What makes Long Island worth exploring

Long Island is one of those places that keeps surprising you. Stretching more than 100 miles into the Atlantic Ocean, it packs an unlikely mix of experiences into a single region such as barrier island beaches, Gilded Age estates, working farms, maritime villages, and some of the best seafood on the East Coast. It runs from the dense suburban communities of Nassau County all the way to the quiet eastern tips of the North and South Forks, with plenty of character in between. And with the Long Island Rail Road connecting Penn Station directly to towns across the island, it's never been easier to get out here, whether you're coming for a day or staying for the weekend.

Key takeaways

• Long Island spans over 100 miles and offers beaches, historic estates, wine country, and maritime villages all within one region
• Each area has its own identity: The Gold Coast North Shore, the barrier island South Shore, and the agricultural East End all offer different experiences
• The best time to visit depends on what you want: summer for beaches, fall for vineyards, winter for seal watching
• A car is recommended for getting the most out of the island, though the LIRR makes many destinations reachable without one
• Beechwood Homes offers four communities on Long Island: The Waterways (55+, South Shore waterfront) and Country Pointe Preserve (55+, central Suffolk) for buyers who want to make the island home; The Selby and Vanderbilt in central Nassau for those who prefer luxury rental living steps from Eisenhower Park and easy access to the city

Getting to and around Long Island

The LIRR is your friend, especially if you're coming from New York City. It runs regularly to destinations like Montauk, the Hamptons, and Port Jefferson, meaning you don't necessarily need a car to get started. That said, if you want to explore beyond the train-accessible hubs, a car makes a real difference. Many of the island's best beaches, nature preserves, farm stands, and wineries aren't within walking distance of any station. One practical note: summer weekends on the Long Island Expressway (I-495) can be genuinely brutal, particularly Friday evenings heading east and Sunday afternoons coming back. Leave early if you can. The island's linear geography actually works in your favor for planning — you can build a straightforward route from west to east, or zero in on a single region without too much backtracking.

The North Shore: Gold Coast mansions and hidden beaches

The North Shore has a nickname that's stuck for good reason. Known as the "Gold Coast," this stretch of coastline was where New York's wealthiest families built their estates during the Gilded Age, and a surprising number of those properties are still worth visiting today. Caumsett State Park in Lloyd Neck was once the Marshall Field estate, and it now offers miles of hiking trails, freshwater fishing, and sweeping views of Long Island Sound. Old Westbury Gardens is another standout, a preserved English manor house set on 160 acres of formal gardens that open to the public each season.

Beyond the estates, the North Shore has a quieter, less crowded beach scene compared to the South Shore. Long Island Sound beaches tend to have calmer water, which makes them a good pick for a day trip. And if you're interested in history that goes beyond mansion tours, Garden City's Museum Row is worth a dedicated stop. The Cradle of Aviation Museum does a genuinely impressive job of telling the story of Long Island's role in early flight, from the Wright brothers era through Charles Lindbergh's preparations for his transatlantic crossing and beyond to the Apollo program. It sits alongside the Long Island Children's Museum and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, all within the same campus on the former Mitchel Field site — meaning you can spend a full morning or afternoon across several institutions without getting back in the car.

The South Shore: barrier islands and classic beach days

If you picture a classic Long Island beach day, you're probably picturing the South Shore. This is where a chain of barrier islands sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Great South Bay, forming one of the most recognizable stretches of coastline in the Northeast. Jones Beach State Park is the anchor of it all — wide white sand, a long boardwalk, and a summer concert venue that draws big names every season. It's also one of the most visited beaches in the country, so managing your expectations about parking in peak season is worth it.

For something a little different, Fire Island National Seashore offers a completely car-free experience. The only way in is by ferry from Bay Shore or Sayville, which immediately changes the atmosphere. Once you're there, you'll find pristine beaches, the historic Fire Island Lighthouse, and trails through the Sunken Forest. Back on the mainland, the Great South Bay itself is worth exploring — it's popular for boating, kayaking, and clamming, and reflects the kind of working waterfront culture that has defined this part of Long Island for generations.

The East End: Hamptons, farmland, and the Forks

The East End is really three distinct experiences depending on which fork you take.

The Hamptons (South Fork)

• The South Fork is anchored by a string of well-known villages, including Southampton, East Hampton, Bridgehampton, and Sag Harbor — each with its own feel, from polished and resort-like to genuinely historic and walkable.
• Coopers Beach in Southampton consistently earns a spot on national best-beaches lists, and for good reason. The sand is fine, the water is clean, and the setting is hard to beat.
• Sag Harbor is worth a dedicated afternoon: independent bookstores, good restaurants, and a whaling museum that tells the story of the village's maritime past without feeling like a tourist trap.

Montauk ("The End")

• Montauk sits at the very tip of the South Fork, and it has always had a different energy than the Hamptons villages — more surf culture, less scene, and a lot more open space.
• The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1792, is New York State's oldest lighthouse and worth the drive just for the views from the top.
• Montauk Point State Park wraps around the lighthouse with rugged coastal trails, and in winter it becomes one of the best places on the island to watch seals. Whale-watching boats head out from Montauk Harbor seasonally and regularly spot humpbacks and finbacks.

The North Fork

• The North Fork is quieter and more agricultural than its southern counterpart, with dozens of family-owned wineries running along Route 25 — Long Island's wine country in the truest sense.
• Fall is the ideal season out here, when the harvest festivals are running, the farm stands are full, and the foliage along the Sound is at its best.
• Greenport is the North Fork's main town, with a historic carousel on the waterfront, solid dining options, and ferry service over to Shelter Island.

Iconic landmarks you shouldn't miss

Long Island has no shortage of places that are worth going out of your way for. Here are eight that stand out across the island:

1. Montauk Point Lighthouse: Commissioned by George Washington in 1792, this is the oldest lighthouse in New York State. Visitors can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Atlantic and, on clear days, see all the way to Block Island.
2. Fire Island Lighthouse: This 168-foot tower sits within the Fire Island National Seashore and is only reachable by ferry. The surrounding seashore offers trails, beaches, and a stretch of protected coastline that feels genuinely removed from the rest of the island.
3. Old Westbury Gardens: A well-preserved Gilded Age estate with formal English gardens spread across 160 acres. It opens seasonally and hosts special events throughout the year.
4. Cradle of Aviation Museum: Located in Garden City, this museum traces Long Island's outsized role in aviation history, from early experimental flights through the Apollo program and beyond.
5. Long Island Aquarium (Riverhead): Shark exhibits, a coral reef tank, interactive stingray and butterfly encounters — the aquarium is a highlight of Riverhead's downtown and draws visitors year-round.
6. Caumsett State Park: One of the largest undeveloped properties in the New York metropolitan area, the former Marshall Field estate now offers hiking, birdwatching, and freshwater fishing in a setting that feels far removed from suburbia.
7. Eisenhower Park: At 930 acres, this East Meadow park is larger than Central Park and one of Nassau County's most versatile green spaces, with golf, tennis, pickleball, an aquatic center, and an ice skating rink spread across its grounds.
8. Bethpage State Park: Home to the Black Course, one of the most celebrated public golf courses in the country and the site of multiple U.S. Opens, Bethpage in Farmingdale is a destination for serious golfers well beyond Long Island. Five courses at varying skill levels make it worth the trip whatever your game.

