Finding Waterfront Real Estate on Long Island
Finding water front property in West Islip, Long Island shouldn’t be very hard. Long Island is surrounded by water on two sides. West Islip itself is home to the great south bay hosting a number of commercial and private marinas. If you are an avid boater you will love the many ports and active waterways that West Islip has to offer. From February to November the West Islip waterfront explodes with activity. Hundreds of boats can be seen each weekend making the trip from West Islip to the cove, located just on the other side of the Robert Moses Bridge. Each summer our beaches are packed with family, friends, and visitors. From fishing, to boating, jet skiing, and crabbing there are a number of things you can do to keep yourself busy on the West Islip waterfront.
If this sounds like a dream place to live, you are absolutely right. West Islip is known for having little or no crime and each neighborhood is closely knit. There are many schools that you can send your children to choosing from private, public, or religious. West Islip has many churches in all denominations, children’s clubs like the YMCA, and many other community organizations.
Many people live just minutes from the water, in fact many of the surrounding towns are a short trip from the great south bay, and also host many more marinas. If you want to live directly on the water in West Islip, than you are going to have to do some serious bargaining, or know someone who knows someone. It’s not that there isn’t enough waterfront property here to accommodate everyone because there is. Most people that live on the water in West Islip have lived there for at least 30 years. People don’t move too often making waterfront real estate scarce.
There are basically two types of waterfront property in West Islip. Family neighborhoods and mixed neighborhoods. If you are a young family there are several neighborhoods that you could choose from. Most people that decide to live in these family communities don’t move until their children have finished school, and they have retired. It’s the same with all the neighbors too. Everyone’s children grow up together, go to the same schools, and live in the same neighborhood. It is rare to see a for sale sign in any family neighborhood of West Islip, wither it is on the water or not. People here like to build strong knit communities and do not often move. An example of one of these neighborhoods is Magoun Landing.
Other than family neighborhoods, there are some mixed areas. On a few of the channels you will find 2 or 3 older couples living in the same waterfront neighborhood. These couples are probably not going to move unless they get a great offer. These neighborhoods that have older couples are usually people that have lived on the same property for about 50 years. Most of them do not plan on selling their homes, although some of them move into other properties during the winter. Many of these homes get passed down through the family, so there is less than a 1% chance that they will ever be for sale.
Now, in these same neighborhoods you will find singles and married couples without children. They happened to be lucky enough to find a property for sale on the water. Some of these people acquired these properties through tax lien auctions, inheritance, or simply they found a cheap lot that needs a lot of work. Most of the people that live in these communities will also stay for many years, but so far it is unknown how long. Considering there is no waterfront property for sale in West Islip most of the time, they will probably keep their piece. These neighborhoods often see a lot of remodeling and added landscaping. A good example of this type of community would be Sequams Colony in West Islip.
West Islip waterfront homes mostly consist of ranches or colonial style homes. Most, if not all, of the ranches have been raised, adding a second floor, or have been added onto in other ways. If you live on the water in West Islip, it is about who has the nicest home on the block. On the outside of these homes it is usual to see stucco and stone work, in ground pools, outdoor sun rooms or spas, and beautiful landscaping. The inside of these homes are no different. Marble tile, granite kitchens, wood floors, and stainless steel appliances are the must haves.
West Islip waterfront real estate is at a premium. Most home sales range from $800,000 to over $2,000,000. Vacant lots already equipped with water and electric range from $200,000 to about $600,000. There are not many of these lots, probably less than 10, and some of them are not even big enough to build a home on. Usually these vacant lots are about 50′ x 80′. The standard size of most waterfront lots are about 200′ X 150′. Most of these vacant lots are purchased by existing home owners who wish to add a little more property to their home or add extra bulk head for boats.
For an $800,000 purchase you will get approximately 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths in one story, and a garage. Usually these lots need renovations and landscaping to match their value to the other homes in the area. Between 1 million and 2 million you should expect at least 4-5 Bedrooms, 2 full baths, a two car garage, and an inground pool. If you are making a purchase over 2 million the sky is the limit. Most of West Islip waterfront property when for sale, sells for over $1,000,000. Most are sold with the help of real estate agents, but there are a few by owner sales.
Every waterfront community in West Islip is built on a canal. The canals lead outward to the Great South Bay. Homes on the end of the canal have the most beautiful views of the Robert Moses Bridge, the bay, and of course the best sunsets. Homes located in the back of the canal, sadly lack views of the bay. These homes are still considered waterfront but most often you can only see the water in the canal and the back of your neighbors homes. They are still great properties because you have easy access to the bay.
West Islip waterfront communities also include many amenities like yacht clubs, day care and day camp for children, bars, restaurants, schools, and other public spaces like pools and libraries. Some of the waterfront communities have yearly dues that residents pay, while others are free of charge. Most waterfront properties in West Islip have sufficient bulkhead behind the home for you to park your boat, but public docks are also available for use. If you are looking for a great community than West Islip is the place for you.
