We all make the occasional spelling error, but for one clerk in the 1800s, a mistake turned the name of the hamlet in which he lived from the proposed “Seaville” to the name it still bears today: Sayville. Situated on the Great South Bay directly across from Fire Island with a regular ferry service to the popular vacation spot, living in Sayville is a bit like being on vacation year-round. “Sayville has a strong sense of community and is highly sought after by homebuyers and visitors alike for its beaches, parks, boutique shops and many options for dining,” says Joanne Sturchio, an associate broker at Douglas Elliman Real Estate and a longtime Sayville resident. “Our residents care about our town, and we care about each other. Many take great pride in their volunteerism in our schools or with one of our many groups that keep our town beautiful and thriving.” It’s this environment that makes so many people settle down for the long haul. “Families tend to stay,” Sturchio says. “They sell and buy, upsize and downsize, and often the next generation buys locally as well. I’ve been selling homes in Sayville for over 24 years. My husband and I purchased our first home in Sayville nearly 38 years ago, raised our two children here and, in years to come, would be happy to retire here.”
Sayville Residents can take a day trip to Fire Island from one of the many ferry launch points.
Sayville is a beautiful hamlet situated on the Great South Bay.
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Sayville Marina Park, nearby Fire Island
Sayville Marina Park’s small beach is a popular place to relax on the sand or swim in the water close to home. Boaters can dock their boats at the marina there — one of four in the community. On dry land, the park offers tennis and pickleball courts, a picnic area and a huge playground. Sans Souci County Park’s 316 acres are laced with nature trails, making it a go-to hiking spot, and Islip Grange Park offers a collection of historic buildings alongside athletic fields where local teams play baseball and lacrosse. Cherry Avenue Dog Park is also popular for its friendly regulars, though it gets quite muddy when it has rained recently. Dogs love that, but they might need a bath when they get home!
Fire Island, and more specifically Barrett Beach Park, are popular destinations, accessible only by boat or the Sayville Ferry — a trip that takes about 30 minutes. “There’s no cars over there, so it’s super unique,” says Joan Brandmeier, a licensed real estate salesperson at Keller Williams who has 10 years of experience selling in the area. “They’ve got their own picnic tables, and it’s this really nice, quiet, not very occupied bay beach and ocean beach.”
Soak up some sun and relax by the water at Sayville Marina Park.
Spend the day playing with your dogs at Cherry Avenue Dog Park in Sayville.
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Fixer-uppers from $500,000
According to Brandmeier, many of Sayville’s homes are older and feature shaded front porches. Some Victorians date back to the late 1800s, though there are also plenty of homes built in the past decade. Most homes are colonials, but Cape Cods, ranch-style, and hi-ranch homes also make appearances. Home prices typically fall between $600,000 and $800,000. Landlocked fixer-uppers can dip into the $500,000 range, and updated waterfront homes can easily break $1 million and climb to around $1.5 million.
Cape Cods and Dutch Colonials line the streets of Sayville.
Victorian homes are a unique and breathtaking style of home throughout southern Sayville.
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Weekly outdoor concerts, Apple Festival
During the summer, residents flock to Rotary Park on Wednesday evenings for concerts at its pavilion, but Islip Grange Park features as the backdrop for most of the community’s many events. The Spring Festival is held there, as is the popular Apple Festival in late October. “It’s a huge craft fair with music all day,” Brandmeier says. It also features apple-based deserts, amusement park rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and a scarecrow contest. In September, a Pet Costume Parade bestows the best-dressed dog with a trophy.
Enjoy a game of pickleball at Islip Grange Park in Sayville.
The Common Ground is a lovely park located very close to Sayville's downtown.
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Shopping and dining on Montauk Highway
“Our town is thriving with several wonderful restaurants to choose from, a beautiful variety of boutique shops, farm stands, museums, a golf course and our very own Loughlin Vineyard,” Sturchio says. “My husband and I have lived in Sayville for over 38 years and rarely leave town to enjoy a nice afternoon or evening out with friends.” Loughlin Vineyard is a longstanding family-owned staple with a peaceful atmosphere. “You’d go there on a nice afternoon for a glass of wine, and you could bring a picnic basket with you,” Sturchio says. In Sayville’s walkable downtown, Five Points Café offers burgers and the occasional live music performance, the latter of which is common in town, and Aegean Café is known for its gyros. Friends often meet for drinks at The Portly Villager, which has been operating since 1783 — longer than Sayville has had its name. A little further out, The Cull House and The Shed Restaurant are also popular spots. “The Shed is an absolutely amazing place with specialty cocktails,” Brandmeier says. “The thing I like is called the Figgin’ Fresh. I can’t even describe to you what it tastes like, you probably couldn’t get it anywhere else.” It’s easy to spend hours exploring local boutiques and shops in the little downtown, and Sayville Theater has the latest movies. Stop & Shop, Target and Lidl provide essentials close to home.
