The North Shore of Long Island is known for its stunning waterfront views, beautiful homes, and rich history. The area spans several highly sought-after communities like Port Washington, Sands Point, and Great Neck, offering a dynamic blend of suburban energy and a vibrant community. Popular among those who work in New York City, the North Shore has a competitive housing market, with many high-end properties available for sale.
If you’re considering buying North Shore, NY, real estate, work with a knowledgeable and experienced agent who can guide you through the buying process. But before you get started, make sure you keep these five things in mind.
It’s a balanced market
The North Shore, NY, real estate market has changed in recent months, with significant shifts in supply and demand creating more balanced conditions. A balanced real estate market is one in which the number of homes for sale is comparable to the number of buyers looking to purchase a home. Unlike a buyer’s or seller’s market, balanced markets are typically characterized by stable home prices and moderate competition between buyers and sellers.
In recent years, the North Shore market has experienced a shift towards a seller's market, where demand for homes has exceeded the number of homes available for sale. But the market has begun to shift back towards a more balanced state as more properties are listed. Depending on whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Port Washington or Sands Point real estate, demand may be higher and competition steeper.
In recent years, the North Shore market has experienced a shift towards a seller's market, where demand for homes has exceeded the number of homes available for sale. But the market has begun to shift back towards a more balanced state as more properties are listed. Depending on whether you’re looking at homes for sale in Port Washington or Sands Point real estate, demand may be higher and competition steeper.
The median prices of homes
Median home prices across the North Shore vary depending on the community and property type. They command higher prices than most neighborhoods on the Eastern Seaboard. Regarding real estate in the upscale community of Sands Point, luxury properties are priced as high as $10 million. In nearby Port Washington, you can expect to find single-family homes priced between $1 million and $3 million. The most exclusive properties boast stunning waterfront locations and expansive grounds.
As you consider North Shore, NY, homes for sale, keep in mind that where you look could significantly affect the size and price of your potential home. While thinking through your options, review your income and expenses to put together a realistic budget for your investment.
What there is to do
When relocating to the North Shore, consider what the area offers recreationally. Whether you prefer a variety of upscale restaurants or places around town to get some fresh air, visit your neighborhood of choice or ask your trusted agent for a run-down.
Regarding fine dining, the area is known for having several incredible restaurants serving cuisine worldwide. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian favorites, French bites, sushi, or seafood, the North Shore has options. Start at Gatsby’s Landing, a beautiful, upscale spot for New American fare, or Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood by the water.
For those who love a little shopping, the North Shore’s Americana Manhasset is a luxury shopping center featuring high-end brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. There are also a variety of boutiques and specialty stores throughout the area, including spots like The Wellground in Port Washington, a boutique with up-and-coming women’s fashions.
The North Shore area is also home to several beautiful parks and recreational areas like Caumsett State Historic Park Reserve, a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is known for its gardens and walking trails. The Hempstead Harbor Trail is another popular option for walking and biking with peaceful water views.
Finally, the North Shore offers several community events throughout the year, from outdoor concerts to farmers markets and holiday festivals. The Oyster Bay Music Festival is a popular summer event, whereas the family-friendly Long Island Fairy Festival takes place each May in Sands Point.
Regarding fine dining, the area is known for having several incredible restaurants serving cuisine worldwide. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian favorites, French bites, sushi, or seafood, the North Shore has options. Start at Gatsby’s Landing, a beautiful, upscale spot for New American fare, or Louie’s Prime Steak & Seafood by the water.
For those who love a little shopping, the North Shore’s Americana Manhasset is a luxury shopping center featuring high-end brands such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Chanel. There are also a variety of boutiques and specialty stores throughout the area, including spots like The Wellground in Port Washington, a boutique with up-and-coming women’s fashions.
The North Shore area is also home to several beautiful parks and recreational areas like Caumsett State Historic Park Reserve, a popular spot for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay is known for its gardens and walking trails. The Hempstead Harbor Trail is another popular option for walking and biking with peaceful water views.
Finally, the North Shore offers several community events throughout the year, from outdoor concerts to farmers markets and holiday festivals. The Oyster Bay Music Festival is a popular summer event, whereas the family-friendly Long Island Fairy Festival takes place each May in Sands Point.
The school system
Regarding schools, the North Shore is home to several excellent public and private options. The North Shore School District serves several communities, including Great Neck, Manhasset, and Port Washington. The district has an excellent reputation, consistently ranking among the top in the state, and has four elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school.
Among area private schools, the prestigious Friends Academy in Locust Valley offers a Quaker education for pre-K through 12th-grade students. The Green Vale School in Old Brookville provides a co-educational curriculum for students from nursery school through 8th grade. Other private school options include the North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck and Vincent Smith School in Port Washington.
Among area private schools, the prestigious Friends Academy in Locust Valley offers a Quaker education for pre-K through 12th-grade students. The Green Vale School in Old Brookville provides a co-educational curriculum for students from nursery school through 8th grade. Other private school options include the North Shore Hebrew Academy in Great Neck and Vincent Smith School in Port Washington.
The commute
Finally, as you narrow your focus on North Shore real estate, remember to factor in your daily commute — especially if you work in Manhattan or other neighboring areas. The most popular transit route for those working in Manhattan is the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which runs from several North Shore towns into Penn Station in Manhattan. Commute times vary, but you can expect the trip to take 45 minutes to an hour. If you decide to call an area like Queens or Brooklyn home instead, the LIRR services these areas, and several bus routes also run to neighboring towns and cities.
Are these five reasons compelling enough to start your search for North Shore real estate? If so, contact experienced local agent Maggie Keats to see what’s on the market. Maggie brings an intricate understanding of the North Shore with years of successful experience in home sales. As a homebuyer, you couldn’t ask for a more thoroughly prepared and engaging agent. Reach Maggie at your convenience and find out how she can jumpstart your home search on the North Shore.
Are these five reasons compelling enough to start your search for North Shore real estate? If so, contact experienced local agent Maggie Keats to see what’s on the market. Maggie brings an intricate understanding of the North Shore with years of successful experience in home sales. As a homebuyer, you couldn’t ask for a more thoroughly prepared and engaging agent. Reach Maggie at your convenience and find out how she can jumpstart your home search on the North Shore.