Hauppauge

"It's a nice town that's surrounded by nice towns," says Realtor Maria Caifa of Hauppauge, Long Island. This may be a modest understatement considering everything this hamlet in Central Long Island has going for it.

Attractive home taxes
It's not the average colonial or ranch-style home on half-acre lots that await prospective homebuyers in Hauppauge. They're homes in great condition that sport 20 to 30 percent lower taxes than homes in surrounding areas, according to Robert Scarito, a Realtor with Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The Hauppauge Business Park — one of the East Coast's biggest business parks — pays the majority of the taxes. Scarito says proudly, "I've been in the business for over 40 years, and my sons are in real estate. And they live here. They bought in Hauppauge." So what's the cost for these perks? Scarito suggests, "You're lucky to get into Hauppauge under $600,000." At the high end, it's over $1 million. These attractive home trends are just one of several reasons homebuyers consider Hauppauge.

Terrific transportation
The cross-section of highways in the neighborhood's center grants convenient transportation routes to surrounding areas. And Interstate 495 runs along the neighborhood's southern boundary, providing a straight shot to Manhattan. "It's not too far east, not too far west. It's in a perfectly central area," notes Caifa.

Global-minded Education
Most neighborhood children attend Hauppage Union Free School District, which includes one high school, a middle school and three elementary schools. Hauppauge High School offers students the chance to obtain the New York State Seal of Biliteracy upon achieving fluency in English and a World Language by their senior year. It's a testament to the district's commitment to cultivating world citizens.

Strong athletics programs complement the district's rigorous academics. Hauppauge High School has won many wrestling championships over the years. And being one of the only schools with a pool has given them advantage of cultivating a competitive swimming team.

From fine dining to comfort foods
Whether dining out or cooking at home, Hauppauge offers a diverse food scene that locals enjoy. When you sit down at the Osteria Umbria, it feels like you've left the suburbs for the city. Authentic Italian classics are served with flair in an upscale setting. Order the Tableside Taglierini alla Gricia, and the chef will prepare the finishing touches of pasta over an open fire in a hollowed-out cheese wheel next to your table. It'll wow you even before you take the first bite.

Despite its name, the scene is casual and throwback at the Hauppauge Palace Diner. Verified by locals, it's a tried-and-true spot for American comfort foods. We're talking eggs benedict and home fries or a B.L.T. with a side of potato salad. Plus, it's open until midnight, seven days a week.

Hauppauge's supermarkets offer staple grocery items, prepared foods and gourmet options. There's a ShopRite off Nesconset Highway and North Shore Farms off Veterans Memorial Highway. And if you want a bigger health foods selection, a Whole Foods Market is 5.5 miles away in neighboring Commack.

Staying active
You can stay on the move year-round at the local recreational center called The Rinx. In the summer, the Olympic-sized pool and kiddie pool provide cool-down relief. Ice rinks are busy throughout the year with hockey and ice skating. There's a game room and a summertime day camp for kids.

Play a round of golf at Wind Watch Golf and Country Club. The semi-private 18-hole course accompanies a fine dining restaurant, entertainment venue, tennis courts and an outdoor pool.

Getting outdoors in Hauppauge
Even though it's a landlocked hamlet, the nearby Stump Pond is great for fishing and boating.
It's surrounded by the Blydenburgh County Park on Hauppauge's north central border. If you're up for it, a 6.6-mile hiking trail surrounds the pond, giving soothing views and close encounters with wildlife. It's also a great area for a picnic and a romp on the playground.

Photography Contributed By

Anthony Costa

Video By

Ryan Sisk