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I am looking at a potential job in Hauppauge and trying to get a feel for the area. From what I've read on here, it doesn't sound like we would want to live in Hauppauge, so I am trying to figure out what area would be best for us. My husband and I are mid-30s, no children, and are more interested in a place that has a city-type feel than a suburb-type feel - that is, we don't want to have to get in the car and drive every time we want to go someplace. Being able to walk to bars and restuarants and shopping is key. I don't want a bad commute - I'd like to keep it under 30 minutes if at all possible. We would probably like to rent for now, and preferably not in a large apartment complex but maybe a small house or duplex or something like that. Does such a place exist or am I dreaming?
I am looking at a potential job in Hauppauge and trying to get a feel for the area. From what I've read on here, it doesn't sound like we would want to live in Hauppauge, so I am trying to figure out what area would be best for us. My husband and I are mid-30s, no children, and are more interested in a place that has a city-type feel than a suburb-type feel - that is, we don't want to have to get in the car and drive every time we want to go someplace. Being able to walk to bars and restuarants and shopping is key. I don't want a bad commute - I'd like to keep it under 30 minutes if at all possible. We would probably like to rent for now, and preferably not in a large apartment complex but maybe a small house or duplex or something like that. Does such a place exist or am I dreaming?
Thank you!
This is not what about 90% of LI is known for, but they are out there. You really can't get a "city" feel , but you can get a village feel. A city feel would be Central Islip or Brentwood around Suffolk Avenue..that's if you like the Bronx.
Huntington Village, Northport Village, Sayville, Islip, maybe Patchogue, Bay Shore, Port Jefferson.
Port Jefferson might be pushing 30 minutes. These areas have "down town" walkable main streets, although Sayville and Islip's are small. Patchogue and Bay Shore are more rough around the edges, Huntington Sayville and Port Jefferson more upscale. Take a drive to these areas and walk around.
Came here to suggest what Dman72 already suggested. You won't find an urban feel around Hauppauge, but if you want the convenience of being able to go to the restaurants, bars, theaters, shops simply by walking, then Huntington Village is probably the best option - the other suggestions are also viable to an extent.
Although it's not nearly as extensive as either Huntington Village, Sayville, or Bablyon Village, what about something within a few blocks of "downtown" (for lack of a better word) Smithtown or Village of the Branch? Both are literally right next to Hauppauge and so the commute would be 10 minutes or less. LIRR is right there for easy access to NYC. Walkable to all basic daily retail, plus the Smithtown Library and houses of worship if needed.
There is a brand-new townhouse-style rental complex right in Smithtown but I'm not sure if they are straight rentals, co-ops or condos. I noticed them a few months ago when I took something to The Frame Center which is on the adjacent corner.
I agree with everything noted, and the only other recommendation I would have (and a weak one at that) would be somewhere right around Main street in Smithtown. You can walk to all restaurants, grocery stores and area parks, and maybe find the bottom half of an older victorian or colonial home off of main street to rent. I would in no way compare the available amenities though to Northport village, Sayville, huntington, or a downtown Port Jeff.
I think Smithtown is a legitimate response. You can walk to just about everything you need if you live near main st: library, groceries, parks, bars, multiple restaurants, etc. It's just that a very busy road that is heavily commuted runs through it, which I guess it shares with Huntington. Village. And I left out Babylon, which is a definite one to look at.
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