Family-friendly attractions and educational experiences

When the grandkids come to visit, Long Island has plenty to keep them genuinely occupied. The Long Island Explorium in Port Jefferson is a hands-on science and nature center for children from infants through sixth grade, with interactive exhibits and STEAM programming that kids tend to enjoy rather than just tolerate. In Farmingdale, Adventureland offers classic amusement park rides and games at a pace that doesn't overwhelm younger children the way larger theme parks can.

For a full day with real educational value, Garden City's Museum Row is worth planning around. The Long Island Children's Museum anchors the cluster with hands-on exhibits for toddlers through early teens, and it sits alongside the Cradle of Aviation Museum and the Nassau County Firefighters Museum, making it easy to cover several institutions without getting back in the car. The Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead is another strong option, with live animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours that give kids a genuine sense of what marine conservation looks like. And if the timing is right, the island's farm stands offer pick-your-own strawberries in spring and apples and pumpkins in fall — simple outings that are easy to pull off and tend to be a hit across generations.

Food, seafood, and agritourism

Long Island's relationship with food is inseparable from its geography. The water shapes everything: fresh lobster rolls, clam chowder, and locally harvested oysters show up on menus from the South Shore to the East End, and the quality is consistently good because the sourcing is local. The casual side of Long Island dining, including roadside seafood shacks, old-school diners, ice cream stands that have been there for decades — is as much a part of the experience as any upscale restaurant, and arguably more authentic.

The North Fork wine region has been gaining serious recognition over the past decade, with whites and rosés from local vineyards earning attention well beyond the island. Most wineries along Route 25 welcome walk-ins for tastings and run seasonal harvest events that are worth planning around. Farm stands run the length of the island from late spring through fall, stocked with locally grown produce, fresh-cut flowers, and homemade preserves. And for those interested in the higher end of the food scene, the Hamptons and Montauk have a strong farm-to-table culture that draws on everything the surrounding land and water has to offer.

Best time to visit and seasonal highlights

Long Island genuinely offers something worth visiting for in every season, it just depends on what you're after.

Summer (June–August)

• Peak beach season, with Jones Beach, Fire Island, and Coopers Beach all at their busiest and best
• Outdoor concerts, water sports, and waterfront dining are in full swing
• Plan around the traffic: Friday evenings eastbound and Sunday afternoons westbound on the LIE can add hours to a trip

Fall (September–November)

• After Labor Day, crowds thin out noticeably and accommodation prices drop across the East End
• North Fork vineyard season peaks in fall, with harvest festivals and pick-your-own farm experiences at their best
• Foliage along the North Shore and East End adds a layer of color that summer doesn't offer

Winter (December–February)

• Montauk Point State Park becomes one of the best seal-watching spots on the East Coast during the colder months
• The East End quiets down significantly, with many seasonal restaurants and shops closing, but the solitude has its own draw
• Year-round indoor attractions like the Cradle of Aviation and Long Island Aquarium remain fully open

Spring (March–May)

• Old Westbury Gardens starts to bloom, and the North Shore comes back to life before the summer crowds arrive
• Good hiking conditions at Caumsett State Park and Montauk Point State Park
• Whale-watching season picks back up as humpbacks return to feeding grounds off Montauk

Four ways to live the Long Island dream

For some people, a weekend trip to Long Island turns into something more — a realization that this is actually where they want to be. Beechwood Homes offers four distinct communities on the island, from gated 55+ waterfront living to luxury rentals in central Nassau, each built to the same standard of quality that defines everything Beechwood builds.

Properties to Own

Beechwood at The Waterways

Moriches, a quiet hamlet on the South Shore, is one of those places that tends to leave that kind of impression. It has the small-town character, the waterfront access, and the proximity to the Hamptons and East End that make it a genuinely appealing place to retire on Long Island. And for those ready to make that move, Beechwood at The Waterways offers something rare: the chance to own a newly built home in a gated 55+ community right on the shores of Moriches Bay. It's waterfront living without the compromises that usually come with it, in one of the South Shore's most sought-after coastal settings.

The location puts you close to everything covered in this guide: pristine ocean beaches, the Hamptons, and the North Fork wine country are all within easy reach. Smith Point Beach is ten minutes away, and the Forge River provides direct access to Moriches Bay for boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The community itself is built for an active coastal lifestyle, with a private marina, resort-style waterfront pool and deck, clubhouse, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce, fitness center, and walking trails. Four home designs are currently available — The Andover, The Barclay, The Caldwell, and The Devon — ranging from $660,000 to $825,000.

As a new construction community, The Waterways gives buyers something the existing housing market on Long Island rarely offers: the opportunity to get into a well-designed home in a prime waterfront location, with the ability to personalize it before it's built. The sales office at 619 Water Way in Moriches is open Thursday through Monday by appointment. You can view the community siteplan online or learn more about the advantages of buying early in a new development before reaching out.

To schedule a tour or connect with the sales team, contact us.

Country Pointe Preserve

For those drawn to Long Island's wooded interior rather than its waterfront, Country Pointe Preserve in Yaphank offers a different kind of 55+ lifestyle — quieter and more tucked away, but equally well-appointed. Set among mature trees in central Suffolk County, the gated community pairs resort-style amenities with the kind of natural setting that's harder to find closer to the water. Residents have access to a clubhouse, heated pool with poolside bar, fitness center, all-season indoor/outdoor pickleball pavilion, golf simulator, billiards room, and walking trails — all within a low-maintenance community designed for active adults. On-site at The Boulevard, you'll also find everyday conveniences including a Walmart, Starbucks, Bagel Boss, and Northwell Urgent Care.

The location works well for anyone who wants access to the full range of Long Island experiences without committing to the South Shore or the East End exclusively. The North Fork wine country, the Hamptons, and the South Shore beaches are all within easy driving distance, and the community sits directly off LIE Exit 68. A new Yaphank train station is slated to open in 2026, adding another transit option to the Ronkonkoma LIRR line already 12 miles away. An extensive range of home designs are available — eight models from $665,000 to $960,000 — each built with the same Beechwood quality and attention to low-maintenance living that defines The Waterways. You can view the community siteplan online or explore available homes and pricing.

Get in touch with the Country Pointe Preserve sales team here.

Properties to Rent

The Selby

For those who want the full Long Island lifestyle without the commitment of a purchase, The Selby in Westbury offers something genuinely uncommon in this market — a hospitality-grade rental building where the finishes and service match what you'd expect from a high-end ownership product. Residences run from studios to three bedrooms starting at $3,800 per month, with Viking appliances, custom cabinetry, oak floors, and brushed brass fixtures throughout.

The building sits close to Eisenhower Park, a 930-acre county park larger than Central Park, with golf, tennis, pickleball, an aquatic center, and skating. Roosevelt Field Mall is minutes away for everyday shopping, and the Westbury LIRR station is about six minutes by car, putting Penn Station roughly 40 minutes out — a real advantage for anyone who still has regular ties to the city. Jones Beach is 18 minutes away, and Bethpage State Park, home to multiple U.S. Opens, is within easy reach for anyone who wants access to some of the best public golf on the East Coast.

The building's amenities are anchored by a 1,500-square-foot pool terrace, a Tranquility Spa, The Shed Restaurant for all-day dining, a fitness studio, dedicated yoga room, club room, library with fireplace, screening parlor, and a private dog park. For those who want the feel of a well-run hotel alongside the stability of a real home, The Selby is worth a serious look.

Get in touch with the Selby’s sales team here.

