$543,926Average Value$366Average Price per Sq Ft76Homes For Sale
Hamlet known as Long Island’s Best Kept Secret
At the top of the 20th century, Shirley was a popular getaway for a few New York City elites. “Walter T. Shirley owned this beautiful mansion there off the water, and that’s where he would entertain socialites and movie stars like Tony Bennett and Marilyn Monroe,” says Ted Gounelas, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker M&D Good Life who grew up in the area. “That happened before the Hamptons, so I don’t want to say it was the original Hamptons, but it’s basically the Hamptons that never were.” In the 1960s, Walter T. Shirley then developed the community as a collection of bayside bungalows for working-class families. Today, the hamlet on Long Island's South Shore carries on his surname — and his vision. “It’s the last affordable waterfront community,” says Tina Jahrsdoerfer, a licensed real estate salesperson at Signature Premier Properties who has lived in the neighborhood for 29 years and has sold homes here for 10 years. “You can get waterfront property for less than $1 million here, which is unheard of — and actually, a lot less than that.”
Even for those who don’t live on the water, the beach is often only a short drive or bike ride away. “People love being right by the beach,” Jahrsdoerfer says. “Shirley is kind of big. But if you live south of Montauk, you’re only 5 miles from the beach, right down the road. You can hop on your bike and ride over there, which people like because then you don’t have to pay for parking. That’s what I usually do. People who live on those canal streets, they can just walk over the bridge.” Home to just under 26,500 people, Shirley offers access to the natural beauty of Long Island and the urban amenities of New York City, about 70 miles away. The hamlet also embraces the spirit of its motto “Long Island’s Best Kept Secret.” “I tell people all the time. My mother lives in Upstate New York, that’s too little. The city, that’s too much. Long Island is just perfect,” says Andrew Chrzanowski, team leader of the Manhattan to Montauk Group with Real Broker NY.
Shirley's various neighborhoods have easy access to the water.
Wertheim National Wildlife refuge is a great place to hike and see various bird life.
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Fishing, boating and swimming in Bellport Bay and on Fire Island
Shirley embraces its waterfront location, with opportunities for fishing, boating and swimming. “Everywhere you look, we have a fishing pier,” Jahrsdoerfer says. “We never have to buy clams or crabs because if we’re in the mood for them, my husband just buys chicken legs, grabs the traps and gets them.” On the edge of Bellport Bay is Shirley Beach, which features a sandy beachfront, playground and splash pad. “I bring popsicles down there while the kids hang out and go to the splash park to cool off,” Jahrsdoerfer says. Those looking to get out on the water can head to the boat ramp at Smith Point Marina County Park. The 2,550-acre Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge stretches into the western half of Shirley and is a popular spot for hiking, wildlife watching and paddle boating on the Carmans River.
The hamlet is also home to the Long Island Skydiving Center. “I was driving down William Floyd Parkway with my daughter the other day and there were six parachuters coming down,” Jahrsdoerfer says. The Smith Point Bridge connects residents to the eastern end of Fire Island, where Smith Point County Park is a haven for beachgoers on the Atlantic Ocean. There’s also live music in the park every weekend throughout the summer at Tiki Joe’s Beach Club. After undergoing a $26.7 million renovation project, the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library reopened in 2024 and continues to support the Tri-Hamlet area with educational and recreational programming for all ages. Shirley sees all four seasons, with humid summers and relatively mild winters.
Take a boat out from Smith Point Marina through Narrow Bay or Bellport Bay en route to the Ocean
Take a boat out from Smith Point Marina through Narrow Bay or Bellport Bay en route to the Ocean
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Shirley offers comparative affordability on Long Island
A variety of architectural styles complement the hamlet’s waterfront location. “In the 1950s and ‘60s, this area was full of bungalows and summer homes for people in the city. As more people started moving to Long Island, those bungalows became full-time homes,” Chrzanowski says. “Some of the homes are still the original bungalows, and then there are also some ranch-style houses and Capes.” Those looking for newer construction will find properties built from the 2000s through the early 2020s. “There’s more space out this way, so they’re building a lot of newer homes. Most of those are Colonials,” Chrzanowski says.
Comparative affordability is a big draw for homebuyers in Shirley. The median price of single-family homes is $505,000, significantly less than the median sales price of over $700,000 across all of Long Island. “Where else are you getting that?” Jahrsdoerfer asks. “You’re not getting that anywhere else, and you’re looking right out your bedroom window at the canal. The waterfront lifestyle is here just like it is anywhere else that’s more expensive; it’s just more affordable, and the taxes are lower.” Homes right on the bay can fetch up to $1.4 million, and flood insurance is a must for residents who live along the waterfront. Shirley’s overall CAP Index crime score is 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Plenty of dock space for your boat or jetski, right in your backyard.
