$625,711Average Value$195Average Price per Sq Ft15Homes For Sale
A busy downtown on the rise and quiet rural homes
Situated on the northern side of where Long Island splits into the North Fork and South Fork, there was a time in recent memory where Riverhead was an afterthought or pit stop on the way to more easterly towns — but not anymore. Taking advantage of the Peconic River that runs through it and its historic colonial architecture, Riverhead town leaders redesigned and refurbished its downtown. New businesses moved in, rehabbing historic buildings, and old businesses began thriving. This revitalization is still in full swing, with new businesses moving in all the time and new homes popping up across the community. “There’s great restaurants, there’s great wineries, there’s a lot of activities going on, but it still has a peaceful quality about it,” says Stephan Mandresh, a licensed associate real estate broker who has lived in the community for 24 years and has sold homes here for 27 years. “I’ve watched the area continue to grow and improve tremendously.” But despite all these changes and a much buzzier downtown, the northern part of the hamlet remains rural. “I keep using the word peaceful, but it’s just so quiet and tranquil,” Mandresh says. “I have the slider open right from where I’m sitting, and you don’t hear anything, and I just love that. But I’m 10 minutes away from anything that I could possibly want.”
Rock the Streets at Alive on 25.
Mugs on Main in Riverhead makes delicious coffee in a cozy environment.
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Access to the Sound, the bay and the Peconic River, aquariums
Surrounded by the Long Island Sound to the north, Flanders Bay to the east and the Peconic River to the south, Riverhead is well-situated for water-based activities. Marinas are scattered around the bay, where the calmer water is good for kayaking and paddleboarding. The 275-acre Indian Island County Park is a popular spot for relaxing on the sand, swimming in the bay, hiking or picnicking. There’s even a campground for longer forays into nature. “A lot of people are into biking out here; it’s beautiful to go biking here,” Mandresh says. The Riverwalk features outdoor art installations by local sculptors, kayak launches and scenic spots where residents can picnic or read while ducks or swans idle nearby. Getting a parking pass costs $20 — $15 for seniors — and allows parking at any beach in the Riverhead Township, including Iron Pier Beach on the Sound just 6 miles away, says Mildred “Millie” Thomas, an associate broker at Signature Premier Properties who lives in the Riverhead area and has been selling homes here for over 30 years. On land, Stotzky Memorial Park has jungle gyms and a skatepark. “The kids love that,” Thomas says. “That gets pretty crowded, and you get a whole bunch of kids showing off their skateboard skills.”
There are four golf courses in Riverhead, including Indian Island Golf Course on the bay, and even more just outside the neighborhood. The Long Island Aquarium is also located downtown. “When my grandkids come, I take them to the aquarium and they love it,” Thomas says. “It has a shark tank and it has stingrays they can touch. It has a butterfly area where the butterflies can land on you.” Splish Splash Water Park is also about 4 miles away. “People come from everywhere to go the water park,” Thomas says.
Stotzky Park in Riverhead has multiple ball fields and an extensive skate park.
Indian Head Golf Course in Riverhead is picturesque in its setting on the Peconic River.
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Historic homes, new constructions and 55-plus communities
Thanks to its long history and recent resurgence, Riverhead has an eclectic mix of old homes — which can date to the late 1800s — and new constructions. Colonials are a dime a dozen, especially among older homes, which can also be built in Victorian or American Foursquare styles and may have detached barns. Ranch-style homes are also common, usually dating to the 1960s or later. Newer homes are often built in the new traditional style. The southern part of Riverhead, closer to downtown, has a more suburban feel and is home to a little area called Polish Town. “It was established by Polish people,” Thomas says. “And there’s a little area there with older houses, and they have painted shutters. It looks like you’re in Poland, it’s a very cute little area.” Located in Polish Town, Saint Isidore Roman Catholic Church holds a Polish mass.
The neighborhood takes on a more rural atmosphere to the north, especially north of Sound Avenue, where farms and even a vineyard still sprawl across the landscape. Riverhead is now zoned for 2 acres, and Thomas says that while new homes can be built on less, it’s only if the builders get approval and set aside a large portion of the land they bought to remain natural. Fixer-uppers in Riverhead typically start at around $450,000 and can climb to around $800,000 depending on size and location. More updated or even new homes typically sell for between $800,000 and $2 million, with the upper part of that range consisting mostly of new constructions and waterfront homes. In the liminal space between downtown and the more rural areas, there are multiple 55-plus communities that vary greatly in price. Homes can cost between $170,000 and $500,000 in communities of manufactured homes like Glenwood Village where the land is leased rather than loaned, but monthly fees cost around $1,100. Other 55-plus communities where land is owned start at $450,000 and max out around $800,000. The CAP Index crime score is 4 out of 10, which is the same as the national average.