Grab your popcorn and enjoy a film at The Sayville Theater.
Enjoy a tasty sandwich and an ice cold beverage at The Portly Villager in Sayville.
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Music education at Sayville High
Most children attend the Sayville Union Free School District, which gets an A from Niche. They can attend Cherry Avenue Elementary School, which has a B-plus, Sayville Middle School, which has an A-minus, and Sayville High School. The high school is a National Blue Ribbon School with an A from Niche. The National Association of Music Merchants has named it a Best Community for Music Education for 14 years in a row. A small portion of children in Sayville instead attend the Connetquot Central School District, which Niche also gives an A.
Sayville High School has 880 students in grades 9-12.
Sayville Middle School has 619 students in grades 6-8.
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LIRR to New York City, highways to Montauk
“We are equidistant from Manhattan and Montauk. We’re right in the middle,” Sturchio says, noting that both are about 60 miles away. “You’ve got June, July, August, September and part of October to really enjoy the beaches, Fire Island, Montauk, the Hamptons and the North Fork. I would never leave Long Island in the summer. You don’t leave Long Island and go on vacation in Aruba in the summer months. You stay here and enjoy everything that it has to offer.” From Sayville Station, the train reaches Manhattan in just under an hour and a half. With Montauk and Sunrise Highway running through the hamlet, traveling by car is also a breeze.
Written By
Dwight Loew
Photography Contributed By
Jake Gold
Video By
Mark Tilley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Mario Arias,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Sayville, NY sell after 152 days on the market compared to the national average of 69 days. The median sale price for homes in Sayville, NY over the last 12 months is $1,325,000, up 115% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Step into a home full of history, heart, and room to grow. This 1902 Colonial-style charmer offers ample living space, with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and plenty of character throughout. Inside, you’ll find warm wood floors, a tray ceiling in the living room, and an inviting fireplace that sets the tone for cozy evenings in. The formal dining room is perfect for more elevated gatherings, while
Located South of Montauk Highway in the desirable town of Sayville and just moments from the water, this beautifully updated ranch offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and location. Featuring an open floor plan ideal for modern living, this home showcases a brand-new kitchen with crisp white shaker cabinets, granite countertops, and seamless flow into the living and dining areas. The home
Welcome to 42 Handsome Avenue, Sayville Set on a beautifully landscaped half-acre in the heart of Sayville, this exceptional 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence offers over 3,000 square feet of refined living space, designed with comfort, versatility, and sophistication in mind.Step inside to, Brazilian cherry and oak floors, a living room with connected library and wood burning
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Great location in a garden setting within walking distance of downtown Sayville Village on Main Street with its trendy shops, foodie fare local events and more. Easy access to Sunrise Highway, Southern State Parkway and the Long Island Railroad, Sayville and Ronkonkoma Stations.Our property is conveniently located near historic Sayville Village. The beautiful grounds feature outstanding
*Ask About Our Rent Specials*. Restrictions Apply* Granite Kitchen Floor/Countertop! Gold Series Stainless Steel Appliances! Washer/Dryer! Tuscany Cabinets with LED Lighting. Hi-Hat lights/Ceiling Fans, 2-Tone Paint/Crown Molding, Carpet. Granite and Marble Bath/Granite Vanity top. Frameless Shower/Some Stall. Central Air. Some terrace. Free Clubhouse/Fitness/Activities/Jitney Bus Trips/Events.,
Fairfield Waterside At Sayville...Amazing Great South Bay Waterfront Luxury Rental Residence Community with Private Beach.Beautifully renovated interiors. Tuscany kitchen cabinetry with stainless-steel appliances. Luxurious granite kitchen countertop and backsplash. Ceramic or granite floor kitchen tile. Hi-hat lighting, ceiling fans. Plush carpeting, 2 inch faux woodgrain style window
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