Spacious ranch home on the canal.
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Top-rated school districts, nearby community college and Stony Brook University
Shirley is split between two school districts. The William Floyd Union Free School District serves the southern three-quarters of the hamlet, while the Longwood Central School District covers the northern quarter. Both school districts earn an overall grade of A-minus from Niche. Nearby options for higher education include Suffolk County Community College, which is less than 15 miles away and serves more than 20,000 students. Residents are also around 25 miles from Stony Brook University, which Niche ranks as the fourth-best public university in the state. “One of the big draws to Long Island is Stony Brook University,” Chrzanowski says. “It’s a top-rated university, and your kids can still live at home without paying for dorms and all of that stuff.” SCCC and SBU are part of the State University of New York system.
NID 537933 Longwood Sr. High School has a fairly large campus with many well maintained fields.
William Floyd High School has one of the largest school campus in the area.
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Events in the Tri-Hamlet area include the Annual Christmas Parade
Shirley, Mastic and Mastic Beach are three intertwining hamlets known together as the Tri-Hamlet area. Residents from all three communities come together for annual events hosted by the Mastics & Shirley Chamber of Commerce. Popular festivities include the Food Truck Rally & Car Show and the Annual Christmas Parade, which brings more than 6,000 people to the hamlets each year and stands out as the largest Christmas parade in the Town of Brookhaven. Locals can also join community organizations like the Tri-Hamlet Mom’s Group.
Get an early start on your Christmas shopping at the Christmas Craft Fair.
Enjoy some live music at the North Meets South Fair.
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Commercial corridors along William Floyd Parkway and Sunrise Highway
Shopping and dining are concentrated in the heart of Shirley along William Floyd Parkway and Sunrise Highway. Residents will find a mix of shopping centers, chain retailers and local restaurants lining both thoroughfares. “As far as dining goes, there’s pretty much every type of food you can think of,” Chrzanowski says. “They just put in this amazing brewery called Southpaw, and they actually fill your beer from the bottom up. It seems like the beer is just better that way.” For more shopping and dining, residents can head to the Tanger Outlets Riverhead, one of the largest outlet malls on Long Island, with more than 130 retailers.
Access to the Long Island Expressway, LIRR and NYC commutes
In addition to shopping and dining, William Floyd Parkway and Sunrise Highway are Shirley's main transportation routes. William Floyd Highway provides access to Interstate 495, which runs along the hamlet’s northern edge. Also known as the Long Island Expressway, I-495 leads about 70 miles west into New York City. Those who prefer to take public transportation can head to Mastic-Shirley station, where the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Rail Road connects commuters to Manhattan’s Penn Station in about an hour and 45 minutes. For air travel, Long Island MacArthur Airport is about 13 miles away, and USA Today ranks it as the third-best small airport in the country. The closest international airport is John F. Kennedy International Airport, about 53 miles from Shirley.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
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Video By
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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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On average, homes in Shirley, NY sell after 61 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Shirley, NY over the last 12 months is $545,000, up 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this spacious expanded Colonial set on a beautifully maintained half-acre in the East Yaphank/Shirley area. With 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths, this home offers the space, comfort, and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for. A welcoming front porch offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Inside, the eat-in kitchen features tile flooring, stainless steel
Welcome to this sun-filled 3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch set on a half acre, offering great storage, and endless potential to make it your own. The home features living room with a bay window, an eat-in kitchen, and a dining area with sliders leading to the back deck The primary bedroom offers its own private en suite bath. Additional highlights include central air conditioning, a full basement
Come see this beautifully renovated Cape Cod-style home located on a dead-end street. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this 1,848 sq ft home offers a bright, airy floor plan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The updated kitchen (2019) showcases quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an inviting open layout. Additional highlights include new
Welcome to the Tangier section of Shirley! This spacious 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial offers the perfect combination of size, comfort, and thoughtful updates throughout. From the moment you pull up, the curb appeal and manicured landscaping make it clear that this home has been cared for with pride and yes... it truly looks as good in person as it does in the photos. Inside, you’ll find a
Beautiful Well kept Colonial with Front porch and immaculate land escaping, beautiful back yard with full privacy . Sun room , full finished basement with outside entrance. summer kitchen Energy effecient windows , solar panel, washer dryer , office or seperate sitting area and much more .
