Calverton offers rural settings and suburban conveniences
Many communities fit comfortably into certain descriptors: rural, suburban, cosmopolitan, artsy. Located at the edge of Long Island’s North Fork, Calverton resists easy classification. It’s home to vineyards and breweries, a popular waterpark, acres of woods and farms and a commercial district with major retailers. It’s also just a few minutes from the nearest North Shore beaches. “I love living out here,” says Michael Hejmej, a real estate salesperson with Premier Properties who has lived in Calverton his whole life. “It’s a big [community] with options for all kinds of different lifestyles. Everything you want is within a stone’s throw.”
Vast stretches of open fields adorn Calverton.
Vineyards can be found all throughout Calverton.
1/2
Suburban developments, farmhouses and 55-plus communities
Calverton sprawls across over 28 square miles of Suffolk County, and its various parts have very different vibes. The eastern portion of Calverton is known for its laid-back suburban charm and access to major retail stores. Its southeastern corner is busier and comes with more background noise, especially when there are races or demolition derbies at the Riverhead Raceway. These races don’t happen every day, but the hum of racing engines is audible from homes within a few miles of the raceway; some homeowners can even hear it from inside. On holidays, these same homeowners can see fireworks at the track. The western part of Calverton tends to be more rural. There are still a few suburban neighborhoods, but they’re surrounded by farms and scattered farmhouses — some of which date to the early 1900s — and homeowners trek a little farther to get to shopping. Still, for many homeowners, the extra land and room to breathe are worth it. “You get bigger lawns and more property in Calverton than almost anywhere else on Long Island,” Hejmej says.
Potential homebuyers are also drawn by Calverton’s prices. “It’s usually a little less expensive than Wading River or Baiting Hollow,” says Joy Bryant, a licensed broker associate with Coldwell Banker American Homes who has sold homes here for nearly 30 years. Calverton’s homes tend to be modest colonials, ranch-style homes and Cape Cods neatly arranged along quiet streets. Suburban homes typically start at $550,000 and climb to around $850,000, but farmhouses with land and outbuildings like barns or stables can climb to $1.7 million. Calverton also has many 55-and-over communities, which often have manufactured homes or simple ranch-style houses. Prices can start as low as $80,000 for a little manufactured home that needs work and can climb as high as $750,000 in high-end communities like Windcrest East. According to Bryant, some of these communities are land leases, where homeowners own the house but not the land it’s on.
Larger farm style houses are common in Calverton.
Beautiful ranch style homes and single-family homes stand on large tracts of land in Calverton.
1/2
Peconic River Tax, hurricane season
Even the town Calverton is in isn’t cut-and-dry; most of the hamlet is in the Town of Riverhead, but its southwestern corner lies within the Town of Brookhaven. Homes sold in the Riverhead portion of the hamlet are subject to the Peconic River Tax. Designed to preserve the town’s rural vibe by preserving farmland and natural spaces, every home sold has a 2.5% tax on the sale price after the first $150,000.
Like the rest of Long Island, Calverton experiences hurricane season. This is where being a few minutes from the water is a plus — there’s only a minor chance of flooding. Wind damage is still a concern, though, as the storms bring a severe risk of high winds.
Local restaurants, wineries, farms and major retailers
Calverton’s has a handful of popular local spots spread along Middle Country Road. Many residents start their days at Bean & Bagel Café or get a quick lunch at Wine Country Deli & Catering. For dinner, J&R’s Steakhouse serves generous portions in a laid-back taphouse atmosphere and is known for its prime rib. Wineries, vineyards, breweries and a few distilleries dot the area. Even cider fans have somewhere to go — Riverhead Ciderhouse. “They make alcoholic cider and pretzels, and they have music and a huge bar,” Bryant says.
