Long Island is a colorful place, with different regions giving off distinctly different vibes.
There’s an all-business attitude pumping through the well-developed middle of the island that begins to taper off as you branch out toward the coasts: The North Shore’s natural landscape is pensive and peaceful, the South Shore’s beach and bustle are warm and lively – and those feelings only intensify as you progress east, to the serene reaches of the North Fork and the sunny, playful Hamptons.
Each region’s real estate market has its own temperament as well. Read on for a sampling of the many personalities of the Long Island’s housing market.
NORTH FORK
THE VIBE: It’s a good year in wine country, which enjoyed a boost in both prices and sales. The median sales price in the area east of Riverhead for the first quarter climbed 16.3 percent, to $516,000, compared with $443,500 in 2009’s first quarter.
The same trend was evident in average sales price, which rose to $749,057, a 35.9 percent increase from $550,994.
The number of first-quarter sales showed a 60.7 percent increase year over year, rising from 56 to 90, though it dipped from 155 in the fourth quarter of 2009.
THE HIGH: A Mediterranean-style home in Mattituck with six bedrooms and 8 1/2 bathrooms is listed for $9.75 million – and it comes with all the furniture, including an antique pool table and a fully equipped gym, plus a 26-foot Sea Ray cruiser and a 2008 Mercedes S550. Listing agent: Sheri Clarry, The Corcoran Group, 631-765-1300. (Pictured above, top.)
THE LOW: There’s a three-bedroom ranch with 1 1/2 bathrooms for sale in Greenport for $249,900.Listing agent: Sonja Reinholt, The Corcoran Group, 631-765-1300. (Pictured above, bottom.)