Welcome to this spacious expanded Colonial set on a beautifully maintained half-acre in the East Yaphank/Shirley area. With 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths, this home offers the space, comfort, and flexibility today’s buyers are looking for. A welcoming front porch offers the perfect place to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Inside, the eat-in kitchen features tile flooring, stainless steel
Cape cod with views of Great South Bay, amazing sunsets, hardwood floors, custom fenced in front and side yards, w. tall decorative grasses pines, and paved walkways outdoor shower and oasis like large back yard with decking pavers fruit trees, pool and spa hot-tub. Outdoor TV set pergolas, sheds and plenty of seating. double gated driveway, and additional off street parking. Expansive open
Welcome to this sun-filled 3 bedroom, 2 full bath ranch set on a half acre, offering great storage, and endless potential to make it your own. The home features living room with a bay window, an eat-in kitchen, and a dining area with sliders leading to the back deck The primary bedroom offers its own private en suite bath. Additional highlights include central air conditioning, a full basement
Beautiful maintained ranch house with lot of upgrades.New Roof, New Driveway New Ductless air conditioners in each room Duel Heating system, Forced Air heat and Ductless Ac with heat pumps Sprinklers system
Experience refined, low-maintenance living in this elegant Bedford model townhouse located within the desirable 55+ gated community of The Manors at Colony Preserve. This beautifully maintained home offers a bright, open-concept layout with seamless flow between the living and dining areas, creating an inviting space for everyday comfort and entertaining. The well-appointed kitchen features
Prime corner lot opportunity on a busy road with an average of 10,000 cars passing by each day! This .18-acre parcel offers excellent visibility and accessibility, making it ideal for a wide range of development possibilities. Whether you’re looking to build a retail space, office, or service-based business, this property provides strong exposure in a high-traffic area. Don’t miss out on this
2006 Built Colonial , well maintained , 3 Big bedrooms with 2.5 Baths .Corner Lot , Central AC , Elevated House, , Front Porch to enjoy water view .Big bedroom windows to enjoy Water View, Close to everything .
Newly renovated Ranch house ,new Hardwood floors, New stylish bathrooms , New kitchen, New stainless steel appliances, Nice size bedrooms , new doors , Electric fire place in living area , New washer and dryer , Front tiled porch , New Driveway Finished basement contains two rooms and entertainment hallMother daughter set up with proper permitsnew Water heater
Welcome to this beautifully maintained ranch situated on 1/3 acre north of Sunrise Highway! From the moment you arrive, you'll appreciate the impressive curb appeal, oversized driveway, and detached 2-car garage that provide both convenience and functionality. Inside, you'll find a warm and inviting layout featuring updated flooring, spacious living areas, and an updated kitchen with granite
Come see this beautifully renovated Cape Cod-style home located on a dead-end street. Featuring four spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, this 1,848 sq ft home offers a bright, airy floor plan perfect for both everyday living and entertaining. The updated kitchen (2019) showcases quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and an inviting open layout. Additional highlights include new
Welcome to this bright and well-maintained 3-bedroom, 1-bath home in the heart of Shirley! Enjoy a spacious layout featuring hardwood floors throughout, sun-filled bedrooms, and an updated kitchen with ample cabinet space. The home also offers a large living area perfect for relaxing or entertaining, plus a private yard for outdoor enjoyment. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and major
Full house for rent in Shirley. On main level you have kitchen, dining area, sunroom, living room, one full bathroom and two bedrooms. Upstairs you will find two bedrooms including master bedroom and one full bathroom. Basement is included for storage. Washer/dryer is in basement. This house is located in a quiet residential area close to nearby beaches, parks, and other amenities. Owner is
2 Bedroom Apartment for Rent – Shirley, NY (Available Immediately)Spacious and well-maintained 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment located in a quiet private house in Shirley. This second-floor walk-up offers comfortable living with access to a huge shared yard, perfect for relaxing or enjoying outdoor space.Features include:+Bright 2-bedroom, 1-bath layout+Second-floor walk-up in private
Welcome to 413 Glen Dr, Shirley, a spacious single-family ranch available for rent beginning August 1st with a 12-month lease term. This well-maintained home features 5 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, offering plenty of room for comfortable living. Enjoy an inviting eat-in kitchen equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, along with a washer and dryer. The home boasts beautiful
Welcome to this freshly updated 3-bedroom, 1-bath ranch in Shirley. This move-in-ready home features fresh paint throughout and brand-new carpeting, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere. The spacious layout offers comfortable one-level living with bright living spaces and generously sized bedrooms. The kitchen provides ample storage and functionality, while the yard offers plenty of room to
Open and spacious, luxury rental. This year round property boasts an open floor plan, large laundry room on the main floor, custom kitchen and lots of storage. Oversized balcony from kitchen and master suite give views to the water, where there is dock access. Walk-in closets, seamless drain shower, and vaulted ceilings are just a few of this homes many upgrades. Home comes furnished
4 bedroom, 1 full bath with basement, home offering plenty of room. Features 2 bedrooms on the main floor. Updated kitchen, generous bedroom sizes, and a functional layout with dinning area. Exterior highlights include a large fenced yard. A great rental opportunity with space, comfort, and convenience.
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