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I'm looking for opinions and facts about why the Sound Beach area of Long Island seems to be very low-priced, both mortgage and taxes look fairly reasonable. I grew up on Long Island but moved out of state a few years ago for work. I'm now in a position where I can move back to be closer to family and am in the market for a new home.
I'm not overly familiar with Sound Beach, more so the surrounding towns such as Rocky Point/Miller Place. From my understanding, these three towns share a school district? I've heard good things about the general area, and spent a lot of time in Rocky Point when I worked there part-time while attending college at SBU. I know all areas have the good and the bad. But anytime I see well-maintained houses on LI going for $250-$300k, I question the area. This is what I'm coming across in Sound Beach, with taxes that seem to be consistently around the $7,000k range (more or less, depending on property, etc.). Pointing out that the homes we are looking at are small (2bd/2bath), with small yards, but again, well-maintained and some with brand new renovations.
Realistically, our combined income could allow us to afford a home in the $400k range, but we're limiting our search to stick around the $300-$350k range so we can save for our forever home. These small homes in Sound Beach would be ideal for what we are looking for right now; however, we are still out of state and have not been able to get out and explore.
Can anyone tell me... what am I missing about Sound Beach? Are there areas that I should be avoiding? Is there a reason why I'm seeing such affordable home prices comparative to nearby areas?
Other suggestions welcomed. Keeping the search in Suffolk County, not to exceed $350k but prefer less than this. Open to townhomes. Small homes 2bd/2bath, small yards. School districts NOT a priority right now, but still want to be in a safe neighborhood with low crime rates.
Go further east. Eastport, Manorville, Wading River, Ridge, Riverhead SD zoned Baiting Hollow...
It's a madhouse out here right now, but if you work from home with that budget there's zero reason not to. Then head east to mattituck-cutchogue or SWR when you have kids. Eastport schools aren't bad either.
I'm looking for opinions and facts about why the Sound Beach area of Long Island seems to be very low-priced, both mortgage and taxes look fairly reasonable. I grew up on Long Island but moved out of state a few years ago for work. I'm now in a position where I can move back to be closer to family and am in the market for a new home.
I'm not overly familiar with Sound Beach, more so the surrounding towns such as Rocky Point/Miller Place. From my understanding, these three towns share a school district? I've heard good things about the general area, and spent a lot of time in Rocky Point when I worked there part-time while attending college at SBU. I know all areas have the good and the bad. But anytime I see well-maintained houses on LI going for $250-$300k, I question the area. This is what I'm coming across in Sound Beach, with taxes that seem to be consistently around the $7,000k range (more or less, depending on property, etc.). Pointing out that the homes we are looking at are small (2bd/2bath), with small yards, but again, well-maintained and some with brand new renovations.
Realistically, our combined income could allow us to afford a home in the $400k range, but we're limiting our search to stick around the $300-$350k range so we can save for our forever home. These small homes in Sound Beach would be ideal for what we are looking for right now; however, we are still out of state and have not been able to get out and explore.
Can anyone tell me... what am I missing about Sound Beach? Are there areas that I should be avoiding? Is there a reason why I'm seeing such affordable home prices comparative to nearby areas?
Other suggestions welcomed. Keeping the search in Suffolk County, not to exceed $350k but prefer less than this. Open to townhomes. Small homes 2bd/2bath, small yards. School districts NOT a priority right now, but still want to be in a safe neighborhood with low crime rates.
Thanks so much!!!
Part of Sound Beach attends Miller Place schools while the rest head to Rocky Point.
Either school district is OK if you're looking long term.
Sound Beach can be spotty, but the people I do know who live there (3 different homes, no children) are happy.
Go further east. Eastport, Manorville, Wading River, Ridge, Riverhead SD zoned Baiting Hollow...
It's a madhouse out here right now, but if you work from home with that budget there's zero reason not to. Then head east to mattituck-cutchogue or SWR when you have kids. Eastport schools aren't bad either.
SWR taxes have gone up precipitously. They're no longer on LIPA's teat.
Realistically, our combined income could allow us to afford a home in the $400k range, but we're limiting our search to stick around the $300-$350k range so we can save for our forever home. These small homes in Sound Beach would be ideal for what we are looking for right now; however, we are still out of state and have not been able to get out and explore.
I would advise you to forget about buying a cheaper "starter" house and just sock away as much money as you can and make the "forever" home your first home purchase.
It's not very convenient, lots of bungalows, and nothing really going on. But it's not dangerous or anything. It's a good option if you're looking for a less expensive area.
Go further east. Eastport, Manorville, Wading River, Ridge, Riverhead SD zoned Baiting Hollow...
It's a madhouse out here right now, but if you work from home with that budget there's zero reason not to. Then head east to mattituck-cutchogue or SWR when you have kids. Eastport schools aren't bad either.
Thank you! These are all areas that have crossed my mind so I appreciate this recommendation.
It's not very convenient, lots of bungalows, and nothing really going on. But it's not dangerous or anything. It's a good option if you're looking for a less expensive area.
Thanks! I'm actually okay with not having a lot going on. It's close enough to Port Jef where I could escape to more of an "upbeat" neighborhood if needed. But anywhere I'm going to go to visit friends/family would be within a half hour driving distance. Glad to know that it is generally a safe area. Appreciate your feedback.
I would advise you to forget about buying a cheaper "starter" house and just sock away as much money as you can and make the "forever" home your first home purchase.
That's definitely not an option that is off the table. We've thought about looking in our desirable long-term areas for homes that might need a little bit more TLC to stay within our price range, and just making it into our own over time. There are a lot of benefits to that for sure. Thanks for the feedback.
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