Waterfront homes in Riverhead can also be more modest.
Homes with Victorian elements can be found on several blocks in Riverhead.
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The Peconic River Tax and Riverhead Raceway
Every home sold in Riverhead is subject to the Peconic River Tax at the time of sale, which amounts to a 2.5% tax on the sale price after the first $150,000. Thomas says it adds up, but it’s worth the cost because the money goes toward preserving Riverhead’s rural vibe even as its downtown grows. “That’s the reason we have farms, we have vineyards, we have good beaches and lots of open areas,” she says. “They want to keep it agricultural. We don’t want to have houses on little postage stamp properties like they do down south. I like it because it keeps it where you’re not too crowded and we have a lot more room in between houses.”
Riverhead Raceway sits just outside the border of the hamlet. “It’s not like the Indianapolis 500, but they have racecars — regular stock cars, late model modified, street stock. And demolition derby,” Thomas says. “My husband raced in the Charger division. It’s a very old place, and they have tons of fans — tons.” When races are going on, it’s audible from the homes within a few miles of it, even inside the houses themselves, forming a background hum. It’s a downside for some homeowners, but not for others, and there’s a positive side. The same homes that often hear the races also benefit from holiday fireworks there. On the Fourth of July, Thomas says, she can simply watch the sky light up from her house.
Downtown Riverhead runs parallel to the Peconic River.
The Riverhead Raceway has occasional events for the thrill seeker.
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Annual Polish festival, music and country fairs
The two-day Polish Festival is one of Riverhead’s biggest annual events. “They dress in costumes and they dance,” Thomas says. “You can get kielbasa and pierogies and other Polish food.” Riverhead Country Fair has carnival rides, local vendors and live music, and Five Alive features a rotating selection of live bands. Even when there aren’t major festivals going on, local farm stands deliver entertainment of their own. “A lot of the farm stands have developed into what we call ‘agri-entertainment’ venues, where it’s not just a simple farm stand, but they have entertainment, especially for families,” Mandresh says. “They have corn mazes and craft stuff for the kids and families to enjoy. Those go on all the time.”
Some homes in the Polish part of Riverhead have shutters painted in traditional Polish designs.
Polka Deli in Riverhead offers authentic Polish food.
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Growing downtown on East Main Street, popular farm stands
Riverhead’s growing downtown is now filled with restaurants and businesses, including repair shops, a bookstore and a tattoo parlor. Star Confectionary is a luncheonette that has maintained its original interior and exterior design from the 1920s. Local restauranteurs and bison farmers opened Tweed’s and Dark Horse right next to each other. Tweed’s is on the bottom of the landmarked John J. Sullivan Hotel building and serves its bison burgers in an interior that matches the vibe of a pre-war Chicago saloon. Dark Horse is a slightly more modern spot serving elegant updates of classic dishes with some vegan offerings. Pulaski Street in Polish Town is still peppered with Polish businesses and delis. The East End Arts Council offers programming for all ages, and The Suffolk is a restored 1930s Art Deco theater that hosts frequent concerts. “Sometimes they do a dinner theater. It’s very beautiful,” Thomas says. “I was so happy when they restored it.” Riverhead Shopping Center and Roanoke Plaza have major retailers like Best Buy, Sephora and Target. Just outside the neighborhood, the Tanger Outlets has huge name brands like Armani and Ann Taylor. Lidl and Stop & Shop are nearby for groceries.
Farm stands are also an essential part of life here. “One of the things that I love about living here is just being able to buy my produce right from a farm stand where it’s been freshly picked,” Mandresh says, adding that it’s an aspect of life here that many fall in love with. “It’s just incredible. This time of year, one of my favorite things to get is the corn, and until you’ve had corn from a local farm stand on Long Island, you don’t know how good corn can really taste.” Farms also provide fresh meat, from bison to turkeys that residents can reserve for Thanksgiving and pick up just days before the popular holiday. “And of course, we have the wineries and we have breweries, and there’s also a vodka distillery,” Thomas says. Sitting on 10 acres of hilly land, Roanoke Vineyards allows wine club members to sample vintages and charcuterie.
Mugs on Main in Riverhead is a great place to relax, study, or meet up for coffee.
