If you happen to be in the neighborhood of Fontana Concrete Products in Bayport during business hours, take a moment to cozy up to the famous roadside attraction, The Great Sphinx of Long Island, for a photo opportunity. Be sure to capture the inscription: "She who climbs to the Sphinx's head a millionaire will surely wed."
Legend has it that this charming hamlet on the south shore of Long Island was the inspiration for the Hardy Boys' Bayport, the hometown in the popular mystery novels
If you happen to be in the neighborhood of Fontana Concrete Products in Bayport during business hours, take a moment to cozy up to the famous roadside attraction, The Great Sphinx of Long Island, for a photo opportunity. Be sure to capture the inscription: "She who climbs to the Sphinx's head a millionaire will surely wed."
Legend has it that this charming hamlet on the south shore of Long Island was the inspiration for the Hardy Boys' Bayport, the hometown in the popular mystery novels. Now, if hearing the word hamlet conjures up thoughts of Shakespearean tragedies, don't fear! In New York, hamlets are the unincorporated, quintessential small communities that compose a larger town. In the case of Bayport, the town is Islip in the county of Suffolk on Long Island, New York. The 8,896 residents at the time of the 2010 U.S. Census within this 3.7-square-mile hamlet bordering the Great South Bay get the best of both worlds: small town charm with a waterfront that also happens to be a quick 55-mile trip on the Long Island Rail Road, aka the LIRR, to one of the busiest, most exciting cities on earth -- New York City.
With all its small town charm, Bayport is really a suburb and very much a part of the New York metropolitan area. As expected, thru traffic can be very heavy during rush hour and even on the weekends. Planning your first exploration should include arriving in late morning or early afternoon during the workweek to view rental housing prospects. Avoiding the stress of traffic helps while getting acquainted with the area.
Houses, Houses, Houses
Like many of the Long Island south shore hamlets, Bayport's selection of housing consists mostly of single family homes that range in age from relatively new to 19th-century farm houses. A small percentage of townhouses, duplexes, and a single apartment complex with 452 units rounds out the housing market. Also typical for Suffolk County are the Bayport house styles. If you've always dreamt of finding a Cape Cod house to rent, wake-up and smell the Bayport! Other popular styles include Victorian, Colonial, American Foursquare, Greek Revival, and Ranch. Forget about hi rise apartments in Bayport.
Cost of Living? It's New York!
It shouldn't come as a surprise that the cost of living in Bayport is high, at about 30 percent above the national average. But, since proximity to New York City is the main reason for relocation to Bayport and New York City's cost of living is about half above national average, 30 percent seems much more manageable, doesn't it? What's an hour long train ride among friends to save all that money and go clamming on weekends during the summer?
Rent or Own?
If you want to rent an apartment in Bayport, you have only one apartment complex to choose from. If you're looking for a house or townhouse to rent in Bayport, start searching early and be prepared for a competitive application process, including background checks and deposits of up to two months of rent. Let's face it; the rental market is tight in Bayport and accounts for only around 30 percent of all homes or apartments. Properties move quickly, and the number of vacant homes is below the national average. But with the high cost of living, it's a good idea to try the area on for size with a rental. Plus, it's not uncommon to see short-term lease options in addition to the standard one-year lease.
Bayport is home to two principal neighborhoods: Town Center and Montauk Hwy/Sylvan Ave. Town Center includes the entire southern half of just south of Montauk Highway and is home to the waterfront. Homes that are closest to the beach tend to be the most expensive, and Town Center is no exception. Both neighborhoods boast low crime rates.
Town Center: Filled with medium to large single-family homes that are nearly all owner occupied, Town Center features Bayport beach and marina, Bayport Commons Park, and the only high school in the hamlet. It is also home to a number of historic residences from 1940 or earlier. The popular Grey Horse Tavern serves American food, and Ms. Michelle's Urban Gourmet is the place to grab coffee and a fresh pastry before a morning walk to the beach down tranquil streets or antiquing at Country Junque.
Montauk Hwy/Sylvan Ave: A mixture of owners and renters occupy the apartments and single-family homes that fill this northern Bayport neighborhood, which is also home to the historic Bayport Aerodrome. Top rated Avocados Mexican American Grill and Le Soir French restaurant have you covered for lunch and dinner.
Southern Meadows: The only apartment complex in Bayport, Southern Meadows offers studios and 1 bedroom apartments for rent in several floor plans. Multiple 2 bedroom floor plans are also available. This 27-acre property provides all the standard amenities and more within walking distance to the bus and LIRR train station.
A quiet haven tucked away not far from one of the greatest metropolitans in the world, Bayport doesn't offer a large shopping district. But it does provide everything needed to relax and enjoy without driving more than a few miles. With its highly rated school district, parks, history, the beach, and above all, a welcoming community, this cozy little hamlet provides refuge from the hustle and bustle of a city only a short train ride away.
