Section Image

About Centereach, NY

About Centereach, NY

Between work and play in Centereach

Despite its name, Centereach, 56 miles from New York City, is not the center of Long Island. However, the hamlet is centrally located between Stony Brook University and Smith Haven Mall. Centereach has a population of 31,889, according to the 2022 U.S. Census Bureau and lies within the town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County. “Centereach is a unique town,” says Devang Patel, a Suffolk County real estate agent with Douglas Elliman. “Surrounded by a lot of other towns and close to Stony Brook University. Homes around Centereach are priced lower than homes in surrounding areas, a good draw for someone looking for a starter home.” The university and Stony Brook University Hospitals are big employers in the area, as are locally owned businesses. A major shopping street, state Route 25, passes through the town, bordered by strip malls, Centereach Square and the Smith Haven Mall, 2 miles away, which provide residents with shopping and dining at their doorstep. While Centereach may not be a big tourist area, it draws those looking for convenience and lower housing prices.

Carousel Image
Stony Brook University is an internationally recognized research institution.
Carousel Image
Catch a foodball game and root for the Stony Brook Seawolves at Stony Brook University.
Carousel Image
Relax and discover treasures at one of Centereach's many shopping plazas.
Carousel Image
Walmart is a popular place to shop in Centereach.
1/4

The lower price point for single-family homes in Centereach

While Centereach primarily consists of single-family homes, there are several townhouses, condos and multi-family homes in the area. Most homes are in the split-level, ranch, Colonial Revival and new traditional styles, ranging from $400,000 to under $1 million. Homes built after 2020 fetch around $600,000 to $700,000. The median home price is $572,500, above the national median of nearly $420,000 reported by the National Association of Realtors. Centereach does not have a sewer system like some other hamlets in Suffolk County. Commercial and residential properties rely on septic tanks and seepage pits for wastewater management. With the implementation of the Suffolk County Quality Restoration Act, $6 billion will go to upgrading wastewater treatment plants and ensuring residents have safe drinking water. County officials say updating the systems will improve drinking water quality and spur economic development. The CAP Index crime score is a 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.

Carousel Image
A typical sunny day in Centereach.
Carousel Image
The welcoming street's of Centereach, New York.
Carousel Image
Cape style homes can be found in Centereach.
Carousel Image
A Cape style home in Centereach.
1/4

Three highly-rated school districts and two universities

Three school districts operate in Centereach: Three Village Central School District, Sachem School District and Middle Country Central School District. The Sachem Central School District and the Middle County Central School District receive a B-plus from Niche. Three Village Central is listed as the second-best school district in the county, receiving an A-plus. There are several public schools in Centereach, all of which are part of the Middle Country Central School District, which serves most of the area. High school students may take accredited courses at Suffolk County Community College, 3 miles away. Stony Brook University, 4 miles away, has several health science programs, including dental medicine, nursing, social welfare and public health schools.

Carousel Image
R. C. Murphy Jr. High School serves the students of Stony Brook.
Carousel Image
School spirit is plentiful at Ward Melville High School.
Carousel Image
Root on the Ward Melville Patriots at Ward Melville High School.
Carousel Image
Welcome to Centereach High School.
1/4

Shopping and dining along Middle Country Road

Centereach's dining scene ranges from fast food to casual and family-style eateries. The Centereach Square shopping mall has chain retailers and restaurants such as Olive Garden and Walmart. Strip malls include eateries like The Halal Hut and Brownstones Coffee. "Since Brownstones Coffee opened, it's everyone's favorite breakfast place," says Karen Roth, a licensed associate broker from Centereach with RE/MAX Integrity Leaders. In Lake Grove, the Smith Haven Mall is a commercial hub featuring popular clothing stores like Macy’s, Express and other retailers and restaurants. Nearby, there’s a Costco Wholesale and a Whole Foods. Within Centereach, there’s a Stop & Shop and a Target.

Carousel Image
Grab som lunch at CaboFresh in Centereach.
Carousel Image
Relax and discover treasures at one of Centereach's many shopping plazas.
Carousel Image
Discover flavor fusion at Brownstone's Cafe in Centereach.
Carousel Image
Brownstone's Cafe is a culinary haven in Centereach.
1/4

Indoor and outdoor recreation for all four seasons

When the weather gets hot and humid, a popular summertime destination is the Centereach Pool. The pool is open to the public during the summer and requires a resident or nonresident pass. The Percy B Raynor Memorial Park is a staple park in the area with a colorful play structure, baseball fields and soccer fields. The park also has a BMX track for bikers to practice their moves. When things get cold in the winter, residents visit the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park near Smith Haven Mall, where adventurers can test their climbing wall skills or race around the Go-Kart track.