The Vanderbilt

The Vanderbilt occupies a category of its own on Long Island. It's the only address on the island that combines residential living with a boutique hotel, a full-service restaurant in Juniper, and an on-site social venue in The Comet Club — a combination that changes the day-to-day feel of living here in ways that are hard to replicate elsewhere.

One and two-bedroom residences range from $5,499 to $7,099 per month, with nine-foot ceilings, walnut floors, GE Café appliances, Silestone countertops, and private balconies on select layouts. Covered parking and 24-hour front desk service come standard, and the amenities include a heated outdoor pool with private cabanas, a poolside bar, pickleball and bocce courts, a yoga studio, fitness center, and a screening room.

The central Nassau location puts an impressive range of the island within easy reach. Roosevelt Field Mall is seven minutes away, Eisenhower Park nine, and Jones Beach eighteen. The Westbury LIRR station connects to Manhattan in about 35 minutes, and both JFK and LaGuardia are under 30 minutes by car. For anyone who's weighed ownership against flexibility and landed somewhere in between, The Vanderbilt makes renting feel like a deliberate choice rather than a compromise.

Get in touch with the Vanderbilt’s sales team here

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Long Island exploration and planning a visit.

1. What is Long Island most famous for?
   Long Island is best known for its beaches, including Jones Beach, Fire Island, and the Hamptons, as well as the Gold Coast mansions of the North Shore, the Montauk Point Lighthouse, and the East End wine country along the North Fork.
   
2. How far is Long Island from New York City?
   Long Island begins at the East River, immediately adjacent to Manhattan. Nassau County starts roughly 20 miles from midtown, while Montauk at the eastern tip sits about 120 miles away. Drive times can vary considerably depending on traffic, particularly in summer.
   
3. Are there 55+ communities on Long Island near the water?
   Yes. Beechwood Homes offers two 55+ communities on Long Island to suit different lifestyles. Beechwood at The Waterways in Moriches is a new construction gated community situated directly along Moriches Bay, with a private marina, resort-style waterfront pool, and easy access to the Hamptons and East End beaches. Country Pointe Preserve in Yaphank offers a wooded, resort-style setting in central Suffolk County, with access to the North Fork wine country, the South Shore beaches, and the Hamptons, all from a quieter, more private enclave.
   
4. What are the best beaches on Long Island?
   Top options include Coopers Beach in Southampton, Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, Robert Moses State Park on Fire Island, and the ocean-facing beaches in Montauk. Each one has a distinct character, from wide and lively to quiet and scenic.
   
5. When is the best time to visit Long Island?
   Summer is the peak season for beaches and outdoor activities. Fall is arguably the most well-rounded time to visit. The weather is mild, the wine country is in harvest season, and the crowds are gone. Winter has its own appeal, particularly for seal-watching at Montauk Point.
   
6. Does Beechwood Homes offer rental options on Long Island?
   Yes. Beechwood offers two luxury rental buildings in central Nassau. The Selby in Westbury is a hospitality-grade building with studios through three-bedrooms from $3,800 per month, steps from Eisenhower Park and six minutes from the Westbury LIRR. The Vanderbilt combines luxury residences with an on-site boutique hotel, Juniper restaurant, and The Comet Club social venue, with one- and two-bedroom apartments from $5,499 to $7,099 per month. Both are 25 miles from New York City, with JFK and LaGuardia each under 30 minutes away.

A New Chapter Worth Thinking About

More and more people are finding themselves in a familiar conversation lately. A friend mentions they just put a deposit down on a place in an active adult community. A neighbor is listing their house and heading somewhere smaller, warmer, and a lot less demanding. And somewhere in the back of your mind, you start wondering: is this something I should be thinking about too?

It is a question worth taking seriously. The pros and cons of a 55+ community are not always obvious from the outside, and what sounds appealing in theory can look very different once you dig into the details. These communities, also known as active adult communities, are age-restricted neighborhoods designed for residents aged 55 and older. They typically offer low-maintenance homes, shared amenities, and a ready-made social environment. For the right person, that combination is genuinely life-changing. For others, the tradeoffs are harder to swallow.

If you are in the early stages of researching your options, communities like Beechwood at The Waterways in Moriches, NY offer a useful real-world picture of what this lifestyle can look like: a gated waterfront community with new construction homes, resort-style amenities, and a private marina along the shores of Moriches Bay. 

But before you fall in love with any specific community, it helps to understand the big picture of what you are signing up for in a 55+ community. That is exactly what this article is here to help with.

Key Takeaways

• 55+ communities offer low-maintenance living, resort-style amenities, and a socially active environment designed specifically for this stage of life.
• HOA fees, guest and pet restrictions, and strict community rules are among the most important considerations to weigh carefully.
• These communities are designed for independent, active adults and do not typically offer on-site medical or assisted living services.
• Homes in 55+ communities are often built with age-in-place features like single-story layouts and wider doorways, reducing the need for future renovations.
• Reviewing the HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) before purchasing is one of the most important steps in the decision process.

The Pros of Living in a 55+ Community

For the right person, a 55+ community can feel like the lifestyle change they have been waiting for. Here is a closer look at what tends to make these communities so appealing.

• Low-Maintenance Living. 
  • HOA fees in most 55+ communities cover exterior landscaping, snow removal, roof repairs, and trash pickup, which means the chores that used to eat up your weekends are largely someone else's responsibility now. For many residents, this alone is worth the monthly cost. More time for travel, hobbies, and the people you care about is a pretty compelling trade.
• An Active, Built-In Social Life. 
  • These communities are intentionally designed to bring people together. Clubhouses, fitness centers, pickleball courts, gardening clubs, woodworking shops, and organized social calendars all make it genuinely easy to meet neighbors and build friendships. For anyone who is newly retired or relocating, that kind of built-in social infrastructure can make the transition feel a lot less daunting.
• Resort-Style Amenities. 
  • Pools, tennis courts, walking trails, and fitness centers that would cost a small fortune to maintain on your own often come standard in a well-designed 55+ community. It is the kind of access that used to require an expensive club membership, now included in where you live.
• A Quieter, More Secure Environment. 
  • Age restrictions tend to create calmer, quieter neighborhoods with less traffic and noise than a typical mixed-age street. Many communities also offer gated entrances or security patrols, which gives residents and their families an added layer of peace of mind.
• Homes Designed for This Stage of Life. 
  • New construction in 55+ communities is often built with age-in-place features in mind: single-story layouts, wider doorways, step-free entrances, and accessible bathrooms. These thoughtful design choices reduce the need for costly renovations later and mean the home can genuinely work for you long term.
• Potential Property Tax Benefits. 
  • In some areas, residents of 55+ communities may qualify for lower property taxes because they are not contributing to local school district funding. This varies by state and municipality, so it is worth researching what applies to any specific location you are considering.

The Cons of Living in a 55+ Community

Below is a list of real considerations, but not necessarily dealbreakers. They are worth understanding clearly so you can decide whether the tradeoffs work for your life.

