Nature preserves near shopping centers, 80 miles from New York City
The lesser-known Hampton, Northampton, 80 miles from New York City, offers lakeside living among open green spaces. The community is a large, census-designated part of Suffolk County consisting mainly of nature preserves and trails. There are small residential pockets near Riverside and Riverhead. “Riverhead itself is a really big employment hub,” says Jacqulene Mitrani, a broker with Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty. “People love it because you still have the land and have green space. It’s a little tucked away, but you’re right there with everything.” Residents venture into the nearby town for most amenities like groceries, restaurants, and retailers. From Riverhead, locals may venture into North Folk for what is known as the Wine Trail. “On the Wine Trail, they have the Long Island wineries,” Mitrani says. The Eastern Campus of Suffolk Community College is in the opposite direction. This campus was opened in 1977 and offers nursing, criminal justice, interior design, graphic design and other areas of study.
Residents visit Wildwood Lake and Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve
If locals want to enjoy outdoor fun, a quick drive to Suffolk County or Southampton provides many options. Sunbathers and beachgoers have eight beaches to choose from, including Shinnecock East County Park. Closer to home, Wildwood Lake has boating access and fishing. “The lake has summer appeal with swimming and freshwater fishing,” says Valerie Goode, broker and owner of Colony Realty. Once a cranberry bog run by the Woodhull family, Cranberry Bog Nature Preserve is now a 165-acre preserve that supplies Long Island’s fresh water. Locals come to the park to bird-watch and hike. Other nature preserves surround the area, such as Peconic Bog County Park, Long Island State Pine Barrens Preserve and Eastport Conservation Area, which has a biking trail and may be used for hunting and skiing.
Peconic Bog County Park in Northampton has boat put-ins at the fishing access site.
Peconic Bog County Park in Northampton has a boat put-in so one can explore the Peconic river.
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Manufactured homes starting at $40,000
Homes in Northampton are clustered in two developments—one on the western edges of Wildwood Lake and the other on its eastern side. Mature maples and evergreens offer shade to the curving residential streets. Styles include everything from post-war Minimal Traditionals and ranch-style houses to log cabins and manufactured homes. The community's median price is around $700,000, which is above the national median but more than $1 million lower than the median in nearby Westhampton Beach.
There are multiple examples of personalized Cape Cod Style houses in Northampton along Lake Avenue.
On the east side of Wildwood Lake in Northampton, ranch style homes are common.
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Talent show at the Strawberry Festival
Locals may enjoy fresh dishes made with recently plucked strawberries at the Mattituck Lions Club Strawberry Festival, which celebrates the North Fork Strawberry crop. Patrons may partake in the talent show, a shortcake eating contest or simply enjoy the carnival rides. While most attractions are free, all proceeds help the Mattituck Lions Club. The club is a service organization that supports the Long Island Community and focuses on providing resources to the blind. The Long Island Skyhawks fly model airplanes at the Long Island Skyhawks Flying Field, one of the clubs supported by the Academy of Model Aeronautics. The private Hampton Hills Golf and Country Club hosts charity events and member-only parties. Members are welcome to golf anytime and dine at the clubhouse. Residents who wish to attend religious services may visit Calvary Baptist Church, Galilee Church of God in Christ, Friendship Baptist Church and others in the area.
Shopping and dining in Riverhead
Locals are only a few miles away from locally-grown produce. The Southampton Farmers and Artisan Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables, baked goods and specialty crafts every Sunday from June 30th to September 15th, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locals pick their own fruits and vegetables at Windy Acres Orchard from June to October. The family-run Paumanok Vineyards in North Folk was founded in 1983 and hosts wine tastings. The vineyard also has wine clubs for those passionate about the brand. Along Riverhead’s Main Street, by the Peconic River, is the high-end rustic eatery Farm Country Kitchen. The kitchen has a seasonal dinner menu and catering options. Chain restaurants and popular retailers are found at the Tanger Outlets. Nearby are Costco, Walmart and Stop & Shop for groceries.
Riverhead Central School District earns a B-minus
The Riverhead Central School District, which receives a B-minus from Niche, serves the area. Children may attend Aquebogue Elementary School, which receives a B, and Riverhead Middle School, which receives a C-plus. Students advance to Riverhead High School, which receives a B-plus. Riverhead High School has a variety of clubs including a 3D print-making club, a ceramics club and a cooking club.
Pulaski Street Elementary School in Riverhead has nearly 800 students in grades 5-6.
Riley Avenue School in Calverton is near Northampton and serves 600 students grades K-4.
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Commuters use Sunrise Highway and Riverhead train station
“It’s a really easy jaunt down to Westhampton and major highways,” Mitrani says. Riverhead train station is a stop on the MTA Long Island Rail Road, and near the train station are bus stops for public transportation. The area is crisscrossed with highways, including Sunrise Highway, New York Route 51 and New York Route 24. The Francis S. Gabreski Airport is 8 miles away and used for business and private flights. The Long Island MacArthur Airport for commercial flights is 30 miles away.
Buses run frequently in Northampton along Route 51.
The terminus for Route 51, a main stretch in Northampton
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Written By
Robb Crocker
Photography Contributed By
Joseph Popovich
Video By
Alex Finneran
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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Opportunity Awaits Near Wildwood Lake – Spacious 4-Bedroom Colonial on Oversized LotUnlock the potential in this spacious 4-bedroom Colonial, ideally located just moments from scenic Wildwood Lake. Set on a large lot in a quiet, sought-after neighborhood, this home is perfect for both end users ready to make it their own and investors looking for their next project.The home
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Modern Ranch Style home with 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Daylight above ground basement with inside and outside entrances. The best feature is the affordable taxes in Southampton Township. Enjoy Wildwood Lake nearby. Close to both North and South Forks. Ideally located, low maintenance and move in ready. Experience the east end and all it has to offer.
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