$839,472Average Value$481Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes For Sale
Shopping and outdoor recreation near Jones Beach
Wantagh’s sign proudly declares itself “The Gateway to Jones Beach,” and while this is certainly true, with the famous beach less than 10 minutes away on Wantagh State Parkway, the neighborhood is so much more than a place to just drive through. Its massive parks and beautiful nature preserve, which is full of lakes and freshwater wetlands, take up a combined 428 acres — nearly a third of Wantagh’s land. Abundant shops and restaurants, many of them in a walkable downtown area, also provide plenty to do in the tight-knit community. “The neighborhood is very, very friendly,” says Laura Dupkin Memisha, an associate broker at Realty Advisors and a 30-year resident of the neighborhood. “It’s a little niche neighborhood that people specifically come to me for and ask me for. I notice a lot of times that they’re generational. Generation after generation after generation. I’ve never seen anything like it.” Memisha, though, understands the pull the area seems to have on its residents. “I love the close proximity of everything,” she says. “I love that I know the people in the stores, I love that I know the people at the post office, I love that I know the postman’s name. I love it here. Actually, I’m not moving, ever.”
Have some fun on the zip lines at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh.
Take to the seas from the many docks in Wantagh.
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Swimming and boating at Wantagh Park
Twin Lakes Preserve is a favorite spot for catch-and-release fishing, hiking and bird watching, while Cedar Creek Park has extensive athletic fields and courts as well as a bike path. “You can ride down 2 miles and get to Jones Beach,” says Al Iaquinta, a licensed real estate broker and the owner of Iaquinta Real Estate with nine years of experience selling in the area. “Now they made it so you can ride all the way out to Robert Moses.” Hobbyists also enjoy its regulation-sized archery range and aerodrome field for flying radio-controlled model airplanes. On the waterfront, Wantagh Park is a popular spot to play sports like hockey, take children to the playground or launch boats and kayaks. The park has boat slips where some residents dock their boats when they’re not in use. Residents can also pay a fee to enjoy its miniature golf courses or community pool. “You can bring your kids to the pool; it’s got a slide,” Iaquinta says. “There’s a kiddie pool and an Olympic-sized swimming pool if you want to get your laps in. You get your workout and then the kids have the slide. It’s a lot of fun for them.” Cedar Creek and Wantagh parks both have dog parks; dogs love playing in the dirt and mud at Cedar Creek, but they’re more likely to need a bath after their play session than when they go to Wantagh Park, which has a turf surface.
Practice your archery at Cedar Creek Park in next door Seaford.
Take a boat ride into South Oyster Bay from Wantagh.
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Fixer-uppers occasionally start below $600,000
A wide variety of home styles are stretched along Wantagh’s sidewalk-lined streets, including colonial, new traditional, hi-ranch or ranch-style homes and Cape Cods. Fixer-uppers typically start around $650,000, though those needing extensive work sometimes dip into the high $500,000 range. Even an inland home can climb well over $1 million if it’s new or has been recently renovated. On the water, homes usually have private pools and cost between $800,000 for a fixer-upper and nearly $3 million for an updated seven-bedroom house. “In the south part of Wantagh, you have boater’s delight,” says Vanessa Ambrosecchia, a Realtor at Compass who has over 20 years of experience selling homes in the area. “They like boats, they like the water, they don’t mind paying flood insurance. In the north you get a larger house, you get a little bit more land, but you’re closer to the parkways.” Ambrosecchia also says that homes to the north tend to be less expensive than those in the south, and often have lower taxes. The CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
A brand new contemporary home in Wantagh.
Beautiful and unique twists on the Cape Cod style home can be found in Wantagh.
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Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, weekly live music
The community also holds regular big events, including the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Long Island. According to Memisha, who is also a trustee for Wantagh’s Chamber of Commerce, the event drew 60,000 people in March of 2023. In 2024, attendance spiked to 75,000 attendees. Other events take place throughout the year, too. “They’re doing Thursday Night Live at Mulcahy’s this year,” Iaquinta says, adding that the event takes place every other Thursday until Labor Day from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. “They’re going to shut down the street under the railroad, and they’re going to have vendors, a bar outside, live music.”