• HOA Fees. 
  • The convenience of maintenance-free living comes at a cost. HOA fees in 55+ communities can run several hundred dollars per month and tend to increase over time. Before purchasing, it is worth asking for the current fee amount, the history of increases, and a clear breakdown of what is and is not covered.
• Stricter Rules and Restrictions.
  • HOAs in these communities often have detailed guidelines covering everything from how long grandchildren can visit, to parking rules, the number of pets you can have, and what changes you can make to the exterior of your home. The rules vary significantly from one community to the next, which is why reviewing the CC&Rs carefully before buying is so important.
• Limited Age Diversity. 
  • Living among peers who are in a similar stage of life can be deeply rewarding, but some people find that the absence of younger families and children makes the environment feel less dynamic over time. This is a personal preference worth honestly reflecting on, especially if you have always lived in mixed-age neighborhoods.
• No On-Site Medical Care. 
  • This is one of the most important distinctions to understand. 55+ communities are designed for active, independent adults. They are not the same as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) or assisted living facilities, and they do not provide medical care or daily living assistance. If health needs change significantly over time, residents may eventually need to relocate to a setting that can provide that support.
• Location Can Be a Factor. 
  • Some 55+ communities are situated in more suburban or rural settings, which can mean longer drives to specialized medical facilities, airports, or city amenities. This is worth evaluating honestly based on your lifestyle and how important proximity to certain services is to you day to day. For instance, to explore the location surrounding The Waterways, check out this article.

5 Things to Look for Before You Choose a 55+ Community

Choosing the right community comes down to doing a little homework upfront. Here is a practical checklist to help you feel prepared.

1. Read the CC&Rs Before Anything Else. The HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions govern almost everything about daily life in the community, from guest policies to what color you can paint your front door. Surprises after the fact can be frustrating, so this document deserves careful attention, ideally with a real estate attorney before you sign anything.

2. Understand the Full Cost of Living. The purchase price is only part of the financial picture. HOA fees, special assessments, property taxes, and any community-specific costs should all be factored into a realistic monthly budget. Asking about the history of HOA fee increases is a smart way to understand what costs might look like five or ten years from now.

3. Visit in Person and Spend Time There. No website or brochure can replace an actual visit. Spending a few hours in the community, touring the amenities, and talking to current residents will give you a far more accurate sense of whether the culture and lifestyle are a good fit. Residents are usually the most honest source of information about what day-to-day life is really like.

4. Think About Long-Term Needs. The right community is one that works not just for today's lifestyle but for the years ahead. Choosing a location close to quality healthcare, family, and the services that matter most to you personally is just as important as the amenities on site.

5. Evaluate the Builder and the Community's Track Record. The quality of construction, the responsiveness of community management, and the builder's overall reputation all have a real impact on what it feels like to live there. Researching the builder's history, reading reviews, and asking about warranty and service policies is time well spent before you commit.

Is a 55+ Community Right for You?

The people who tend to thrive most in 55+ communities are those who are genuinely ready to trade the demands of traditional homeownership for more time, more connection, and a lifestyle designed around what they actually enjoy. If that description resonates with you, this type of community is probably worth serious consideration.

The tradeoffs, particularly around HOA fees, community rules, and the absence of on-site medical care, are real and worth taking seriously. But for many people, those considerations are far outweighed by the day-to-day quality of life that a well-designed active adult community offers. Understanding the pros and cons of 55+ communities fully before you commit is the best way to make sure you are walking into a decision that feels right, not just one that sounds good on paper.

Experience a Great Fit with Beechwood at The Waterways

If waterfront living on Long Island sounds like your kind of next chapter, Beechwood at The Waterways is worth a closer look. This gated 55+ community sits along the shores of Moriches Bay in Moriches, NY, offering new construction homes, a private clubhouse, a resort-style waterfront pool, tennis and bocce courts, a private marina, and scenic walking trails, all just minutes from the Hamptons and the North Fork.

Beechwood has been building quality homes across New York for more than 40 years, and The Waterways reflects that commitment to thoughtful design and community. Whether you are just starting to explore your options or getting closer to a decision, the team is happy to answer questions and show you around.

Contact us to learn more or to schedule a tour!

55+ Community FAQs

What is the 80/20 rule in a 55+ community? 

The 80/20 rule is a federal housing guideline under the Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA) that allows a community to qualify as age-restricted if at least 80% of its occupied units have at least one resident aged 55 or older. Individual communities still set their own policies within this framework.

What is the downside of 55+ communities? 

The most commonly cited drawbacks are HOA fees that can rise over time, strict rules around guests and pets, and the fact that these communities do not offer medical or assisted living services. For most people, these tradeoffs are manageable and worth understanding before purchasing.

What is the best age to move to a retirement community? 

Most people make the move in their late 50s to mid 60s, when they are still active and want to take full advantage of the lifestyle. The right age is ultimately personal and depends on health, finances, and readiness for a change.

Are 55+ communities the same as assisted living? 

No. 55+ communities are designed for independent, active adults and do not provide medical care or daily living assistance. If health needs change significantly over time, residents may need to transition to a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) or assisted living facility.

Can grandchildren visit a 55+ community? 

Yes, grandchildren can definitely visit, though stays are typically limited to somewhere between 30 and 90 days per year depending on the community's rules. Guest policies vary, so reviewing the HOA's CC&Rs before purchasing is always a good idea.

A new Yaphank train station should open in about a year in an industrial park off the Long Island Expressway, replacing a rail depot that is one of the oldest and least used on Long Island, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials and elected leaders announced Thursday.

The $20 million station will be built on a 5.36-acre plot at Precision Innovation Park, about a mile east of the expressway's Exit 68 and 3 miles from the current Yaphank station off Yaphank Avenue, officials said during a groundbreaking ceremony.

The new station will have a paved parking lot and bus loop — a marked upgrade over the current station, which has a gravel lot and unmarked parking stalls.

“Times have changed and the riders deserve a more modern station that is better situated for Yaphank and the community around us that exists today,” MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.

Relocating the Yaphank station, which has been at its present location since 1844, has long been a high priority for elected officials in Suffolk County and Brookhaven Town. The new station, located near William Floyd Parkway, should be more convenient for employees and guest researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory, many of whom use the Ronkonkoma station 20 minutes from the lab, officials said.

The ceremony at the industrial park, which also includes an Amazon distribution facility and warehouses for brands such as Uncle Wally's baked goods and Tate's Bake Shop, was held in a muddy field during a driving rainstorm as officials huddled under tents and umbrellas.

"We're getting thunderous applause," LIRR president Rob Free said after thunder rolled overhead.

The station is being funded through the MTA’s capital budget, and should open sometime next year, Lieber said.

The location is a geographical anomaly — depending on the reference, it's in Shirley or East Yaphank. The LIRR already has a Mastic-Shirley station about 6 miles south on William Floyd Parkway.

Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico suggested the new station will get a new name.
“The favorite seems to be ‘Camp Upton/BNL,' which pays homage to the history of this area and recognizes Brookhaven National Laboratory for the powerhouse that they are,” Panico said.

Camp Upton, a World War I-era military training ground, was on the site now occupied by Brookhaven lab.

Ridership at the current Yaphank station last year totaled 4,365, including 3,710 on weekdays and 655 on weekends, or 15 riders a day on weekdays and six a day on weekends, Newsday has previously reported.

“I think the data shows that the current Yaphank station is sparsely if hardly ever used," Panico said in an interview after the ceremony. "There's no loss to Yaphank, there’s only benefit in the relocation here.”

The new station will include a two-car train platform, a parking lot with 50 spaces, and a plaza area with a bike rack, officials said. In a statement, Gov. Kathy Hochul said the new Yaphank station “promises to be a world-class, fully accessible experience that connects riders to additional amenities faster than ever before.”

Panico noted that his predecessor, Suffolk County Executive Edward P. Romaine, had pushed for the relocation for more than a decade.

“We’re taking an almost-impossible-to-find former station and locating it in a bustling industrial park … literally in walking distance of Brookhaven National Laboratory,” he said. “Even though we’re standing here with muddy feet in puddles, it’s gratifying to see that it came to fruition.”

