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Cold Spring Harbor

Cold Spring Harbor

Neighborhood Reviews
4.4
$1,527,340 Average Value
$270 Average Price per Sq Ft
10 Homes For Sale

A small town with beauty that inspires

Named after its naturally cold freshwater springs, Cold Spring Harbor is a waterfront community that got its start as a whaling town in the 1600s and now serves as a haven for recreational boaters — even a few music legends in its time. In the final year of his life, John Lennon lived in a large Tudor house here called Cannon Hill, drawing inspiration from his time there for his last album, and Billy Joel named his debut album after the neighborhood. “You feel like you’re living in those towns that people talk about in books about living along the beach shoreline but an hour from the city,” says Sari Eidelkind, a licensed real estate salesperson at Lucky to Live Here Realty who grew up in nearby Huntington and has been selling homes here for about 10 years. “Cold Spring Harbor reminds me of East Egg in The Great Gatsby. It’s definitely something so special that we have here.” For many, its beauty is the source of the inspiration and wonder they experience here. “There are areas you can just pull over, park and watch the sun set over the water,” says Elyse Mayer, a licensed real estate salesperson at Douglas Elliman who has sold homes in the area for over 31 years. “It’s just beautiful; you get the feeling when you’re there that you could just take a breath.”
Cold Spring Harbor is situated on the magnificent Oyster Bay in the north shore of Long Island.
Cold Spring Harbor is situated on the magnificent Oyster Bay in the north shore of Long Island.
Shop and dine at Cold Spring Harbor's wonderful Main Street.
Shop and dine at Cold Spring Harbor's wonderful Main Street.
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Boating on Cold Spring Harbor, hiking

Boating, sailing and fishing are all popular here. “Living in Cold Spring Harbor, you’ll have Eagle Dock,” Eidelkind says of the local beach. “You pay a fee, but you have a right to be a member. They have the lifeguards, picnic tables, the kayak rack and boat launch, small mooring fields and then a ton of community events.” Cold Spring Harbor State Park, also called Billy Joel Park, offers a boat ramp and nearby marina alongside hilly hiking trails with harbor views. The park provides access to the 32-mile Greenbelt Trail and is popular among cross-country skiers and bird watchers. The 97-acre Uplands Farm Sanctuary, an old dairy farm transformed into a nature conservancy, offers a 2.5-mile trail through bird and butterfly meadows that meets up with the 20-mile Nassau-Suffolk Trail.
Enjoy the miles of hiking trails along the Greenbelt Trail at Cold Spring Harbor State Park.
Enjoy the miles of hiking trails along the Greenbelt Trail at Cold Spring Harbor State Park.
Catch some yourself some fresh fish in Cold Spring Harbor.
Catch some yourself some fresh fish in Cold Spring Harbor.
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Homes starting at around $1 million

Grand traditional colonials, Colonial Revivals, Dutch Colonials and Garrison Colonials reign supreme here, but ranch-style houses and Cape Cods are also common. Some homes date back to the early 1800s, but a few are even older than that. “There’s a lot of history behind the buildings and the structures and Cold Spring Harbor itself, being almost a 400-plus year town,” Eidelkind says. “It’s not unheard of to find houses that are older than our country. I’ve been in some of them.” Most houses here are on at least half an acre of land, though several sections of the neighborhood are zoned for at least 2 acres. Luxury estates with extensive acreage and amenities like pools are scattered throughout the neighborhood. “It’s very hard to find something under $1 million anymore — it’s like finding a unicorn,” Eidelkind says. When homes do make it onto the market for under $1 million, they often need major renovations. Homes selling in the $1 million range are much more common, but they vary greatly; a four-bedroom on half an acre selling for $1.2 million may need some renovations, while a smaller three-bedroom with a similar lot size and asking price could be largely updated. A three-bedroom fixer-upper on 2 acres costs nearly $2 million. Larger five- or six-bedroom homes cost between $2 million and $10.5 million, depending on size, acreage and renovation status. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10. The national average is 4.
Massive colonial homes close to the water in Cold Spring Harbor.
Massive colonial homes close to the water in Cold Spring Harbor.
A quaint and cozy Cape Cod home in Cold Spring Harbor.
A quaint and cozy Cape Cod home in Cold Spring Harbor.
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Witches Night Out, summer concerts

According to Eidelkind, Witches Night Out is one of Cold Spring Harbor’s biggest events. “Everyone dresses up like witches or warlocks or just overall embraces the Halloween spirit,” Eidelkind says, adding that participants start at the Lucky To Live Here’s office to get a list of participating shops. “If you spend a certain amount, you get a raffle ticket and then we have a bunch of raffle baskets that we give out. Several years in a row we’ve had a ‘Guess That Pumpkin’ with an extra-large pumpkin. We’re told by the merchants that it’s usually the largest day for shopping that they get.” Summertime concerts in local parks are also a big draw.

