West Islip: Waterfront homes, quaint vibes draw buyers
Buyers won't find much in the way of new housing or commercial development in West Islip, known for being a quaint community that draws generations to stay.
"It is a very residential community," Islip Town Councilman Michael McElwee Jr., said. "I've been there 25 years. My wife's been there 50 years; her parents were there 75. It's a very generational community where people stay in West Islip."
In addition to Memorial Day and Fourth of July parades, the community comes together for family movie nights and concerts at Anthony Casamento Park, which has a town pool, as well as the Family Fun Night at West Islip Beach at the marina on the Great South Bay.
"It's an old-fashioned kind of community," McElwee said, noting that there is a small commercial district with shops and restaurants. "It's a quaint, quiet, very community-minded neighborhood."
Dorothe Karwowski Memorial Garden sits at the intersection of Higbie Lane and Udall Road and is part of the community's beautification efforts. Credit: Linda Rosier
Many West Islip residents banded together after La Grange Inn, a local institution since 1750, closed in 2010 and was replaced with a CVS. The building was restored to its historical look and, since 2019, has housed the West Islip History Center Society and Museum.
In 2021, residents voiced their opposition to selling an abandoned elementary school to a developer who wanted to build senior housing there, which would have eliminated popular playing fields on the 11-acre property.
Homes along Sequams Lane, top, and Seaspray Lane in West Islip. Credit: Linda Rosier
Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Church on Higbie Lane serves a sizable Ukrainian population, many of whom are descendants of early 1900s settlers. One notable Ukrainian émigré who lived in West Islip was William Dzus, who invented an industrial fastener used by the military in World War II and founded the West Islip Public Library in 1957.
Homebuyers today are attracted to the community for its diversity of housing stock, from starter homes to upscale properties, noted Steve Rainone, of Netter Real Estate.
"That's what I think is most unique about West Islip: any consumer can find any product that they like," Rainone said.
There's also a mix of housing styles, including ranches, high ranches, farm ranches, Capes and Colonials, with prices starting under $500,000 and reaching the $4 million mark for large bayfront properties.
Between May 31, 2024, and May 30, 2025, there were 209 home sales with a median sale price of $750,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 188 home sales with a median sale price of $660,000.
There is one condo, priced at $559,900, on the market.
26,559
39.8
$765,000
from Babylon $341
West Islip (99%), Bay Shore (91%)
West Islip, Bay Shore-Brightwaters
Suffolk County Transit Route 2
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov, Suffolk County Transit
This $3.4 million West Islip home is 5,000 square feet. Credit: Mandalay Photography
At 5,000 square feet, this updated waterfront home features five bedrooms, 3½ baths, hardwood floors, custom millwork, an open concept kitchen and living area, a kitchen with custom cabinetry and high end appliances, a primary suite with balcony and loft space and radiant-heated bathroom floor. Located on a cul-de-sac, the ¾-acre partially fenced-in property includes an expansive bluestone patio overlooking a pool and hot tub, and an attached two-car garage. Taxes are $30,951. Lisa Locorriere, Signature Premier Properties, 631-422-3100.
This $2.5 million West Islip home has 140 feet of bulkhead. Credit: Douglas Elliman Realty
This waterfront home has three beds and three baths, including a primary suite marble bathroom with steam room shower and Jacuzzi. The 3,888-square-foot home sports a wraparound second floor balcony, hardwood radiant heated floors, gourmet kitchen, great room with wood-beamed ceilings and stone walls and a full, unfinished waterproofed basement. Situated on a wide canal, the 1.1-acre property includes 140 feet of bulkhead, a cut-in yacht slip, a new wraparound porch, surround sound system and an attached two-car garage. Taxes are $28,239. Fabiana De Sena, Serhant, and Laura Riportella, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-680-9211.
This $1.4 million West Islip home has six bedrooms. Credit: KRP Realty Media/Kelvin Guillen
This 3,702-square-foot waterfront home has six bedrooms, three full and two half-baths, an open floor plan, two kitchens, a balcony off the primary suite and a finished partial basement. The ¼-acre fenced-in property features a pool, patio and 40 feet of bulkhead on a canal. Taxes are $26,100. Leonard Simonetti, Jr., Exit Realty All Pro, 631-647-8844.
E. Davison Lane
Colonial
4
5½
2019
0.37 acre
$36,108
-$420,000
106
Corbin Place
Post modern
5
4½
1966
0.25 acre
$25,722
-$260,000
172
Hyman Avenue
Colonial
2
2
1940
0.09 acre
$8,784
-$89,000
315 days
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 39
Price range $489,000 to $4 million
Tax range $8,996 to $38,674