By Carl MacGowan

The master developer chosen to reshape Mastic Beach’s blighted business district expects the state’s environmental review process of the proposed $500 million project will be completed by the end of the year.

And, that construction on infrastructure — starting with a sewage treatment facility — would follow soon thereafter. 

“We feel pretty confident that we’ll be putting shovels in the ground in less than a year,” Steven Dubb, principal and president of Jericho developer The Beechwood Organization, told Greater Long Island in a phone interview Saturday. 

Dubb, whose company was chosen by the Town of Brookhaven to lead the project, first laid out plans for the revitalization effort in November. 

The vision

Based on a draft environmental impact statement published on the town’s website and dated March 12, the plan currently calls for a modern, mixed-use downtown area with up to 630 housing units, 130,000 square feet of retail and office space, 16,000 square feet of civic space, parking garages and roadway and sidewalk improvements.

It would be built on a 40-acre, triangular stretch encompassing Neighborhood Road, Commack Road and Doris Drive. 

Dubb said a State Environmental Quality Review Act review, which would set the maximum extent to which the area can be developed, taking into account everything from environmental concerns to traffic congestion and economic impact, is targeted to be completed by November, though it could be later in the year.

Required zoning changes would likely take several months to complete after that, he said.

“We have a ton of community support,” Dubb said, adding that it’s because “people see what it’s like now and that’s in need of change.” 

‘Rare’ support

He said the “pretty unanimous” support is “rare in a development project. That’s why we have the willpower to move it about as quickly as possible.” 

He said this revitalization effort, which would look similar to a Westhampton Beach-style downtown, reminds him of The Beechwood Organization’s redevelopment of the Rockaways, with its “amazing location,” considering its proximity to the bay. 

Dubb said a three- to four-story-tall apartment building of about 250 units would have shops at its base. The balance of the residential units would be made up of townhouses and two smaller condominium buildings. The townhouses and condo units would be for sale.

Among the office space options such as for doctors and lawyers, Dubb said he would like to see a larger multi-use medical office with one of the hospitals, where local residents can access different types of healthcare in one place.

All told, Dubb said the project would likely cost about “$500 million or more,” including $100 million in infrastructure costs, some of which the company is still seeking funding for.

Traffic, affordability

Among the main areas of concern for residents is traffic and affordability, which was expressed at a March 20 meeting of the Chamber of Commerce of the Mastics & Shirley, during which Elysa Goldman, a project executive at The Beechwood Organization, gave a presentation of the plans.

“We don’t want to price people out of the community,” Goldman told the 20 members in attendance in regards to concerns about housing costs. “[The plan] should be able to appeal to all different types of people.”

Dubb added later that the new residential units would be 20 percent affordable across all housing options. 

Some of the existing storefront businesses would also remain.

“We do want to not push people who are in the community out of the community,” he said. “Our market-rate homes are going to be fairly affordable compared to what you see around the Island.” 

Noting that the only two arteries out of Mastic Beach to Montauk Highway are through Mastic Road or William Floyd Parkway, which can be backed up for more than a mile, especially during the summer months with traffic from Smith Point County Park, chamber member Efrain Santos Jr. of Essential Painting in Shirley, said, “There’s nothing you can do or say that will rectify higher traffic. It will always be a nightmare.”

Dubb said traffic congestion is something that is being “studied extensively” by the developer’s experts, including widening additional lanes, additional signals and other improvements.

“We’re not going to cure the traffic problems, but the idea is that we don’t make it worse, and maybe make it a little bit better,” he said.

Frank Montenez Jr., 60, of Mastic, and president of Storage R Us East in East Moriches, said he thought Goldman’s presentation to his group was well received, and that it was good The Beechwood Organization was reaching out to locals.

In fact, Goldman said the company received more than 1,000 responses to mailings from surrounding residents. 

Dubb said construction would likely take four years and, once complete, will bring a positive development to the community.

“We have the opportunity to make some change.”

Top: Looking west on Neighborhood Road in Mastic Beach, N.Y. on April 1, 2025. (Credit: GLI/Nick Esposito)

By Carl Corry

In fall 2023, as they were approaching the proverbial autumn of their lives, Sue and Keith Bauer started to consider downsizing, but they only vaguely knew where they wanted to live.

"We both grew up on Long Island and so we didn't want to leave it," said Sue Bauer, now 62, a sixth grade teacher in Levittown who retired in 2020.

Moving from their Hauppauge home wasn't a priority at the time, with their youngest son in college and Keith still working as a middle school teacher in Levittown. Still, they took a ride to check out the model townhomes at a 55-and-older community they'd heard about: Country Pointe Meadows in Yaphank.

"We looked at each other and said, 'This really fits our needs. This is really what we kind of imagined going forward,' " Sue said.

Many baby boomers and older Gen Xers on Long Island, no longer in need of large homes where they raised families, are turning to 55-and-over communities like this. While there is an adjustment to communal living, residents say the challenges are offset by easy living, amenities and socializing opportunities.

"There's so many people who don't want to move to Florida. They don't want to move to North Carolina," said Danielle Laria, of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty. She and Lisa Adwar are the exclusive listing agents for The Polo Club, a 55-and-up community in Islandia. "Their children are here; their grandchildren are here. And they want a sense of community and they don't need their house anymore or the upkeep on that."

Adwar added, "This is what the next phase of life buyer is looking for."

55-and-over — and under

Just 10 exits away on the Long Island Expressway from the Bauers' former home, Country Pointe Meadows is close to the highway and an easy drive for Keith, 59, who plans to retire in two years.

In Hauppauge, they paid roughly $14,000 in annual real estate property taxes and were encumbered by the maintenance of their three-quarter-acre property with its in-ground pool, which cost about $400 per month, plus additional expenses for repairs and other maintenance issues, many of which required Keith's labor. All of the maintenance at Country Pointe is included in their HOA fees.

"It may not have been something we would have wanted to do back 10, 20 years ago, but for this period of our life, we felt that this was a good location," Sue said. "We felt like you don't have to put any effort into this pool. You just go and sit by it."

A few weeks after their first visit, the Bauers returned to Yaphank with their three sons. Twins Ryan and Casey, now 29, liked the community so much they bought a two-bedroom condo of their own in the same development.

Twenty percent of the homes at Country Pointe Meadows are non-age restricted and are scattered throughout the complex, noted Steven Dubb, principal and president of The Beechwood Organization, a developer of residential and mixed-use properties. In addition to developing Country Pointe Meadows, Beechwood is also building Country Pointe Preserve across the street: a 152-home complex with the same split between 55-and-over and non-restricted.

"This percentage is determined during the application process by the local municipality based on local needs," Dubb explained.

Built in three phases, Country Pointe Meadows will total 400 homes. It will include 296 townhomes (with two bedrooms and a den on two or more levels) and 104 two-bedroom villas (single-floor living), which will be completed by the end of 2025 or early 2026, Dubb said.

In January 2024, the Bauers listed their Hauppauge home, for which they accepted a cash offer at their first open house for $1.125 million. They bought their new two-story townhouse for $840,000. It has a primary bathroom on the first floor and two bedrooms on the second floor, as well as a loft area, which they've turned into a den.

They put an additional $100,000 into kitchen upgrades, including a larger island, cabinets and quartz counters, as well as electrical, flooring and bathroom upgrades. They pay $1,401 per month — $651 in HOA fees and $750 in taxes, which covers community amenities, repairs, water and sanitation, but not utilities.

