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Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma

Located in Suffolk County

$665,622 Average Value
$367 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

Mass transit and water access attract homebuyers to Lake Ronkonkoma

Lake Ronkonkoma is the largest and deepest freshwater lake on Long Island and borders (but is not within the boundaries of) the neighborhood of the same name. In the early 1900s, the area was a popular summer resort for wealthy New Yorkers. During the winter, the frozen lake provided endless hours of adventure for local children. They gathered on the icy surface to play adventurous games like Crack the Whip. Competitors grasped hands and "whip" around the ice as fast as possible. The purpose of the game is for players to stay on their feet and keep the line from fracturing.

Todd Yovino, a licensed real estate broker and owner of Island Advantage Realty in Suffolk and Nassau counties, says that many homebuyers move to Lake Ronkonkoma because it offers some of the most convenient mass transit options on the island.

Lake Ronkonkoma welcomes you.
Lake Ronkonkoma welcomes you.
Enjoy waterfront dining at Parsnip Lake House in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Enjoy waterfront dining at Parsnip Lake House in Lake Ronkonkoma.
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A more affordable lake alternative to coastal neighborhoods

North and south shore neighborhoods have beaches, golf courses and vineyards. For homebuyers who want to live near the water but can’t afford a coastal zip code, Lake Ronkonkoma is a great alternative. The cost of real estate here ranges from $450,000 to about $630,000. There are a few early 20th-century ranch-style bungalows that were built when the area was a glamourous summer retreat. The 1970s introduced larger split-level and hi-ranch houses. Modern colonial-style homes constructed after 2000 tend to cost more, starting at over $750,000.

Lake Ronkonkoma is in Suffolk County and is one of the best places to live in New York.
Lake Ronkonkoma is in Suffolk County and is one of the best places to live in New York.
Colonial homes line suburban streets in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Colonial homes line suburban streets in Lake Ronkonkoma.
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Lake Ronkonkoma schools earn solid academic ratings

Lake Ronkonkoma is primarily served by the Sachem Central School District, which Niche gives an A-minus for academics. Local schools for Grades 1 to 5 include Tamarac Elementary School and Wenonah School, both of which get a B-plus. Samoset Middle School and Sachem High School North score an A-minus for academics. These grades demonstrate what Yovino says about Long Island teachers and public education: “The school districts across the island, as a whole, are premier.”

Sachem Central School District is one of the largest school districts by population on Long Island.
Sachem Central School District is one of the largest school districts by population on Long Island.
Welcome to Wenonah Elementary School in Lake Grove, which earns a B+ grade on Niche.
Welcome to Wenonah Elementary School in Lake Grove, which earns a B+ grade on Niche.
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Recreation centers around the lake and nearby entertainment spots

Year-round, Lake Ronkonkoma is the main recreational spot around these parts. During the summer, the beaches are packed. The rest of the year, locals enjoy views of the water from the deck at Parsnip Lake House. The restaurant and bar hosts weekly open mic night for musicians and comedians and a separate karaoke night with a DJ. The Escape the Room Game Long Island provides hours of indoor entertainment. Based on Google reviews, this seems to be one of the hottest businesses in the community.

Playground overlooking the beach in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Playground overlooking the beach in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Enjoy Waltess Estate Park in Lake Ronkonkoma.
Enjoy Waltess Estate Park in Lake Ronkonkoma.
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Train station and expressway make commuting to NYC easier

“One of the perks of living in mid-island communities like Lake Ronkonkoma is that if you work in Manhattan, you can shorten your commute by about 10 hours a week,” says Yovino. Interstate 495, better known as the Long Island Expressway (or the LIE), runs through the southern portion of the neighborhood and the Ronkonkoma branch of the Long Island Rail Road and the regional MacArthur Airport is located on the southern border. The LIRR Ronkonkoma station is one of the busiest on the island. It takes less than 90 minutes to get to Grand Central Terminal, which is pretty fast considering that legs originating from stations closer to the city are 10 to 15 minutes longer. Karen Roth, a licensed associate broker with RE/MAX Integrity Leaders, says that commuters who leave from the Ronkonkoma station are guaranteed a seat a on the train.

Local dining includes sushi spots and classic American fare

For a small neighborhood that doesn’t have a bustling downtown, Lake Ronkonkoma does have quite a few dining options. There are several fast-food joints on Portion Road, plus Island Lake Diner and a couple sushi restaurants.

Senor taco is an awesome little take out spot that has a cute little bar. The food is authentic and the vibe is very relaxed!
Senor taco is an awesome little take out spot that has a cute little bar. The food is authentic and the vibe is very relaxed!
The great bar at Flanagans Irish Pub in Lake Ronkonkoma.
The great bar at Flanagans Irish Pub in Lake Ronkonkoma.
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Photography Contributed By
Anthony Costa
Stewart Taveras
Video By
Stewart Taveras

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Suzanne Lebohner, an experienced agent in this area.

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Lake Ronkonkoma Housing Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$699,000
Median Sale Price
$685,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$685,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-4%
Last 12 months Home Sales
5
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$367

Area Facts

Number of Homes
26
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Median Year Built
1990
Months of Supply
4.80
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,070
Above the national average
1,928
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,932
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

Weather

Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
37''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®®

42 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®®

49 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

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.
Lake Ronkonkoma