Calverton’s abundant farmland also means there are also tons of farm stands. Locals love getting fresh fruit, vegetables and even meat from these farms. Will Miloski’s Poultry Farm is a popular place to get fresh free-range duck and turkey meat, especially around Thanksgiving. “Ahead of time you have to say you want one, and then two days before Thanksgiving you go and pick it up,” says Mildred “Millie” Thomas, an associate broker at Signature Premier Properties who lives in the Riverhead area and has been selling homes here for over 30 years. “So I get to see the turkeys when they’re little, but they have free range, which is nice.”
For items the farms don’t carry, the commercial district in Calverton’s southeastern edge has major retailers like Home Depot, Marshalls, Walmart and Costco. Tanger Outlets Riverhead, a major shopping mall with shops like Tommy Hilfiger and Armani, is also nearby. Just outside the hamlet in Wading River, The Shoppes at East Wind is an open-air market where brick pathways wind past local vendors, nostalgic candy shops, restaurants, boutiques and a country fair carousel.
Wine Country Deli and Catering in Calverton on Rt. 25 serves up large tasty sandwiches.
The Bagel and Bean Cafe in Calverton serves bagels and other sandwiches.
1/2
Hiking, beaches and Splish Splash Water Park
Calverton is surrounded by greenspaces and waterways. Just outside the community, the waterfront Wildwood State Park provides year-round recreation on the Long Island Sound, from summertime dips in the Long Island Sound to wintertime cross-country skiing through its 600 acres of undeveloped forest. A 9.5-mile paved path loops around Calverton, a perfect distance for a bike ride or marathon training session. Residents also launch kayaks into Swan Pond for early morning bass fishing or go hiking in the Long Island State Pine Barrens Preserve. Veterans Memorial Park has baseball fields, an ice rink and Isaac Dog Park, while the nearby Grumman Memorial Park makes a good stop for history buffs. Once the site of the Grumman Aerospace Flight Test Facility, the park has a few jets on display with historic plaques.
Despite all its nature, Splish Splash Water Park is one of Calverton’s most defining features. People come from miles away to visit the park, which has a wide range of water rides, from huge water slides to a lazy river. The hamlet is also home to Cousins Paintball Long Island and a popular motorsports park, drawing those seeking more of an adrenaline rush. Golfers can hit the links at Swan Lake Golf Club.
See some military aircraft at Grumman Memorial Park in Calverton.
Swan Lake Golf Club is one of the area's Best Maintained Golf Courses in Calverton.
1/2
Extracurriculars at Riverhead High School, charter option
The Riverhead Central School District, which has a B-minus on Niche, serves every student in Calverton, including those who technically live in the Town of Brookhaven. Students begin their educations at one of four elementary schools like Riley Avenue Elementary, which has a B-minus, from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade. They then attend Pulaski Street Intermediate School, which has a C-plus, for fifth and sixth grades before moving on to Riverhead Middle School, which also has a C-plus. Riverhead High School has a B and offers extracurriculars like literary, pottery and science clubs. Calverton is also home to Riverhead Charter School, a tuition-free public school of choice offering longer school days and smaller class sizes. It teaches kindergarten through 12th grade and gets a B-minus from Niche.
The Riley Avenue School is tucked away in the farmlands of Calverton.
Many students attend Riverhead Middle School near Calverton.
1/2
Major highways, Peconic Bay Medical Center, LIRR
Many major roads and highways pass through Calverton, including the Long Island Expressway, State Routes 25, 24 and Sound Avenue. Getting on the highway in practically any direction takes just a few minutes. Peconic Bay Medical Center is the closest hospital, just 5 miles away. Less than 5 miles from the heart of Calverton, Riverhead Station also provides access to the Long Island Rail Road. Calverton is at the edge of the North Fork and all the wineries the area has to offer, and the South Fork isn’t far. Montauk, the furthest corner of the South Fork, is 48 away. It’s about 72 miles to Manhattan.
NASCAR races, Fall Harvest Fest
The Riverhead Raceway hosts NASCAR races, demolition derbies and many other races and car-based events throughout the year. At the edge of Fink’s Country Farm, there’s a popular Fall Harvest Festival. Residents have to purchase tickets, but the festival includes an animatronic chicken show, a tractor pull, a corn maze and live music.