As they awaited completion of their new home, the Bauers moved into a rental in the development with their youngest son, Keith, 23, in February and closed on their new home in December.

Though some seek 55-and-over communities to live solely among older adults, the Bauers appreciate that there are younger people in the community.

"There are people in the community that have children," Bauer said, adding that there are separate pools for adults and children. "That was something — my husband and I, we're both educators — that we enjoy actually."

Sue said she is frankly surprised at how quickly they adjusted to their new lives.

"We wake up and we feel like we've hit Lotto," Bauer said. "We not only love our new home, but we love the community. We've made friends that we feel like we've had for a lifetime. Having our sons also in the community for us, just works out so nicely."

Demand outpaces supply

Builders can't keep up with the demand for these 55+ communities, Laria said.

"Everything that is built has already been sold," she said of The Polo Club. "And then there are three buildings to be built; one is completely sold out; the other two are 50% each."

The 72-townhome development opened in July 2022 and is expected to be finished by July 2027.

"There's such a demand for these types of developments: the 55+ community; new construction," Adwar said.

Now is an ideal time to purchase in these 55+ communities because it's a seller's market, said Laria, adding that home sellers, sometimes flush with cash, can purchase townhomes quickly and easily.

One of the selling points of The Polo Club is that many communities in Nassau don't offer full basements and garages, Adwar noted.

"Downsizers, even if they're purging, they still want storage space, so that basement is great storage," she said.

From home to rental to townhome

After selling Michael and Elicia Keshner's four-bedroom Merrick home in July 2022, Adwar and Laria shepherded the couple into their new two-bedroom townhome at The Polo Club.

In the years leading up to their move, the Keshners had become empty nesters. Michael said "it just didn't make sense anymore" to own such a big circa 1960s house that was starting to need more extensive repairs and greater investment.

Plus, their neighborhood was changing: Everyone they knew was moving out and younger folks were moving in.

"When we moved in, we were the new generation of younger people, and then we became the older people," Michael said.

Due to construction delays — they bought in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic — the couple rented for 18 months in Sutton Landing in Deer Park, where they said they made great and lasting friendships.

At their new home, they're making friends, but it's a little tough going. Michael, 64, and Elicia, 61, are at the younger end of The Polo Club's population, according to Michael.

"Most of the people are in their early-mid-70s and they go up to 80," Michael said.

Despite the age difference, he said, everybody is friendly, and the couple is starting to engage in more activities, like bingo, yoga, pickleball and parties. "Whether we become close friends with anybody, it's too soon to tell. There's only about 30-something families in and ultimately, it's going to be 72."

Having pocketed $835,000 from the sale of their Merrick home, the Keshners closed in January 2024 on their Islandia townhome for $650,000 and invested $50,000 into upgrades for a two-bedroom, 2½-bath end unit with two floors, plus a full basement.

Michael, who is director of merchandising displays for Satco Lighting based in Brentwood, and Elicia, a home care physical therapist for Northwell Health, said they fell in love with how new and modern their home is.

"We never really looked anywhere else," Michael said.

Why buy when you can rent?

The Keshners often come back to visit their Deer Park 55-and-over rental community, which is now called Fairfield Knolls at Deer Park, where they typically spend time with their friends, the Silvermans.

Ronnie Silverman, 72, and her husband, Jack, 74, moved from their West Nyack home 2½ years ago to the two-bedroom rental apartment complex to be closer to their daughter and grandkids who had recently moved to Oceanside. Rents at the 200-unit complex start at $3,275 for a two-bedroom apartment, according to the Fairfield Properties website.

"I walked in here and I had such a nice feeling," said Ronnie, who'd worked in a school principal's office and is now retired. "My husband and I both."

Ronnie and Jack, who owned a bagel bakery and is now retired, delight in the active social life at Fairfield Knolls and the friendliness of the residents, most of whom are in their 50s, 60s and 70s, Ronnie said.

"At this point of my life, to make friends like this, it's crazy. We feel like we've known each other our whole lives, some of us, we're so close," Ronnie said. "We do crazy things here. We have scavenger hunts. We play hockey with hockey sticks. We had a luau. I climbed a rock wall when I first came. We're always doing something here."

Despite going from a larger home in a Rockland County community where they'd lived for 45 years, Ronnie said there was no adjustment at all to her new life.

"I had an acre of property," she said. "I'd had it with my house. And everyone I knew moved."

The Silvermans said they do not see themselves buying ever again.

"We don't want responsibility anymore," Ronnie said. "We're done with that. I'm free now."

Single in Nassau County

With her children grown and out of the house, Nancy Shapiro no longer wanted to be responsible for nor incur the expense of maintaining a big home just for herself.

"It's also a little isolating when you don't have kids in school anymore and all the other older people that you know move out," said Shapiro, 72, who worked in administration in an accounting firm in Uniondale. "It was just time."

Still, Shapiro held out for a long time, enjoying opening her four-bedroom split-level home in North Merrick to her son and his family, who would visit from Buffalo. "But they only come three times a year and I just felt maintaining the whole house was a lot for me," she said.

It's also a little isolating when you don't have kids in school anymore and all the other older people that you know move out. It was just time.

— Nancy Shapiro, who lives at Meadowbrooke Pointe East Meadow

As soon as she saw the condo at Meadowbrook Pointe East Meadow, a 102-villa development, she put a deposit down before selling her home. Deposits are typically between 10% and 20% of the selling price, noted Beechwood's Dubb.

"It was lucky that I did. Somebody came here two hours after me and wanted my unit," said Shapiro, who sold her North Merrick home for more than $800,000 after one open house. She paid $760,000 for a two-bedroom villa with a finished basement, which she converted into a living space that now sleeps six people. "But I don't have to go there for my everyday living. Everything I need daily is on the main floor."

After 47 years in the same home accumulating countless possessions and lasting memories, Shapiro admits that it was "quite a big move for me."

Yet Shapiro is adapting well to her new life at Meadowbrook Pointe. Just two months after moving in, she hosted Thanksgiving dinner for 27 guests at the community clubhouse and has made good friends, joined the book club, gone to holiday parties, happy hours and game nights.

"There's something for everybody," Shapiro said.

By Arlene Gross

Special to Newsday

Two of the newest tenants at The Shoppes will be Starbucks and Tropical Smoothie Café, both expected to open next month. Starbucks leased a 2,278-square-foot space and was represented by Russel Helbling of Katz & Associates, while Tropical Smoothie Café leased a 1,623-square-foot space and was represented by Daniel Glazer and James Valenti of RIPCO Real Estate. Another new business, Bagel Boss, leased 1,522 square feet and was scheduled to open this week. 

Northwell Health will become the second-largest anchor among the business tenants at The Boulevard, the $450 million retail, office and residential complex under development along William Floyd Parkway in Yaphank.

The largest health care provider in New York state, Northwell is investing about $45 million for interior construction and equipment to open three facilities — a multispecialty medical office building, an ambulatory surgery center and an urgent care center — in the development in 2024, said Alex Costello, spokesman for the New Hyde Park-based health system.

“Northwell chose the Yaphank location for a few reasons. It’s a good location with incoming real estate development in the area; it works well with our multispecialty campuses in Manorville and Shirley; and it allows us to offer more outpatient services from Peconic Bay Medical Center,” he said.

Northwell’s planned Yaphank facilities also will help it expand services on the East End, Costello said.