Gala Fresh Marketplace is a large supermarket in a busy shopping center in Riverhea
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Extracurricular activities at Riverhead High
The Riverhead Central School District gets a B-minus from Niche. Children attend Roanoke Avenue School, which has a C-plus, from kindergarten through fourth grade. They then attend Pulaski Street Elementary School, which has a B-minus, for fifth and sixth grade and the C-plus-rated Riverhead Middle School for sixth and eighth grade. Riverhead Senior High School has a B-plus and offers mock trial, robotics and 3D printing clubs.
Pulaski Street School is Riverhead and near other primary and secondary schools.
Riverhead High School is ranked #5,587 nationally.
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Reaching North and South Fork hotspots, Manhattan
The Long Island Rail Road’s Riverhead Station is located right in the neighborhood’s little downtown, but reaching Manhattan’s Penn Station takes nearly two hours and 15 minutes. Driving to Manhattan takes the same amount of time — give or take, depending on traffic. Reaching popular spots on the North Fork or South Fork is considerably easier. For access to the Atlantic Ocean on the South Fork, Montauk is an hour and 40 minutes away by car, but Westhampton is only 9 miles away and Hampton Bays is just over 10 miles away. Peconic Bay Medical Center is located right in the neighborhood, just a mile or so from several 55-plus communities. Francis S. Gabreski Airport is just 6 miles away.
Riverhead is a station along the main line of the Long Island Rail Road.
Bus stops in Riverhead can be found on any major road.
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
Rita Tsoukaris,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve
Bike Trails
Lake
Trails
Wildwood State Park
Meeting House Creek Park
Picnic Area
River
Stotzky Memorial Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Peconic Bog County Park
Transit
Airport
Long Island MacArthur
48 min drive
Bus
Middle Rd & Ostrander Ave
Bus
Osborne Ave & Old Country Rd
Bus
Fairway Ave & E Main St
Bus
Old Country Rd & Osborne Ave
Bus
Harrison Ave & School St
Bus
Aldersgate & Lois Ct
Bus
Riverhead Landing
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Riverhead
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Riverhead Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Riverhead, Long Island sell after 155 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Riverhead, Long Island over the last 12 months is $370,990, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Baiting Hollow: Experience beautiful coastal living with amazing water views from most rooms. This tri-level cedar shingled mother daughter home is set peacefully at a cul de sac overlooking a nature preserve and Long Island Sound! A bird's eye view is yours as the osprey return each year to their nest. Celebrate friends and family in gourmet modern kitchen, Primary bedroom on first floor. The
Beautifully built, this grand and graceful circa-1935 home features lasting quality craftsmanship, lots of light, beaming hardwood floors, classic built-in cabinetry, and a wood-burning fireplace. Sited on .35 acres, the two-story, 2,250-square-foot home / office comes with four bedrooms, two baths, a two-car garage with extended drive, and the timeless appeal of a Garden City-style home without
Charming Cottage tucked away on a quiet dead-end street just steps away from downtown Riverhead.This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage offers timeless charm with modern comforts. Featuring a brand-new kitchen and updated bathroom, this home also includes a versatile bonus room perfect for a home office, guest space, or creative studio.Additional highlights include a full
Location! Location! Location! Excellent 4Br, 2 Full Baths Contemporary home on a super private large property in Duck Pond Estates. Cul de sac surrounded by the wooded area. Full basement brings a lot of possibilities. Roof is 7yrs old, oil burner - 5yrs young, water heater - 1. Updated electric, plumbing, floors, primary bathroom. cesspools. All childproof outlets. Could be some room for
Fairfield Pines East is centrally located at the crossroads of Long Island's North and South Forks at Route 58 near many east end landmarks. Visit farms, wineries and the Peconic Bay and downtown Riverhead shopping village. Long Island Expressway Exit 72.
Newly updated second floor unit. Three bedroom one bath with in unit washer dryer. Garage available for lease as well. Immediate Occupancy Available. Close to Town
Located on East Main Street in the historic downtown Riverhead centre. Near the Long Island Aquarium and the Peconic Riverfront. Fairfield's boutique-chic, Circa 1928, pre-war building is updated with luxe-modern interior amenities. Come home to relax in all the comforts of home. Quartz counters, stainless appliances, washer and dryer and customizable closets.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rita Tsoukaris,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
16,451
Median Age
44
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$68,358
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$92,162
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
81.7%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
22.2%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12.5%
% Population in Labor Force
58.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
47''
Average Winter Low Temperature
20°F
Average Summer High Temperature
80°F
Annual Snowfall
35''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
3/ 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.
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.