An outdoor water obstacle course is a new feature of the Scott's Pointe theme park in Calverton.
Rock Climbing i one of the many activities in which to partake at the Calverton theme park.
1/2
Written By
Tina Davis
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Popovich
Video By
Andrew Sutton
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Geoff Gifkins,
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.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
On average, homes in Calverton, NY sell after 56 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Calverton, NY over the last 12 months is $575,250, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
East End Beauty in Baiting Hollow/North Fork Wine Country. Welcome to 43 Southfield Road in Baiting Hollow featuring a well-maintained 2,265 sq ft single-family home on 0. 71 acres of property that emanates warmth and comfort, making it an ideal home for a relaxing lifestyle within the perfect neighborhood setting of tranquility and nature. Featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, this home has
"Discover comfortable living in this highly sought-after 55+ community, Glenwood. This charming home boasts 2 full bathrooms and 2 well-appointed bedrooms, including a truly expansive master suite complete with a walk-in shower for ease and luxury. The layout is a standout, offering excellent flow and privacy, with the second bedroom ideally situated on the other side of the home, adjacent to the
Welcome to 1661 Old Country Road Unit 435, a home in the 55 and over land lease Glenwood Village community that features thoughtful modern updates to meet all your needs. This charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence boasts a spacious, light-filled sunroom and an updated kitchen with modern stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The screened porch offers a relaxing view of the large
WELCOME TO GLENWOOD VILLAGE - A 55 & OVER LAND LEASE COMMUNITY OFFERING A 43 YEAR LEASE STARTING AT $725 PER MONTH - DOWNSIZING BUT NOT READY TO GIVE EVERYTHING UP?COME AND SEE THIS IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED HOME - AS SOON AS YOU PULL UP TO 540 OAKWOOD YOU REALIIZE THE OWNER HAS SPARED NO EXPENSE. FROM THE LUSH LANDSCAPING & HARDSCAPING, TO THE MOST INVITING SCREENED IN FRONT PORCH, YOU JUST
Water Views And Amazing Sunsets Never Grow Old Here In This Delightful, Clean & Bright Updated Two Bedroom Condo. Imagine Waking Up To Stunning Water Views From The Bedroom Or Sitting On The Large Deck In The Evening Watching The Sunset.Beautifully Updated Kitchen With Granite Countertops & Newer S.S. Appliances, Stunning Spacious Primary Bathroom With Large Linen Closet And An Updated
Welcome to Foxwood Village- A 55+ Land Lease Manufactured Home Community - Monthly Maintenance is $799 and includes water, septic, garbage pickup, common area maintenance, Clubhouse, Outdoor Pool & Park Area.This beautifully well-maintained home offers 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, Front Living Room, Den, Dining Room, Kitchen with Center Island, Breakfast Area, Closet with Washer & Dryer & Garage
Located near Long Island's East end. Short trips to local farms, wineries, beaches, parks and Montauk and Orient Points. Great shopping at Tanger Outlets. Near great local restaurants. Long Island Railroad, Long Island Expressway minutes away.Featuring professional landscaping, paved walkways, bluestone entrances. Units include air conditioning, some with carpeting, some vinyl plank, updated
Panoramic Perfection: Unwind in The Bluffs with Breathtaking Long Island Sound Views from this WATERFRONT Condominium! *Discover an unparalleled rental experience in the prestigious "The Bluffs" community of Baiting Hollow. Perched majestically, this exquisite condo offers daily front-row seats to the mesmerizing expanse of the Long Island Sound. Imagine waking to golden sunrises
Introducing a 3 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath Townhouse in Calverton Hills! This exquisite townhouse offers the perfect blend of modern living and natural beauty. Nestled in a super private development in the heart of the pine barrens of Long Island, this home provides a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Key Features: Renovated. High Efficiency Heat Pump: Installed in 2021,
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.