“We’re working to develop comprehensive women’s health in Riverhead and want to support the upcoming surgical pavilion at South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore. We’re also expanding our cancer.

Northwell’s 28,000-square-foot multispecialty medical office building will offer dental service, imaging, general pediatrics, orthopedics, pain management and physical therapy, Costello said.

The health care system’s ambulatory surgery center will be the sole occupant of a 16,200-square-foot building, while the urgent care center, GoHealth, will occupy 2,287 square feet unit in a multitenant building.

Northwell’s three facilities in the Yaphank development will employ a total of about 100 people, Costello said.

“Most of them will be new hires, but some may come from other Northwell facilities,” he said.

Moving forward

Located at the former Parr Meadows racetrack site, The Boulevard is a 322-acre retail, office and residential development previously called the Meadows at Yaphank, which is on William Floyd Parkway just north of the Long Island Expressway at Exit 68N.

Also under construction in the complex are upscale rental apartments and for-sale condos and townhomes being developed by The Beechwood Organization in Jericho.

The development’s retail portion, which will total 295,728 square feet when it’s done, is called The Shoppes at The Boulevard. The only tenants on the retail side currently are Ridgewood Savings Bank, which opened this month, and a 197,668-square-foot Walmart Supercenter that opened in 2021 and is the anchor of the shopping center.

Also, a Home2 Suites by Hilton hotel, adjacent to the retail center, was completed on the property in 2020.

On May 8, the Brookhaven Planning Board voted in favor of amendments to the site plan for retail side of the project.

The board approvals included permitting the two buildings that are to be constructed solely for Northwell to be used for health care instead of retail, said Brian Ferruggiari, spokesman for Rose-Breslin Associates LLC, the Yonkers-based developer of the retail portion. Construction of those two Northwell buildings will take at least a year, he said.

The planning board also approved changing plans for an 11,000-square-foot building into two 4,500-square-foot retail buildings with a 2,000-square-foot brick paver plaza in the middle for outdoor seating; and the addition of brick paver patio areas for outdoor seating around two sides of a planned 5,000-square-foot building, he said.

So far, four buildings, including the bank and Walmart, have been constructed in the retail side of the development.

Monti’s Barbershop, which will open this fall; Southpaw Brewing Co., which will open this summer; and Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which recently signed a lease, will be among the tenants in an 8,000-square-foot building that is finished, Ferruggiari said.

Bagel Boss, slated for a fall opening; Yaphank Wine and Spirits, which will open this summer; and GoHealth will be among the tenants in a 9,000-square-foot building that is finished, he said.

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Click here to read the original article

The retail portion of a $450 million mixed-use complex taking shape along William Floyd Parkway in Yaphank is getting closer to being fully leased as new tenants are set to come on board by this summer, according to the developer.

Bagel Boss, Monti's Barbershop, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Southpaw Brewing Co. and Yaphank Wine and Spirits will open locations in the retail side of the complex, called The Boulevard, by August, said
Brian Ferruggiari, spokesman for Rose-Breslin Associates LLC, the Yonkers-based developer of the retail portion.

Located at the former Parr Meadows racetrack site, The Boulevard is a 322-acre retail and residential development previously called the Meadows at Yaphank. Also under construction in the complex are upscale rental apartments and for-sale condos and townhomes being developed by The Beechwood Organization in Jericho.

Construction of an assisted living facility, called Chelsea Senior Living, and a Home2Suites by Hilton hotel was completed on the property in 2020.

The development's retail portion, which will total 295,728 square feet when it's done, is called The Shoppes at The Boulevard. So far, it has only one store a 197,668-square-foot Walmart Supercenter that Bagel Boss and Southpaw Brewing Co. will be among the new tenants at the Yaphank retail location. before that, he said. vices," he said. opened in 2021 and is the an- chor of the shopping center. Monti's already has a location in Moriches.

Here is a rundown of the five tenants moving into three newly constructed buildings at The Shoppes at The Boulevard by this summer.
Bagel Boss: The Jericho-based chain has 15 shops, all but one of which are franchises in New York and New Jersey. "Even though we've been around 48 years . . . we've opened all the stores ourselves, and it's only now literally a year and a half ago that we started franchising," said Andrew Hazen, CEO and co-owner of Bagel Boss. Though franchising is new for the business, Bagel Boss had sold a few shops to longtime store managers in "licensing deals,"

Monti's Barbershop: The new barbershop, which will occupy 1,529 square feet, won't be a e a typical place to get a haircut, co-owner Anthony Montanez said. "It's going to be a high-end barbershop offering hot-towel shaves… [and] facial services" he said.
A Manorville resident and master barber, Montanez opened a Monti's Barbershop in Mastic in 2011, and then consolidated that into a larger Moriches shop that opened in 2016.

He and a master barber at the Moriches shop, Middle Island resident Justin Raft, will co-own the new Yaphank location.

Ridgewood Savings Bank:
The bank will occupy a free-standing, 2,500-square-foot building, according to Ferruggiari. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in the Ridgewood neighborhood of Queens, the bank has 36 branches in the metropolitan area. The bank did not respond to Newsday's request for comment.

WHAT TO KNOW
■ Bagel Boss, Monti's Barbershop, Ridgewood Savings Bank, Southpaw Brewin Co. and Yaphank Wine and Spirits will open at The Boulevard in Yaphank by August, officials said.
■ The retail side of the $450 million mixed-use development is getting closer to being fully leased.
■ The development's retail portion - a total of 295,728 square feet when done - is called The Shoppes at The Boulevard.

Southpaw Brewing Co.: Set to occupy 3,000 square feet, the restaurant will serve its own craft beer, as well as brick-oven pizza, burgers and other food items, said James Economou, who will co-own the business with his uncle Thomas Neidhart, cousins TJ. and Mike Neidhart, and friend Matt Rappa. All five co-owners reside in Wading River. The partners decided to open Southpaw Brewing in Yaphank because the area lacked a high-quality offering that combines a beer hall with tasty food, Economou said.
"We felt [Yaphank] was kind of up and coming. There's not too much that is out there," he said.

Yaphank Wine and Spirits: The 2,840 square-foot store will sell more than 3,000 items and offer complimentary wine tastings, Ferruggiari said. The owner could not be reached for comment.

Long Island has a lot to offer seniors considering their retirement options. The island boasts plentiful art and culture, miles of beautiful beaches, mass transit, world-class health and educational facilities, a diverse economy plus easy access to New York City and major transit hubs.

The following list offers a look at just some of the retirement communities worth considering, right here on Long Island.

55+ DEVELOPMENTS FOR SALE OR RENT

Beechwood Homes

The nationally recognized Beechwood Organization, also known as Beechwood Homes and founded in 1985, has built more than 9,500 homes in 70 communities across Long Island, New York City and Saratoga Springs, New York, and is currently expanding into North Carolina. They like to say, they’re “not just selling a home, but a lifestyle.” On Long Island, Beechwood is currently selling Country Pointe communities in Plainview and Yaphank, Meadowbrook Pointe and Meadowbrook Pointe Gardens communities in East Meadow, Marina Pointe in East Rockaway, and both Country Pointe Estates and Oneck Landing in The Village of Westhampton Beach. The Rental collection includes luxury residences at The Selby and The Vanderbilt in Westbury, and The Tides at Arverne by the Sea in Queens. Among completed communities are Meadowbrook Pointe in Westbury and Meadowbrook Pointe Links and Spa in Medford, Country Pointe communities in Bellmore, Coram, Dix Hills, Kings Park, Lake Grove, Manorville, Melville, Miller Place, Ridge and Smithtown. Award-winning communities in Southampton Village are The Latch, Bishops Pond and Bishops Grant.

