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Eastern Fire Island

Eastern Fire Island

$889,743 Average Value

Fire Island's enchantment

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.

Eastern Fire Island is a beautiful strip of land on the south shore of Long Island.
Eastern Fire Island is a beautiful strip of land on the south shore of Long Island.
Board the Davis Park Ferry to Eastern Fire Island.
Board the Davis Park Ferry to Eastern Fire Island.
Wooden boardwalks cut through the rolling dunes of Eastern Fire Island.
Wooden boardwalks cut through the rolling dunes of Eastern Fire Island.
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People don't want to leave Fire Island

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.

New and older homes boldly face the Atlantic shore of Eastern Fire Island
New and older homes boldly face the Atlantic shore of Eastern Fire Island
High tides are no match for this beautiful A Frame on Eastern Fire Island.
High tides are no match for this beautiful A Frame on Eastern Fire Island.
This strip of beachfront homes on Eastern Fire Island have more modern styling.
This strip of beachfront homes on Eastern Fire Island have more modern styling.
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A learning journey on Fire Island

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 area fourth and fifth grade students.

This is the main entrance to East Moriches Elementary School.
This is the main entrance to East Moriches Elementary School.
This is the front of East Moriches School.
This is the front of East Moriches School.
This is the main entrance to Center Moriches Middle School.
This is the main entrance to Center Moriches Middle School.
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The great outdoors on Fire Island

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.

Wether its barefoot or in flip flops you will be walking on Eastern Fire Island.
Wether its barefoot or in flip flops you will be walking on Eastern Fire Island.
The sun begins to set over the sandy shores of Eastern Fire Island.
The sun begins to set over the sandy shores of Eastern Fire Island.
Wash away your worries on the beaches of Eastern Fire Island.
Wash away your worries on the beaches of Eastern Fire Island.
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Shopping and dining on Fire Island

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.

Enjoy plenty of beach activities on Eastern Fire Island.
Enjoy plenty of beach activities on Eastern Fire Island.
Drift 82 in Patchogue is a great place for a quick bite or a seat down meal.
Drift 82 in Patchogue is a great place for a quick bite or a seat down meal.
Grab a drink and a bite at the famous Casino Cafe on Eastern Fire Island.
Grab a drink and a bite at the famous Casino Cafe on Eastern Fire Island.
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Things to do in Fire Island

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.

Getting on and off Fire Island

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.

The top deck of the ferry from Eastern Fire Island is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
The top deck of the ferry from Eastern Fire Island is a perfect place to watch the sunset.
Bring only what you can carry to Eastern Fire Island because there are no cars allowed.
Bring only what you can carry to Eastern Fire Island because there are no cars allowed.
This is a view from above Watch Hill on Eastern Fire Island.
This is a view from above Watch Hill on Eastern Fire Island.
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Robin Beres
Written By
Robin Beres
Jeff Rainone
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Rainone
Becky Gaskill
Video By
Becky Gaskill

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

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Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Long Island MacArthur

33 min drive

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
39
Median Year Built
1960
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,319
Significantly below the national average
1,924
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

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Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

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

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Eastern Fire Island