Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree is Long Island's oceanfront paradise
Sandy beaches, tiki bars and year-round fishing make Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree a popular destination for homeowners looking for a vacation lifestyle. As part of Long Island's South Shore, this oceanfront destination offers plenty of fun on the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay. Whether you’re looking for a full-time home or a place to spend a few months during the summer, this waterfront community is easily accessible, less than 60 miles from Manhattan.
Why homes on the beach are priced similar to the mainland
Two-story beach houses fill the community, often built on stilts with garages beneath. There are some smaller cottages with cedar siding as well. Wraparound porches offer views of the ocean, and waterfront properties typically come with piers and private boat docks. Swimming pools are another common feature. Despite being a popular shore community, the housing costs might surprise you. “The houses here are less expensive than you might think, and the interesting reason why is that the land is owned by the town of Babylon. We own our houses and have to lease our property from the town,” says John Savoca, a resident and sales agent with HomeSmart. “A canal-front house or bayfront house on the mainland is every bit as expensive as what we have.” Homes typically cost between the lower $900,000s and the lower $2,000,000s. Savoca says the leases cost about $4,400 per year and are long-term, currently lasting through 2065.
How flood risk and insurance work in this coastal community
With its location on a barrier island, flooding in the area is a concern, but Savoca says the threat here is similar to that of the mainland. “Much of the community, like a lot of the communities on the South Shore, requires flood insurance. It’s not prohibitively expensive,” he says. “There is a section in Oak Beach that didn’t take any water during Hurricane Sandy and doesn’t require insurance.”
Where to boat, fish and swim in Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree
Boating and fishing are popular year-round, but most recreation in the area happens during the summer. “It’s spectacular. It’s paradise. Paddleboarding, kayaking. We’re a quick ride over to Fire Island and there’s a beach next door called Sore Thumb that you can ride your Jeep up there,” Savoca says. Some other spots you can get outside include:
- Captree State Park, known for its boat ramp, fishing pier and charter fishing tours
- Gilgo Beach for swimming in the Atlantic Ocean or lounging on the sand
- The par-3 Cedar Beach Golf Course for an 18-hole round of golf
Stores and services are just minutes from the island
Living in Gilgo-Oak Beach-Captree can give you a feeling of relative isolation, but also without sacrificing convenience. “My house is about 10 minutes to the mainland,” Savoca says. “It’s much less off-grid than people think.” When you need to pick up groceries, you can head across the Robert Moses Causeway to stores like Stop & Shop or Best Farms, about 8 miles away. The town of Babylon has locally owned grocery stores like Gemelli Fine Foods and Babylon Village Meat Market. Health care is also close by, with Good Samaritan University Hospital just 7 miles away.
Popular island spots for seafood and drinks
Restaurants are also a short drive away on the mainland, but there are some popular spots closer to home. When you want a good meal on the island, you can head to:
- Salt Shack, a seasonal beach bar known for its live music, cocktails and lobster rolls
- Tiki Joe’s, another seasonal spot serving tropical drinks and fresh-caught seafood in Captree State Park
- Gilgo Beach Inn, which serves bar food on the bay side of the island and is open year-round
Babylon schools include AP and dual enrollment options
Babylon Union Free School District serves the area and includes the highly rated Babylon High School. The school offers AP courses and dual enrollment classes through SUNY Farmingdale, Syracuse University and Suffolk County Community College.
How long it'll take you to reach Manhattan
The Robert Moses Causeway is the main bridge onto the mainland. If you commute into Manhattan, you can take the causeway to the Babylon Long Island Railroad station, about 9 miles away. The train ride from here typically takes a little over an hour. If you prefer to drive, it’ll be a 57-mile trip that can take 1 to 2 hours.
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Written By
Matthew Atkins
