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.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Costa
Video By
Christian Gortler
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Craig Amodemo,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Home Sweet Home!! Turnkey 2Br 2.5Bth (2nd bedroom in basement with ensuite bathroom) condo overlooking a beautiful Long lake in a 24-hour gated community. This home features both bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, gleaming hardwood floors, hi-hats and crown molding throughout, quartz's counters in kitchen, gas cooking, dishwasher, microwave & refrigerator (all 3yrs old), dryer & washing machine
Don't miss this opportunity to own the popular Devon style ranch in the Birchwood community!! Home features great sized rooms with high ceilings, eat-in-kitchen, formal dining room, living room, and den with sliders leading to nice patio and fenced yard. Two bedrooms, primary bedroom includes ensuite, laundry room, walk-up attic for great storage, and 1 car garage all in a 24hr guard-gated and
Welcome to Colonial Woods! This beautifully maintained end-unit townhouse-style condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and privacy. Backing to the woods and featuring extra outdoor space along the side, this home provides a peaceful setting ideal for relaxing or entertaining. This unit has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, along with a full unfinished basement with high ceilings—perfect
Home Sweet Home!! Turnkey 2Br 2.5Bth (2nd bedroom in basement with ensuite bathroom) condo overlooking a beautiful Long lake in a 24-hour gated community. This home features both bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, gleaming hardwood floors, hi-hats and crown molding throughout, quartz's counters in kitchen, gas cooking, dishwasher, microwave & refrigerator (all 3yrs old), dryer & washing machine
Don't miss this opportunity to own the popular Devon style ranch in the Birchwood community!! Home features great sized rooms with high ceilings, eat-in-kitchen, formal dining room, living room, and den with sliders leading to nice patio and fenced yard. Two bedrooms, primary bedroom includes ensuite, laundry room, walk-up attic for great storage, and 1 car garage all in a 24hr guard-gated and
Welcome to Colonial Woods! This beautifully maintained end-unit townhouse-style condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and privacy. Backing to the woods and featuring extra outdoor space along the side, this home provides a peaceful setting ideal for relaxing or entertaining. This unit has 2 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms, along with a full unfinished basement with high ceilings—perfect
Discover the charm of this beautifully maintained three-bedroom ranch, tucked away in a sought-after private beach community. Step inside to discover a thoughtfully updated interior featuring a sun-filled kitchen with vaulted ceilings, a spacious living room, a formal dining area, and a cozy family room, all anchored by a classic wood-burning fireplace—ideal for both entertaining and
Water view. Enjoy living in this open floor plan spacious 3-bedroom (potentially 4 bedroom), 3-bathroom home located in a private beach community in Sound Beach. The home features a front deck with views of the Long Island Sound, a back deck for privacy, and an open living room/dining room/kitchen layout perfect for everyday living and entertaining. Highlights include an open concept on the main
Even on the darkest and stormiest of nights, the windswept sand dunes on Fire Island are magnificent. This thin Atlantic barrier island, just off the coast of Long Island, is an enchanting mix of sandy shores, ancient forests, protected natural areas and eclectic little beach towns. From May to October, Eastern Fire Island is a busy place, with ferries and water taxis brimming with beachgoers and vacationers arriving regularly. Do not worry about parking issues here, vehicles aren’t allowed on the island. “People with medical issues, senior citizens and businesses are permitted to use golf carts but most people get around by foot or bicycle,” says Lisa Campbell, a Realtor with Netter Beach Estates.
Fire Island’s history is rich with tales of shipwrecks, pirates and notable New Yorkers unwinding on its shores. During the 1950s, the island emerged as a bohemian destination popular with the LGBTQ+ crowd. It remains so today. “People do not want to leave Fire Island. Many homes have been in the same family for generations,” says Realtor Campbell. Home styles vary from bungalows and cottages to large waterfront houses with wrap-around decks. New homes being built are winterized for year-round living. Home prices start around $540,000 for a two-bedroom cottage to more than $4 million for a waterfront beach house with private swimming pool and home gym.
Children on Fire Island may attend elementary school at Woodhull School in Ocean Beach or East Moriches Elementary School, which has an A rating from Niche. From there, children may attend Center Moriches Middle school, which has a B-plus rating. Center Moriches High School has a B rating and a 14-1 student-teacher ratio. In November 2023, students from the high school participated in a reading program with fourth and fifth grade students.
When it comes to enjoyment and exercise, the great outdoors is the main show on Fire Island. The pristine beaches and sparkling waters beckon swimmers and sunbathers. Fans of rugged back country camping will enjoy hiking in the Otis Pike Fire Island High Dune Wilderness area. Boaters can rent a slip for a night or the entire summer at Watch Hill Marina. Smith Point County Park is a favorite for beach lovers, swimmers, surfers and anglers. There is also a lot going on ashore in the summer. July 4 brings the Fire Island Invasion, when drag queens from across the island parade through the streets. Also in July, the annual Maggie Fischer Great South Bay Cross Memorial Swim sees swimmers of all ages make the 5.25-mile swim between the Fire Island lighthouse and the mainland.
During the summer months, The Harbor Store sells essentials such as produce, pantry items, chips, household goods and beach supplies. The General Store by BASE stocks everything a general store should — clothing, household items and books — with an upscale flare. For groceries, the Mermaid Market grocery store is open all year and sells the essentials. Savvy fulltime residents often stock up for the winter months at the Costco on Long Island. In the summer, head down to nearby Cherry’s on the Bay. Sip a cocktail while enjoying the drag shows and the high-spirited antics of both staff and patrons at this well-known watering hole. CJ’s Restaurant & Bar has been a Fire Island favorite since 1971 and is open year-round. End the day enjoying a lobster roll or a mahi sandwich while watching the sunset over the ocean.
Things change noticeably after summer ends and visitors leave the island to the 340 or so fulltime residents. Many species of waterfowl return and the island’s ubiquitous white-tailed deer population grows bolder, wandering into yards and gardens. In the winter, what’s known as the work boat leaves the island at 7:30 every morning for Bay Shore and returns around 5 p.m. “Fire Island is close enough to Manhattan for commuters. There is a train from Bay Shore to the city that only takes an hour and 10 minutes,” says Campbell, who is a resident of the island. Burma Road is a sandy one-lane road that provides access to the two bridges at either end of the island for permitted vehicles. Many year-round residents work from home.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Brookhaven Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
481,588
Median Age
41
Population under 18
22.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$110,063
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$133,951
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
92.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
35.1%
Advanced Degrees
16.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
37''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
24/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
