re a golfer,” Bryant says. “I’ve played there myself and they have a beautiful course.” And although Brookhaven doesn’t have any popular beaches along its coast, the ferry to Fire Island is less than 3 miles away in Bellport. “They have a 47-passenger ferry that goes to their village beach on Fire Island,” Bryant says. “It’s a hop, skip and a jump to Fire Island.” Most of the beaches on Fire Island are public and don’t require a fee to get in, so visiting just costs the price of a round-trip ticket on the ferry.
Dont forget your hiking shoes when going to Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge in Brookhaven.
The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge features walking trails and a river in Brookhaven.
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Homes that need updating from $400,000
“It has 200-year-old homes up to present,” says Bill Chavis, an associate broker at RE/MAX Signature Real Estate who has sold homes here for about 40 years. Older homes tend to be colonials or, occasionally, Victorians, while homes built within the past century are most often colonials, ranch-style homes and split-levels. Most lots are at least an acre, though there are a handful that sit on a quarter of an acre instead. Homes that require remodeling are prevalent in the area and can range from $400,000 and $850,000. Renovated inland homes typically cost between $900,000 and $2.5 million, while the occasional new house can climb to nearly $3 million and waterfront homes can climb to $3.2 million. The CAP Index crime score is 3 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Lovely ranch style homes in Brookhaven.
Ranch style home in Brookhavens neighborhood.
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Catching shows at the Gateway Playhouse
“Brookhaven itself is kind of quiet and sleepy,” Chavis says. As a result, there are few large events in the hamlet, but driving just a few miles opens up a lot of options. The Gateway Playhouse, which is less than 2 miles from the center of the community, puts on plays and musicals all year long. “They put on some good shows,” Chavis says. “Not Broadway quality, but pretty close to it.” Bryant agrees and says the shows feature “wonderful local talent.” Beyond its shows, the playhouse offers summer programs for kids. Events in the villages of Bellport or Patchogue are also just a few miles away.
Come and see a play right in town at The Gateway Playhouse in Brookhaven.
The Gateway Playhouse has been running for 75 years in Brookhaven.
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Shopping and dining in Brookhaven and Bellport
Varney's Restaurant has been known for its lobster rolls since 1981, while Painters' Restaurant is a bit trendier. It hosts a live band or DJ on Friday and Saturday nights, offer $10 off bottled wines on Wednesdays and have a daily happy hour. "Brookhaven is close to some of the most desirable [communities] in the area," Dispenza says. “It's down the street from the Bellport Historic District and high-end boutiques and eateries." The village is just 2 miles away, providing shopping, dining and nightlife close to home without all the energy or traffic that often goes with it. When it comes to essentials, Brookhaven is home to three farms. H.O.G. Farm, Deer Run Farms and Early Girl Farm grow and sell local produce, fruits, cheese, milk, yogurt and flowers. Items are available on-site or at farm stands around the community. BJ’s Wholesale Club offers groceries just over 3 miles away, and the nearest Stop & Shop is 4.5 miles away.
Bella Grace Boutique in North Bellport near Brookhaven has stylish jewelry and accessories.
Painters restaurant offers indoor as well as outdoor seating in Brookhaven.
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Fine arts at Bellport High
Niche gives the South Country Central School District a B-minus. Children can attend Brookhaven Elementary School, which also has a B-minus, from kindergarten through third grade before moving to Frank P. Long Intermediate School, which has a C-plus, for fourth and fifth grades. They then attend Bellport Middle School, which has a B-minus, and Bellport High School. The high school has a B and is known for its fine arts program, which puts on drama and choir performances each year.
Bellport High School serves students in grades 9 through 12 in Bellport, NY.
Bellport Middle School main entrance.
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Sunrise Highway, LIRR to Manhattan or Montauk
Sunrise Highway makes up Brookhaven’s northern border. Within its boundaries, Montauk Highway and South Country Road are its biggest thoroughfares. Brookhaven doesn’t have a stop on the Long Island Rail Road, but Bellport Station is 2 miles away. From there, the train takes an hour and 40 minutes to reach either Manhattan or Montauk.
From north shore to south shores, Nassau and Suffolk counties, Arlene Weil, a lifelong resident, knows Long Island. Arlene has the ability to pivot as times continuously change and her professional approach ensures that her clients enjoy the smoothest experience possible. With honesty and integrity Arlene sets the bar high as her clients are her most important treasure. Knowing every client has different personal needs and goals, Arlene works effectively with everyone, first time home buyers, sellers, downsizers and seniors.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
