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.
Stony Brook University is an internationally recognized research institution.
Catch a foodball game and root for the Stony Brook Seawolves at Stony Brook University.
Relax and discover treasures at one of Centereach's many shopping plazas.
Walmart is a popular place to shop in Centereach.
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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.
A typical sunny day in Centereach.
The welcoming street's of Centereach, New York.
Cape style homes can be found in Centereach.
A Cape style home in Centereach.
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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.
R. C. Murphy Jr. High School serves the students of Stony Brook.
School spirit is plentiful at Ward Melville High School.
Root on the Ward Melville Patriots at Ward Melville High School.
Welcome to Centereach High School.
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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.
Grab som lunch at CaboFresh in Centereach.
Relax and discover treasures at one of Centereach's many shopping plazas.
Discover flavor fusion at Brownstone's Cafe in Centereach.
Brownstone's Cafe is a culinary haven in Centereach.
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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.
Take a stroll on a beautiful day at Veterans Park.
Spend a day with the family at Centereach Park.
Centereach Pool is a refreshing escape.
Check out the unbelievable baseball facility at Veterans Park.
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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.
The Centereach Library is a great way to spend the afternoon with friends and family.
Walk through the lovely nature emporium at Centereach Library.
Play around the Centereach Librarys nature emporium.
The Centereach library hosts craft events for your kids to make.
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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.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
Photography Contributed By
Amanda Kirkpatrick
Video By
Tony Simonetti
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Owen,
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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On average, homes in Centereach, NY sell after 44 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Centereach, NY over the last 12 months is $795,264, up 25% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This well maintained Split level home features 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Step inside to discover a 7 Year Young kitchen with granite counters, tile backsplash, with LED lights under the cabinets that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen has a second island for seating along with an eating area. The living room and second floor boast hardwood floors, providing a seamless flow
Welcome to this delightful Three Bedroom, Two Bathroom Raised Ranch that is perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot. This home features a primary bedroom with an attached full bathroom, adding a touch of convenience and privacy. The Dining room and Living rooms are generously sized, offering plenty of extra space for comfort and entertaining. Additionally, the full, unfinished basement
This well maintained Split level home features 4 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Step inside to discover a 7 Year Young kitchen with granite counters, tile backsplash, with LED lights under the cabinets that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The kitchen has a second island for seating along with an eating area. The living room and second floor boast hardwood floors, providing a seamless flow
Welcome to this delightful Three Bedroom, Two Bathroom Raised Ranch that is perfectly situated on a spacious corner lot. This home features a primary bedroom with an attached full bathroom, adding a touch of convenience and privacy. The Dining room and Living rooms are generously sized, offering plenty of extra space for comfort and entertaining. Additionally, the full, unfinished basement
Beautiful Newly Renovated 2nd Floor Accessory Apartment with 2 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bathroom, Living Room & Location is centrally located. No Pets allowed!
Setauket Knolls is a one bedroom apartment community. We offer oversized and renovated apartments, each having its own private entrance as well as a private patio or balcony, 22' living room and separate dining room area, generous closet space, and plenty of parking. Located just minutes from major highways, commuter railroad, shopping and medical centers. We are located in the Three Village
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.