Shopping, dining and occasional hauntings on Main Street

The historic buildings dotting the Main Street Historic District, built between 1855 and 1890, now house quaint local shops and restaurants. The Gourmet Whaler offers a café and bakery, while Sweetie Pies on Main is known for its delicious coffee and pastries. Grasso’s is a local staple known for hosting jazz nights and live music every week, and Sandbar is a newer fine-dining spot. Right on the water, Harbor Mist Restaurant offers tables with sweeping views of the harbor — and maybe a ghost or two, since some believe it’s haunted. “It is actually the original brothel of Cold Spring Harbor,” Eidelkind says. “It was the original place where the whaling captains would come in and dock their boats.” And although Main Street lacks major retailers or name brands, its local shops are still worth visiting. “They’re all small, unique little stores where you can pick up little knick-knacks or clothing,” Mayer says. “It doesn’t take you long to walk through town, but it’s cute. You feel like you’ve stepped back in time just a little bit.” The Whaling Museum and Education Center also offers a glimpse of times gone by. For more shopping, including groceries, locals drive to Huntington’s village center less than 2 miles away.
Peruse the many shops and restaurants along Cold Spring Harbor's Main Street.
Peruse the many shops and restaurants along Cold Spring Harbor's Main Street.
Indulge in some delicious baked goods from Sweetie Pies in Cold Spring Harbor.
Indulge in some delicious baked goods from Sweetie Pies in Cold Spring Harbor.
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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a cutting edge research facility.
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a cutting edge research facility.

Scientific discoveries at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

Although it’s technically in nearby Laurel Hollow, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is a key part of the neighborhood’s landscape. Founded in 1890, it’s been the site of major discoveries in genetics, cancer research and more ever since. “The labs draw in highly intelligent minds to help work on all the different work,” Eidelkind says.

Small class sizes at Cold Spring Harbor High

According to both Eidelkind and Mayer, the Cold Spring Harbor Central School District, which Niche gives an A-plus, is another major draw to the community. Children can attend Goosehill Primary Center, which has an A-minus, from prekindergarten through first grade and Lloyd Harbor School, which has an A, from second through sixth grade. They then move on to Cold Spring Harbor Junior/Senior High School, which Niche gives an A and lists among the top 10 public high schools in Suffolk County. It boasts a student-to-teacher ratio of 9-to-1. The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory hosts educational programs for middle and high school students, college undergraduates and teachers.
Cold Spring Harbor High School features a variety of sports fields for its students.
Cold Spring Harbor High School features a variety of sports fields for its students.
Goosehill Primary Center has 203 students in grades K-1.
Goosehill Primary Center has 203 students in grades K-1.
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LIRR to New York City

“You’re a little further away from the expressways and the parkways, but I think that’s also the beauty for some people,” Mayer says. “For people who don’t have to travel to the city every day, it’s lovely.” New York State Route 25A, also called Main Street, is the town’s main thoroughfare, and for those who do travel to the city, Cold Spring Harbor has a station on the Long Island Rail Road. From there, the train reaches Penn Station in just over an hour — and now heads to Grand Central Station as well, reaching it in an hour and 20 minutes.
Cruise through Cold Spring Harbor on Route 25A.
Cruise through Cold Spring Harbor on Route 25A.
Take a train to NYC from Cold Spring Harbor LIRR Station.
Take a train to NYC from Cold Spring Harbor LIRR Station.
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Christina Norwood
Written By
Christina Norwood
Jeff Rainone
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Rainone
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Brandon Flash Craigie

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Christine Ambrosio, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Long Island MacArthur

38 min drive

Bus

Cold Spring Harbor State Park

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.4 10 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
8/3/2023 Niche Review
I love it. Everything about the town and people is so great and everyone is so friendly. the area is also very convenient.
4.0 Niche User
9/14/2016 Niche Review
I feel safe in my neighborhood
5.0 Current Resident
10/22/2019 Niche Review
A very safe and wealthy neighborhood with great schools. A good place to raise a family. All kids play lacrosse.
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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Cold Spring Harbor US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 2 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 2 4
Crime Score 2 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Cold Spring Harbor Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$684,950
Median Sale Price
$548,745
Median Single Family Sale Price
$497,490
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$290,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
1%
Last 12 months Home Sales
42
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-20%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$270

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
743
Number of Homes for Sale
10
Median Year Built
1990
Months of Supply
2.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
3,517
Significantly above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
3,200
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
26,136

Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Christine Ambrosio, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,805
Median Age
45
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$203,677
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$208,546

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97.8%
College Graduates
70.7%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
38.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.7%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
32''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

32 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

0 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Cold Spring Harbor