Flanders, a coastal community in Southampton, offers beachside and lakeside living. “It’s right next to Riverhead, one of the fastest-growing towns,” says Michael Hejmej, a Real Estate agent with Signature Premiere Property. “It’s in between Riverhead and the Hamptons, kind of like a liaison.” While New York City is about 80 miles away, Hejmej says many people who live here work in the Hamptons. The region is comprised of large swaths of county parks and is predominantly agricultural. “It has a landmark, The Big Duck,” says Mildred Thomas, a broker with Signature Premier Properties. “It’s a building built in the 1930s to raise ducks. We used to stop there. It sold ducks and duck eggs. Not many duck ponds are left, but they kept The Big Duck.” The small building, shaped like a giant white duck, was designed by Broadway set designers, the Collins Brothers, and had eyes that used to be Model T Ford headlights. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997.
Single-family homes starting at $280,000
“Flanders is a cheaper option near the Hamptons,” Hejmej says. “Low taxes, but close to the Hamptons.” Homes are clustered near the coast along gridded streets with no sidewalks and set back from the road with fenced-in yards. Homes mingle with nature and are often hidden from the roadway by thick foliage. Some homes close to the water have private docks and boat launches. “The whole South Fork of Long Island is pretty prone to flooding,” Hejmej says. “People do stray a little bit away because of potential flooding areas. Houses are not equipped to take on water. A lot of houses and areas are bought up by the town.” Southampton buys land close to the coast to preserve the land and mitigate the risk of flooding and property destruction in the area, so homes are being built farther from the coast. Homes in the area are in the ranch, minimal traditional and prairie styles with no basements. “There is more of a push for basements now,” Hejmej says. “People want to rent out their basements, and houses outside of Flanders are more lucrative because you can finish your basement and rent it out.” Homes close to the water range from $570,000 to $900,000. Some homes can go for over a million. Homes farther from the bay range from $280,000 to $560,000. The CAP Index crime score for Flanders is 4 out of 10, which is on par with the national score.
River Heron Beach sits on the south end of a private neighborhood in Flanders.
Modernized or modified Cape Cod style houses are sometimes found in clusters in Flanders.
Colonial revival style houses can be found in newer sections of Flanders.
Many beautiful homes sit along the Peconic Rivers in Flanders.
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Sittin' on the dock of the bay
“Flanders has a lot of waterfront areas,” Hejmej says. “It’s very woodsy and some parks are popular around the area, lots of nature trails and stuff like that.” The Peconic River, Reeves Bay and Flanders Bay border the northern boundary. The bays offer boating and fishing for seafaring folks, while Hubbard County Park spans nearly 2,000 acres to the northeast, and visitors can hunt, hike and fish. The David A. Sarnoff Preserve spans Flanders and neighboring Northampton, featuring nearly 3,000 acres of pine barrens and the opportunity to hunt, ski and hike.
Watercraft can be conveniently launched into Reeves Bay at the Southampton town boat launch.
B-plus rated Riverhead High School
Children may attend Aquebogue Elementary School, which receives a B from Niche, and Riverhead Middle School, which receives a C-plus. Students advance to Riverhead High School, which receives a B-plus, and features clubs like 3D crafting, a literary magazine and a Science Olympiad. “In Flanders, the big draw is definitely the taxes,” Hejmej says. “Residents attend Riverhead schools and get Southampton town taxes.” Southampton has the lowest taxes on Long Island.
Riverhead Senior High School has nearly 2000 students in grades 9-12.
Phillips Avenue Elementary in Riverhead has about 540 students in grades K-4.
Pulaski Street Elementary School in Riverhead has nearly 800 students in grades 5-6.
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Residents attend performances at The Suffolk
Residents may visit The Suffolk, a theater in Riverhead, that hosts concerts and comedy performances. The theater also puts on a family film series for all ages. Splish Splash Waterpark is a popular summer destination where visitors can enjoy themed water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Residents looking to attend religious services may visit Flanders United Methodist Church, Blaze Church, Iglesia Alfa y Omega and others in the area.
Shopping and dining along Flanders Road
Though Flanders is comprised chiefly of homes rather than shops or restaurants, the area has a few small, local outlets. Marta’s Deli offers Hispanic and American fare on the west side, while Jr El Mariachi stocks up on Mexican food close by. Locals head a few minutes east down Flanders Road to the Hampton Deli. The local staple serves breakfast all day and opens daily at four in the morning. Residents may purchase locally grown produce at the Riverhead Flanders Farm Fresh Food Market. The market runs 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays from July to October. Groceries are available at Stop & Shop near the Sunset Highway. Residents visit the local Torito Chapin Deli & Grocery Ltd and the 7-Eleven for quick purchases.
Sarikopa in Flanders is a cozy little coffee, tea, and pastry spot off Riverleigh Avenue.
Marta's Deli in Flanders is a busy spot for people taking a tasty breakfast and lunch to work.
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Commuters use train station and NY-24
Commuters use Riverhead train station, and bus stops line NY Route 24. The area is car-dependent, and the Sunrise Highway borders Flanders. Long Island MacArthur Airport is 30 miles away.
Important to know
The Suffolk County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan encourages the support and sustainability of the agricultural industry and land in the county. “There’s lots of farmland, and you cannot build on it,” Thomas says.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Popovich
Video By
Samantha Houtchens
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Terry Thompson,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On a very private cul-de-sac off of Pleasure Drive in the Flanders Hamlet of Southampton town you will find this expanded ranch on a secluded nearly one acre lot. 2200 square feet of living space offers a huge eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, huge living/dining great room with a bonus attached den. Three bedrooms and 3 full baths including an enormous primary suite with fireplace and
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On a very private cul-de-sac off of Pleasure Drive in the Flanders Hamlet of Southampton town you will find this expanded ranch on a secluded nearly one acre lot. 2200 square feet of living space offers a huge eat-in kitchen with granite countertops, huge living/dining great room with a bonus attached den. Three bedrooms and 3 full baths including an enormous primary suite with fireplace and
Welcome to this architecturally stunning contemporary home, where modern design meets functional living spaces. Upon entry, the clean lines and open layout create an immediate sense of flow, with large windows that bathe the home in natural light and provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The kitchen, designed with both style and practicality in mind, features sleek stainless steel
Modern Luxury Meets Master Craftsmanship – Custom Contemporary Dream HomeWelcome to this striking custom-built Contemporary home, completed in 2023 and nestled on a beautifully landscaped property with over 200 hand-planted trees offering privacy, elegance, and serenity.This spacious 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence blends modern design with top-tier finishes. Step into the heart of the
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