Scroll down to read the rest of the article!

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of?

Steven Dubb: "The Latch Southampton Village. In 2016, we bought the historic Village Latch Inn. From 2017-2019, during the application process to convert the 67-unit lodging on 5-acres to a 20-home luxury condo community, we operated it as The Latch Pop-Up Inn. In 2020, after consultation with 15 agencies, neighbors and Village Board of Architectural Review & Historic Preservation, approval was granted. It included our commitment to restore exteriors of two early 20th century structures designed by Stanford White. Then came COVID. Last June, we finally broke ground and started pre-construction sales. By 2021, half the homes sold off floor plans. Four designer-decorated models open in April. First occupancy is this summer. Five years on, I’m so proud to have brought together the best of Hamptons old world charm and new construction. The Latch is just beautiful."

Steven Dubb, principal at The Beechwood Organization, talks about the new Yaphank development Country Pointe Meadows and why it’s a great fit for homeowners looking for a high-end community with close proximity to the East End, how the group is handling social distancing and more.

Tell us about the development of Country Pointe Meadows and how you approached designing this community.
We have a lot of experience on Long Island designing active adult–or 55-plus–lifestyle communities and are known for it. We’ve developed over 60 communities since my father, Michael Dubb, established Beechwood in 1985.

Though we are now seeing increased interest from New Yorkers wanting to move east, most of our buyers are Long Islanders. They are “rightsizing” from their big family, house but want to remain on the island near friends and family. They are typically empty nesters, couples or singles, who want a new home at great value with low real estate taxes. They also want care-free living, no more shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, leaky roofs or basements. They want brand new homes with airy open floor plans, not too far from friends and family and close to highways, shopping, beaches and recreation. That was what was so attractive about this location.

At Country Pointe Meadows in Yaphank, we’re building 400 new condominium homes. This is the for-sale component of The Boulevard, a master plan village, located on the former site of Yaphank’s Parr Meadows Racetrack. It’s adjacent to greenbelt trails and dedicated open space in Suffolk County’s Town of Brookhaven, just off the Long Island Expressway at exit 68N and the William Floyd Parkway. The development is hailed for its traditional neighborhood design and smart growth principles. Residents can walk, bike or drive to nearby offices, shops, restaurants, hospitality, public parks and open space across the entire 322 acres.

The grounds our homes are built on are spacious and sprawling, beautifully landscaped and include a gazebo, ponds and dog parks. The 11,000-square-foot clubhouse is a centerpiece where homeowners can socialize but also exercise.

There are townhomes and villas. What was the thinking behind making these distinct styles?
We have villas–spacious apartment style homes for single floor living–on the ground floor or second floor. We also have townhomes with living space spanning two or three levels.

Homes range from 1,470 to over 2,100 square feet of living space with two bedrooms and two or two-and-a-half baths, a loft, a den, a full-basement with the option for it to be finished, and one- or two-car garages. Buyers also get to personalize their homes working with our Design Center to choose their own designer fittings and finishes for the kitchen and bathrooms.

What makes Country Pointe Meadows special and unique in the real estate market?

For those who work, play or want to visit friends or family in the Hamptons, North Fork or parts west, they may not realize how close Yaphank really is. Exit 68 off the LIE is under 20 minutes east to Riverhead and 25 minutes west to Route 110. So it’s about location for sure but also the cost of living, in a quality constructed home with great quality of life.

Community living is more affordable than one may realize at first. Many are surprised to learn the move to a 55-plus community will actually save them money. If you make a line-by-line cost comparison of monthly carrying costs, between owning one’s existing family home and a new home in one of our communities, there are savings to be made on landscaping, pool maintenance, snow and refuse removal, homeowner insurance, security systems and gym/club memberships. Taxes are also comparatively less in community life. So our owners spend less and worry less with great quality of life. I like to refer to Country Pointe Meadows as a hidden gem.

Prices start in the upper-$400,000s for single-level living villas and the low $500,000s for townhomes with ground-floor master suites. Taxes start at around $3,700 for homeowners who qualify for the NY STAR program.

Talk about the importance of the Clubhouse and its features and amenities.

At the center of the community is a state-of-the-art 11,000-square-foot community clubhouse with a ballroom, card rooms, sports lounge with bar, fitness room, treatment room, concierge, activities director, two outdoor heated swimming pools plus tennis and bocce ball courts. Right now we’re all socially distancing so we’ve moved many of the features outside from exercise equipment to seating areas. When we can get back, residents will be meeting their neighbors at the bar for cocktails, playing cards, watching a football game or taking an exercise class.

Why is Country Pointe Meadows a great fit for someone 55 and up?

Our homeowners enjoy making new friends and keeping busy. Their new carefree lifestyle is almost like being on vacation, free of the burden of home maintenance. They also enjoy living in brand new homes at this stage in their lives.

MOVING FROM A private home to a 55-plus community is sometimes referred to as “downsizing.” But Michael Dubb, founder and CEO of the Beechwood Organization of Jericho, prefers to call this kind of move “rightsizing.”

Rightsizing, he says, is when you’re ready to get rid of the big home – the stairs, the maintenance, yard – and go to a community where most of the living is on a single level and the big chores are done for you. “It’s that turnkey kind of living. It frees up your time to enjoy your life and your home, worry-free,” Dubb says. Dubb’s company set the benchmark for luxury, resort-style communities for active adults on LongIsland, first in Westbury, then Medford, and now with new communities in East Meadow, Plainview, Smithtown and Yaphank.

As you age, staying healthy, socializing and doing things that enhance your life take on greater significance. A development with an activity director and calendar of clubs, classes and events is a big plus. A well-equipped gym is also essential. Generally, bigger communities offer more amenities, such as indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, bocce, pickleball and open space for walkability with more opportunities for socializingand a greater diversity of activities from which to choose. Make a list of what is important to you and see ifthe community includes these things. Consider the location and make sure it’s close to things that you value. In many instances, family and grandchildren are the main reasons why people want to remain on Long Island. Is the community near things you want to be closer to, such as beaches, golf, farm stands or shopping? Security is also something to check off your list. A manned gatehouse and 24-hour roving security are more desirable and personal than card access. Residents can be assured their belongings are safe and that everything is being taken care of, including snow removal.

It’s also useful to compare the cost of community life to the savings you may make without the need for security systems, homeowner insurance, landscaping, snow removal, gym membership and entertainment.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR TIMELINE?

If you need to sell your house first, will the builder work with you on stretching closing dates or even help to find a rental during your transition?“It’s important to look at other communities by the builder and to see how the residents like living there,” Dubb says. “A reputable builder will also be there for any kind of warranty.”
Look for gourmet kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances, fixtures and countertops and good hardwood floors. “While you should not have to do much more to upgrade your new home (it’s an all-inclusive package), you should be able to hand pick kitchen and bath finishes with a visit to the builder’s design center,” Dubb says. Rightsizing also means moving to well-designed spaces inside and out. Does the community offer different style homes, for example, multi-level townhomes and single-level apartments? Do floorplans suit your lifestyle? Are layouts open with plenty of natural light? How far is the drive or walk to the clubhouse or shopping? Depending on your needs and time frame, you might prefer a home that’s ready to move into or one that can be built to your exact specifications. If the latter is what you desire, find a community that offers this option.