Shopping, dining and music along Wantagh Avenue
“I love that you can go anywhere for anything — shops, stores, restaurants — and not have to leave the community,” Memisha says. “When you live here, lots of things are in walking distance.” Dirty Taco + Tequila serves fusion tacos and margaritas, but customers rave over the tres leches cake. Beyond restaurants, Wantagh’s wealth of pubs and bars gives the little downtown a good nightlife. Craft Kitchen and Tap House is popular for its lively atmosphere, trivia and taco Tuesdays and live music performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. Mulcahy’s, though, is perhaps the area’s most well-known establishment. Although it serves food, it’s best known for its drinks and its role as a music venue, hosting anything from dance parties to concerts. “It’s a staple in Wantagh,” says Darab Lawyer, a Realtor and Ambrosecchia’s partner at Compass who has lived in the area for nearly 60 years and has been selling homes here for 24 years. “One of my high school friends, he plays in a band called Dokken, and they’re very famous. They play like Madison Square Garden, that’s how big the band is. He requested that the band play Mulcahy’s so he could give a concert for cheap and have all his friends from all over Long Island come, and we went to that and it was great. He killed it.” Residents often run by King Kullen after work to pick up groceries or head to its smattering of local shops.
Get some drinks and food from The Wantagh Inn, a beloved establishment for 30 years.
Indulge in a fresh croissant with Bavarian cream at The French Workshop in nearby North Wantagh.
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Music and other extracurriculars at Wantagh High
According to Memisha, local schools are a big draw for many potential residents. Niche gives the Wantagh Union Free School District an A. Children can attend Wantagh Elementary School and Wantagh Middle School, which both have A-minuses, before moving on to Wantagh High School. With an A from Niche, the high school is a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence that offers students the chance to participate in over 60 extracurricular activities and nearly 30 sports teams. In 2024, Wantagh High was also honored among the Best Communities for Music Education by The National Association of Music Merchants.
Wantagh High School has 830 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 11 to 1.
Wantagh Middle School is located on the same campus as the Sr. High School.
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Major highways, LIRR to Manhattan
Wantagh State Parkway and Sunrise Highway run through the neighborhood, and it’s just under 7 miles to Jones Beach from Wantagh’s center. From the Long Island Rail Road’s Wantagh Station, the train reaches the city in just under an hour. “You can hop on the train and get anywhere in a very short amount of time,” Iaquinta says.
Take a quick trip to Jones Beach via the Wantagh Parkway.
Board the train to Penn Station at Wantagh Train Station.
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.
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Wantagh is a wonderful town to raise a family. Great education, safe neighborhoods. Everything you need is local, I enjoyed growing up there. The taxes and the costs of houses are a bit high, but for Long Island I guess it is average now.
2.0Niche User
5/14/2015Niche Review
There aren't too many places that are willing to hire people my age because owners know that we are only available for the summer before we go back to school. The places that would be willing to hire, like McDonald's, are places that I would not want to work at because of the low wages. Also, I would prefer to work at a place that pertains to my future career and/or something that I enjoy doing.
5.0Current Resident
1/1/2020Niche Review
Wantagh is the town i grew up in. I love Wantagh my friends are near by. You can ride your bike any place you want to go. People are nice, and friendly. The school is great, love my teachers, and the school is rated one of the top schools in the state.
5.0Current Resident
7/23/2020Niche Review
My family has been living here for generations. Close to the city, beaches, and nature walks. perfect location to raise Kids.
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Wantagh Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Wantagh, Long Island sell after 25 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Wantagh, Long Island over the last 12 months is $820,000, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this spacious Ranch-style home offering a full basement and a thoughtfully designed open layout. The main living area flows seamlessly from the inviting living room into a large dining room, a well-appointed kitchen, and an expansive den featuring a cozy fireplace—perfect for gatherings and everyday living.This home boasts 4 bedrooms, including a primary bedroom suite complete with
Spacious 4-Bedroom, 2-Bath Home in the Heart of WantaghWelcome to 2198 Willow Street—a beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom residence offering 1,750 square feet of comfortable living space. Built in 1979, this contemporary-style home features a bright and inviting layout, including a spacious living room and an oversized eat-in kitchen, perfect for both everyday living and
Wantagh Woods Brand new custom colonial being built by Lee Kirsch with modern farmhouse style. Spring 2026 occupancy. Act now to choose your colors and customize. 3175 Square foot open floor plan. Custom kitchen cabinets and vanities, family room with gas fireplace and built in cabinetry. Designed and finished with expert help from the builder who has 32 years experience and has built over 275
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October 1st Move in! Renovated 3 Bedroom / 1 Bath, Located On The Upper Level Of A Split Unit Home With Spectacular Water Views Throughout. $3,650 Monthly- Custom Designer Chef's Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances And Dishwasher- Boat Docking Is Negotiable- Beautiful Hardwood Floors Throughout- Off-Street Parking In Driveway- Entertainers Dream- Gorgeous Backyard
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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.
