Oakdale, NY 234 Apartments for Rent

Snedecor's Tavern in Oakdale was once known to attract business barons and bluebloods from New York, prospering in the early 1800's and bringing wealth to the area.

Today, the hamlet of Oakdale lies in the town of Islip in Suffolk County, New York. The town was founded in 1697 and was once home to many prominent businessmen including Frederick G. Bourne, President of the Singer Sewing Machine Co. and William K. Vanderbilt, grandson of the famous railroad magnate. The town and hamlet grew from the wealth these great men invested in the area and Oakdale was once filled with lavish mansions; some of the finest homes in the USA were built here and two Native American trade routes ran through the area, boosting the economy. Today, Oakdale remains an affluent area, surrounded by Connetquot River State Park Preserve, Byron Lake Park and Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. The beauty of the area attracts visitors year round who come not only for the countryside but also to explore the historic town of Islip.

Moving to Oakdale

When it comes to finding townhouses or studio apartments for rent in Oakdale, the best times to start looking are the beginning and end of the year, as vacancy rates tend to be higher at these times. It's a good idea to register your interest with several rental agencies that can often help you in your hunt for the perfect apartment. Bear in mind that furnished apartments may be harder to come by, so be prepared to take an unfurnished place if you're looking for a long-term rental.

Practical Choices

Take some time to think about the type of property you are looking for -- in Oakdale you will often find that sea-view or coastal properties are more expensive, so think about whether a sunrise over the water is what you're hoping for. If you're looking for a studio or one bedroom apartment, you'll find many older apartment blocks in the town center, while the rest of the area mainly consists of larger 3 and 4 bedroom townhouses for rent. The rental market here is fairly stable, although vacancy rates here are lower than 50% of neighborhoods nationwide. That may sound discouraging, but stay persistent and you should have no issues finding a long-term house or apartment rental in the area.

What You'll Need

If you're considering moving here, bear in mind that this is a popular spot for those looking to retire, so don't expect buzzing nightlife and parties every weekend! You'll need the usual paperwork to secure a rental, although private landlords can often be more lenient; they may simply ask to see proof you can afford the rent. Generally speaking, though, it's a good idea to come prepared with all your paperwork so that you don't miss out. A copy of your ID, pay stubs, bank statements, references from previous landlords and credit check can all help you to secure your dream home in Oakwood, and you'll usually need the first month's rent and deposit up front. For month to month rentals, you may be asked for a larger deposit and it's not uncommon to be asked for first and last month's rent plus a deposit when it comes to townhouses for rent.

Neighborhoods in Oakdale

There are two main neighborhoods in Oakdale, and if you're thinking of moving here it's a good idea to be aware of the main features of each one -- both provide residents with a different experience of the area. Here's a bit more information about Oakdale's neighborhoods:

Town Center: You'll find average rental costs in the town center more expensive than around 78% of New York's neighborhoods, but don't let that put you off. The area is filled with older buildings dating back to the 40's and 50's and things pick up during the summer months as visitors flock to the coast. It's also a popular retirement spot due to its peaceful, quiet atmosphere, so younger renters may need to turn down the party music! This is a fairly affluent neighborhood and you can expect to rely on your car to get around, although the area is also served by trains.

Dowling College / Shore Drive: Situated to the west of town, rental prices here are slightly higher than the town center and you're more likely to find 3, 4 or 5 bedroom townhomes for rent here. Vacancy rates are high and many homes are seasonally occupied, meaning your neighbors may be gone for most or part of the year -- great if you like alone time!

Living in Oakdale

Lovers of the great outdoors will find themselves right at home here; Byron Lake Park and Connetquot River State Park Preserve are right on your doorstep as well as the stunning eastern coastline. From hunting and fishing to horseback riding, canoeing and hiking, whatever you're into you'll find it here! But there's more to Oakdale than just outdoor pursuits -- the area has plenty of options for dining out with friends and family. As you might expect, seafood and fish play a big part in local cuisine and the Snapper Inn located on Connetquot River is a popular dining spot for locals. Mannino's on Montauk Highway serves fresh, authentic Italian food, and is always a great choice. Why not head into Islip itself and delve into local history on the Historic Islip Trail where you can visit some of the places which have played a significant role in the town's history such as Sagtikos Manor or Snedecor's Tavern.