Good place to live in commuting distance of Brookhaven National Lab? (Huntington: apartment complex, student loans)

[xFM]

Hey guys, first post in the LI forum, been researching but not really sure what area I'm trying to find.

I'm a young single professional and may be accepting a job at Brookhaven National Lab. Looking for an affordable 1 bedroom or studio ($1000-1300/month). What's a good area to live in that is commuting distance to the BNL campus? Looking for somewhere with some kind of nightlife, other young professionals living etc. I'm sure no matter where you live the beaches are not that far of a drive. Thanks for any info!

[Lancet71]

A nightlife isn't the easiest thing. Port Jefferson still does have somewhat of a nightlife on the weekends all the way downtown. As far as homes go, you have alot of choices. Anywhere from Shoreham, Wading River, Rocky Point, Sound Beach and on the South Shore you have places like Shirley, Manorville, the Morches, and many more.

[kayo_michael]

Welcome.
Finding an apartment might be a challenge. Apartments are not as common on LI as the rest of the country. Your choices are limited. Others will be able to give you insight into what complexes are better. I've never lived in an apartment complex so I can't comment.

As for Nightlife, I recommend Village of Patchogue or Port Jefferson Village. Both are close in relation to BNL for commuting with some nightlife. Huntington has great nightlife too, but I'm not sure how far you want to commute.

Where are you from? What are you expecting? Cost of Living is very high in LI. Make sure your compensation reflects that.

Good Luck.

[xFM]

edit* double post

[xFM]

Thanks for the info guys. I'm from the Boston metro area, so I'm used to the high cost of living. My other job prospects are in Washington, DC which is not very cheap either. I'll look into the areas you guys suggested. Not looking for anything lavish. I live very simply. A 1 bedroom, close to some shops/restraunts and maybe go out once a week for dinner or some drinks with like minded younger people. I'm a beach person in the summer time. My starting salary would be about $56-57,000 with a pretty good pay scale. No debt/student loans or other financial obligations.

[OhBeeHave]

If you like the beach, Patchogue Village is close to Fire Island and the ferry is right there.

[Yzette]

If you can manage another $200 a month, Holbrook is great. Unless you have a car payment, you could swing it on the salary you mention. I've made the drive back and forth to BNL during rush hour and because it's a reverse commute, it's easy. Just hop on the LIE and then follow the exodus toward the lab. Your nightlife would be in Sayville or Patchogue, ten minutes away or so.

However, if your other prospects are in D.C., I would encourage that over Long Island. You wouldn't need a car, and there are a lot more young people and a better nightlife, just because it's urban. And I lived in Arlington for many years, so I know enough to compare the two.

[OhBeeHave]

Sayville is a good choice and has ferries to Fire Island.

[Walter Greenspan]

xFM, in case you are unfamiliar with the local geography, I've sent you an explanation of the very, very confusing geography of "Lawn Guyland" as a DM (Direct Message).

[kmrlongisland]

Originally Posted by xFM

Hey guys, first post in the LI forum, been researching but not really sure what area I'm trying to find.

I'm a young single professional and may be accepting a job at Brookhaven National Lab. Looking for an affordable 1 bedroom or studio ($1000-1300/month). What's a good area to live in that is commuting distance to the BNL campus? Looking for somewhere with some kind of nightlife, other young professionals living etc. I'm sure no matter where you live the beaches are not that far of a drive. Thanks for any info!

I did my post-doc at BNL from '88 to '90 and commuted from Nassau every day to stay closer to the city.