Carousel Image
Take a stroll on a beautiful day at Veterans Park.
Carousel Image
Spend a day with the family at Centereach Park.
Carousel Image
Centereach Pool is a refreshing escape.
Carousel Image
Check out the unbelievable baseball facility at Veterans Park.
1/4

Local library hosts Nature Explorium

The Middle Country Public Library's main branch hosts events year-round. According to Roth, it's one of the best facilities of its kind on Long Island. The branch has a Museum Corner, a rotating exhibit space in the children's department featuring hands-on activities such as indoor kayaking or lantern decorating. It's the first library in the country to have a Nature Explorium, an outdoor installation designed to elevate visitors' appreciation for nature. Religious holidays and services are hosted at Selden Masjid, Vajiradhammapadip Temple and Our Savior Lutheran Church.

Carousel Image
The Centereach Library is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends and family.
Carousel Image
Walk through the lovely nature emporium at Centereach Library.
Carousel Image
Play around the Centereach Librarys nature emporium.
Carousel Image
The Centereach library hosts craft events for your kids to make.
1/4

Commuters use Ronkonkoma train station and Interstate 495

Those commuting into New York City take the Ronkonkoma train station, 5 miles away, on the Long Island Rail Road to Penn Station in 90 minutes. Those commuting by car head West on Interstate 495, arriving in 90 to 120 minutes, depending on traffic. The Long Island McArthur Airport is 8 miles away and flies domestically. International flights take off 50 miles away at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Emergency and medical services are 5 miles away at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Isabella Pontecorvo
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Amanda Kirkpatrick
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Kirkpatrick
Tony Simonetti
Video By
Tony Simonetti

Centereach by the Numbers

28,929
Population
37
Average Days on Market

Average Home Value



Source: Public Records

Top Schools in Centereach, NY

Source:

Best Public Elementary Schools

Nassakeag Elementary School
#1 Nassakeag Elementary School
A+
Niche
7
GreatSchools
William Sidney Mount School
#2 William Sidney Mount School
A
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Arrowhead Elementary School
#3 Arrowhead Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Cayuga Elementary School
#4 Cayuga Elementary School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
North Coleman Road School
#5 North Coleman Road School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Chippewa Elementary School
#6 Chippewa Elementary School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Oxhead Road School
#7 Oxhead Road School
B
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Hawkins Path School
#8 Hawkins Path School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools
Jericho Elementary School
#9 Jericho Elementary School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public Middle Schools

Paul J Gelinas Junior High School
#1 Paul J Gelinas Junior High School
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Robert Cushman Murphy Junior High School
#2 Robert Cushman Murphy Junior High School
A
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Sagamore Middle School
#3 Sagamore Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Samoset Middle School
#4 Samoset Middle School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Seneca Middle School
#5 Seneca Middle School
B
Niche
5
GreatSchools
Dawnwood Middle School
#6 Dawnwood Middle School
B+
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Selden Middle School
#7 Selden Middle School
B+
Niche
3
GreatSchools
John F Kennedy Middle School
#8 John F Kennedy Middle School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools
Jericho Elementary School
#9 Jericho Elementary School
B
Niche
3
GreatSchools

Best Public High Schools

Ward Melville Senior High School
#1 Ward Melville Senior High School
A+
Niche
8
GreatSchools
Sachem High School North
#2 Sachem High School North
A-
Niche
7
GreatSchools
Centereach High School
#3 Centereach High School
A-
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Newfield High School
#4 Newfield High School
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Sachem High School East
#5 Sachem High School East
B+
Niche
6
GreatSchools
Comsewogue High School
#6 Comsewogue High School
A-
Niche
5
GreatSchools
John F Kennedy Middle School
#7 John F Kennedy Middle School
B-
Niche
4
GreatSchools

Best Private School

Our Savior New American School
#1 Our Savior New American School
A
Niche

Agents Specializing in this Area

Agent Spotlight

Andrew Chrzanowski
(877) 959-3340
As the Manhattan To Montauk Team Leader with Real Broker, Andrew provides expert strategic marketing and transaction management to his clients across Manhattan to Montauk and anywhere in between in NY. His business is built on dedication, clear communication, unwavering determination, and trust while embodying the ability to cater and adapt to his client's real estate needs. As the real estate industry evolves to become more innovative and efficient, so does he.

Andrew is also the Regional Director in NY with 72SOLD. 72SOLD is an international company that developed a program to get home sellers 8-12% higher prices than if they sold the traditional way and we do it in just 8 days! We’ve been so successful that we are now in the top 300 of the INC 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies in America.

Born and raised on Long Island, his knowledge of Long Island geography can assist you with all of your residential and commercial real estate endeavors. In addition, he provides exceptional real estate services to ensure you feel confident with your decision to hire him. "Rest assured, I will listen to you! With an understanding of your needs and wants, I will do my best to help you achieve them all!"
See Full Agent Profile
See All Agents
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.