Why buyers choose Wading River for an escape from the city
Wading River is a laid back hamlet on Long Island’s North Shore where coastal living and outdoor recreation shape everyday life. Known for its beachfront properties and spacious single family homes, it attracts both full time residents and second-home buyers who want a quiet retreat from Manhattan, a little over 70 miles away. Days often revolve around nature, whether that means relaxing at the beach, hiking through the woods or tapping into the energy of attractions like Scott’s Pointe. Strong schools with small class sizes, along with a solid mix of local restaurants and shops, give Wading River a welcoming small-town feel.
A variety of single-family homes on tree-lined streets
Driving through the hamlet, you’ll notice the hilly and densely wooded landscape that this part of the North Shore is known for. “It’s the opening movie scene, where you’re coming down a tree-lined street. You hear the birds chirping. You can see deer running around grazing,” says Josh Boston, an administrative assistant for Berkshire Hathaway Laffey International Realty, who believes the natural beauty of the area is a major selling point for properties here. You’ll find ranch-style homes, Cape Cods, Colonial Revivals, New Traditionals and various custom builds on spacious lots shaded by trees. Some properties back up to a golf course, others are steps from Wading River Marsh Preserve, but some of the most sought-after homes line the waterfront. “There’s definitely a fair amount of seasonal people who reside in the city and come out to Wading River to have a vacation home on the beach,” Boston says.
How much detached homes and townhouses cost in Wading River
The median sale price here is around $790,000 and prices range widely, from the upper $300,000s to more than $1 million. Townhouses rarely go on the market, with only two sales in recent years, ranging from the lower $600,000s for about 1,700 square feet to the upper $700,000s for around 3,000 square feet. You’ll find similar prices across the North Shore, but Boston says buyers here get more land and more living space than you’ll find in more developed areas like Huntington.
Why families value the Shoreham Wading River school district
The close-knit Shoreham-Wading River Central School District is highly rated. “It’s a great district. The class sizes are small, and they have a very individualized approach. It’s one of the better ones in the area,” Boston says. Miller Avenue School, Wading River School, Albert G. Prodell Middle School and Shoreham-Wading River High School all earn high marks. The high school offers Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses.
Easy access to Wading River Beach, parks and Scott’s Pointe
Wading River Beach, popular for sunbathing, swimming and fishing, is minutes away from most homes here, with permitted parking for residents only. “Wading River Beach is my favorite when I need to think,” Boston says. “You can see Connecticut from the coast. They have these big, beautiful boulders that you can sit on and have the water all around you. The sunsets are unbelievable.” There are plenty of other outdoor activities here, including:
- Hiking and camping at Wildwood State Park
- Golfing at The Rock Golf Club
- Biking along the North Shore Trail
- Playing pickleball, baseball and ice hockey at Veterans Memorial Park
There’s also Scott’s Pointe, an adventure park offering a long list of activities, from rock climbing and axe throwing to flowboarding and laser tag.
Long but straightforward commutes to Manhattan
Whether you want to drive or take the Long Island Rail Road into Manhattan, commuting is feasible from here. The 72-mile drive along the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) usually takes about 2 hours, depending on traffic. You can drive or take a Suffolk County Transit bus to an LIRR station in Port Jefferson or Yaphank, both about 12 miles away. From there, it’s about a 2-hour train ride into the city.
Shop and dine at Wading River Commons and the Shoppes at East Wind
To run your weekly errands, you can head down Route 25A, home to the Wading River Commons shopping center. There, you can grocery shop at King Kullen, drop off packages at the post office, pick up prescriptions at Walgreens or CVS, and grab supplies for your next home improvement project at Ace Hardware. A few miles down the road is The Shoppes at East Wind, where red brick sidewalks wrap around little cottages that are home to local businesses. “It’s right next to the Eastwind Hotel (The Inn And Spa At East Wind). There’s a very cute ice cream store and a few boutiques,” Boston says. The dining scene here is thriving, anchored by family-owned delis, diners and pizzerias. Phil’s Restaurant is a favorite for American fare, La Plage Restaurant is a romantic spot for French-American cuisine and Ruggero's Family Style Restaurant is known for its comforting Italian dishes.
Coastal living comes with a flood risk
Wading River can experience flooding, strong winds, tropical storms and hurricanes. Here’s what you should keep in mind regarding severe weather risks:
- The hamlet has experienced four major flooding events since 2003, most recently Hurricane Sandy in 2012.
- Waterfront homes and properties backing up to marshland are most at risk.
- Flood insurance is recommended for most properties and required for some.
- Creek Road, which is between the Sound and the marsh, can flood during high tide.
