Situated in the heart of Long Island, Ronkonkoma is a census-designated place known for its large lake and relatively affordable homes. The area has long been a transportation hub, as The Vanderbilt Motor Parkway — the first road designated for automobiles — has run from here to Queens in New York City since the early 1900s. Today, the hamlet remains a central point for Long Islanders. “Ronkonkoma is literally in the middle of Long Island, so it’s central and convenient for commuters,” says local Realtor Michael McLean. Convenience plays a major role for residents. “A lot of people are drawn to Ronkonkoma just for the mass transit,” says Todd Yovino, a licensed real estate broker and owner of Island Advantage Realty. “For anyone who wants to live centrally on Long Island, being close to a major train line or the highway can save 10 or more hours per week commuting to and from work.”
A gorgeous New Traditional Craftsman home.
Have a seat and enjoy the view at Ronkonkoma Town Beach.
A row of ranch style homes in Ronkonkoma.
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Traveling by car, train or plane
Ronkonkoma has direct service to Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, which takes an hour and 20 minutes. The Ronkonkoma depot serves many central Long Island suburban communities, and a majority of residents commute into the city for work. The station also serves as a transfer point for passengers continuing east along Long Island’s North Shore toward the North Fork. The Long Island Expressway runs through the neighborhood, shepherding drivers along the 50-mile route to Manhattan. Ronkonkoma is also home to the Long Island MacArthur Airport, which offers a limited schedule of flights to destinations on the East Coast. Some noise pollution from air traffic occurs, though McLean says it is rarely a nuisance to residents. “You’ll see the jets taking off, but it’s not an inconvenience or noise issue,” he says.
Suburban Long Island for good value
Home prices in Ronkonkoma are slightly lower than housing costs in adjacent neighborhoods due to its status as a transit hub. A half-acre of land can still be purchased for $145,000. Smaller postwar single-family homes range from $200,000 to $500,000, while the market tops out at around $700,000. The median price for a single-family home in Ronkonkoma hovers at around 582,500. Comparable properties in nearby Hauppauge sell for close to $1 million. If homeowners don’t want to live close to the train station or airport, properties along roads that border Lake Ronkonkoma are often available for purchase, but come at a slight premium.
Currently under construction, The Station Yards is a new mixed residential and commercial development that will revitalize the area around the station and airport with condos targeting a new crop of residents looking to move out of New York City while still being able to commute in for work. “The revitalization around the newly formed hub has reshaped the look of Ronkonkoma through new restaurants and affordable housing,” McLean says. “It’s still being formed, but people are seeing that it’s driving the economy, which residents are seeing as more positive.”
a spacious Cross-Hipped Roof in Ronkonkoma.
A row of ranch style homes in Ronkonkoma.
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Lake Ronkonkoma and Connetquot River State Park
The naturally formed freshwater lake is a popular place for swimming in warmer months and was once a destination for affluent New Yorkers. There’s a lifeguard station at the lake’s sandy beach closest to the Lake Ronkonkoma Recreation Center during the summer. There’s also a playground, handball, tennis, and basketball courts. The lake remains a good alternative for residents who don’t want to venture to Long Island’s bay beaches; for those who do opt to make the trip, the beach at Islip is 11 miles away. Ocean beaches can be found at Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island, a 30-mile drive. The historic 3,473-acre Connetquot River State Park Preserve is close by and features miles of nature paths.
A mother and daughter enjoying the swings at nearby Lake Ronkonkoma Count Park.
Easy access, not many people around besides geese and swans.
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Top-ranked school districts
Two highly rated school districts serve students of Ronkonkoma. Connetquot Central School District earns an A-minus overall rating from Niche, while Sachem Central School District earns a B-plus overall grade. Both districts feature A-minus-rated high schools with strong scores in academics, diversity and college prep.
Sachem High School North is located off of Smith Road.
Students living in the Lake Ronkonkoma neighborhood would attend Sachem High School North.
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Owner-run establishments and the nearby Smith Haven Mall
Ronkonkoma doesn’t have a clearly defined downtown, but popular restaurants and big-box stores pepper the area. Home Towne Tavern serves pub favorites, and La Villetta II is a classic Italian eatery. Beach Club Estate is a preferred lakefront wedding venue. Flight Adventure Park Ronkonkoma is a popular attraction with large trampolines for children. ShopRite of Lake Ronkonkoma is one of the area’s main grocery stores. For shopping, locals head to Smith Haven Mall, which incorporates over 100 name-brand stores. The mall is located about a 5-mile drive away.
Crime
According to FBI data, the crime rate in Ronkonkoma is 14% below the national average. While violent crimes are slightly higher than the national average, property crimes are below the national average, and both have continued to trend downward over the last few years.
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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.
