Working on Long Island and selling some of the area’s most beautiful homes has given us a deep appreciation for what makes this community truly special. With more than ninety distinct towns and villages, there’s so much to love about living here.
Though if we had to choose, here are nine of the absolute best things about living on Long Island.
Driving Distance to Plenty of Beautiful Beaches
Long Island is only about 23 miles wide at the widest point. That means you’re always within driving distance of the beach! Whether you’re more of a North Shore or a South Shore person, Long Island offers miles of coastline to explore. Find your new favorite beach this summer – find information about beaches on Long Island here.
Lots to See and Do for All Ages
While Long Island doesn’t have the nightlife of New York City, there’s still plenty of activities for people of all ages. Historic sites, museums, gardens, and the aquarium are all popular choices for residents and tourists alike. Some of our favorites include Old Westbury Gardens, the Planting Fields Arboretum, Long Island Aquarium, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum. Petting zoos, farm tours, berry picking, and pumpkin patches provide outdoor fun for kids and adults. Neighborhoods parks host events all year long. If you’re more into theatre and the arts, Long Island has a number of different institutions that put on shows throughout the year – click here to see what’s coming up next.
Abundance of Water Sports and Activities
Owning to Long Island’s unique geography, with the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Long Island Sound on the other, there’s no shortage of water activities you can enjoy. From sailing to swimming, kayaking, fishing, and even surfing, if you love the ocean, you will love living on Long Island.
Gorgeous Landscape to Explore
One of the best things about living on Long Island is the gorgeous scenery that changes with the seasons. Unlike some parts of the country where you have to suffer through a few months of bad weather, all four seasons on Long Island have their unique charms. From snow-covered landscapes to flowers in spring to summer days on the beach and the turning of the trees in fall, miles of walking and bike trails allow residents to enjoy Long Island’s natural beauty throughout the year.
Emerging Wine and Craft Beer Scene
Over the last twenty years, a thriving craft beer scene has emerged on Long Island. With more than sixty craft breweries and tasting rooms, it’s easy to spend an afternoon enjoying a pint with friends or checking out a beer festival.
Along with craft beer, you can find Long Island’s wine country situated in western Suffolk County. With vineyards and wineries dotting both the North and South Fork, locally grown and cultivated grapes lend themselves to unique wines. Wine festivals and vineyard tours are held throughout the year.
Close to Montauk, the Hamptons, and Fire Island
What if you could vacation close to home? On Long Island, it’s easy to get away for the weekend and visit some of the top tourist destinations in the country. The Hamptons have long been the summer vacation playground for the rich and famous – with good reason. The gorgeous beaches and picture-perfect beach towns make it a great choice for a summer escape.
If you’re looking for a different sort of adventure, Montauk is less crowded than the Hamptons while still offering the same idyllic coastal experience. Don’t miss the iconic Montauk Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse in New York. Or head to Fire Island, which feels like a trip back in time. With little car access on the island, most people walk or bike to get where they’re going which lends itself to a slower pace of life.
Rich with Historical Sites and Landmarks
The history of Long Island is as old as the United States itself. While the town of Southold holds the distinction of being the first English settlement in the area (dating back to 1640!), there are historic homes and sites all over Long Island from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. From sprawling Gold Coast mansions to the birthplace of Walt Whitman, Long Island is an exciting place for history buffs.
Great Local Restaurants and Cafes
Long Island has a great restaurant scene with a wide variety of different dining concepts and cuisines to enjoy. Farms and orchards supply kitchens with the freshest local ingredients – fruits, vegetables, eggs, cheese, meat, chicken, and more can be sourced nearby. With easy access to the ocean, Long Island is also known for its fresh seafood which is some of the best in the country!
Proximity to New York City
One of the things residents love about living on Long Island is the close proximity to New York City. Many people used to commute to the city before the COVID-19 pandemic and as offices transition back to in-person work, many people are starting to commute again. It’s also easy to drive to the city for the day and see a show, go to a museum, or visit Central Park. You can also get there by train – click here for more information about rail service on Long Island. Are you considering a move to Long Island? Get to know the area by learning about all the different communities here. Already own a home here and thinking about moving? We would love to work with you to sell your home for top dollar and find that next property. Get in touch to learn about our seller services.
If you currently own a residential investment on Long Island that you’re thinking of listing, we would love to talk with you about how we can help you get that property sold quickly. Check out some of our recently sold properties to get an idea of how we market homes. We also have plenty of qualified buyers that are looking to buy a home on Long Island – we might be able to make a match for you from within our own client database. Reach out to us today and let’s set up a meeting to get your property on the market this year.
The Pesce & Lanzillotta Team, at BHHS Laffey International Realty
Office: 516-888-9711
Email: info@pl-team.com
