Oakdale: Waterfront homes, charm, history draw buyers

The View is one of multiple waterfront restaurants in Oakdale,... — The View is one of multiple waterfront restaurants in Oakdale, which is all about the waterways. Credit: Rick Kopstein

By Frank LoveceSpecial to NewsdayUpdated June 5, 2025 12:03 pm

THE SCOOP In some ways the Venice of Long Island, Oakdale is a haven of tidal wetlands crisscrossed by canals, and the site of two European-style mansions still standing today.

"There is a little bit of a pocketed charm that exists down here," said Maryann Almes, president of the hamlet's historical society. "We walk amongst history every day. We're part of it every day. And that's something you can't get in every community."

"The community is very united when it comes to preserving the history of Oakdale and engaging with one another," agreed Tom Alfano, head of the Oakdale Civic Association. With access a'plenty to Nicoll Bay, Ludlow Creek and the Connetquot River, and to two state parks just over the borders, "Where we're located drives a very active, engaged lifestyle."

Oakdale is typically suburban north of Montauk Highway and more rural south of it. Called Main Street within the hamlet's borders, that thoroughfare contains the bulk of its businesses and shopping centers — one of which, Lighthouse Commons, recently opened a Fresh Grocer supermarket. James P. O'Connor, the Town of Islip councilmember whose district includes Oakdale, called the new store, "a boon to residents," who also have a Lidl in the hamlet but otherwise must travel to East Islip or Sayville for groceries or big-box retailers.

Sunrise Highway houses much of the Oakdale's retail, but many... — Sunrise Highway houses much of the Oakdale's retail, but many big-box stores are outside the community. Credit: Rick Kopstein

Aside from the nearby state parks, inland recreation includes the 37.8-acre Byron Lake Park, which last year unveiled a $20 million renovation including a newly built Olympic-sized pool with a waterslide. "It's been a big hit," said O'Connor, who is pushing for further upgrades including a filtration system to rid the picturesque lake of surface algae. The hamlet's CM Performing Arts Center offers community theater, including musicals.

Mostly, though, Oakdale is about its waterways.

"Proximity to water is very important for Oakdale residents," O'Connor said. Several homes have backyard docks, and two commercial marinas and the Connetquot River Dinghy Club service the area. Along the mouth of the Connetquot River are three popular waterside restaurants, The Snapper Inn, View and The Wharf, from which patrons can see the annual Halloween Boat Parade and Grucci Fireworks.

Living history includes the Bourne Mansion, now an event venue, and the Vanderbilt Mansion, which until recently housed Dowling College. Part of William Kissam Vanderbilt's 900-acre Idle Hour estate, it also included a 16-acre farm whose buildings became homes for "artists in residence, who came out in the 1920s to this beautiful environment," said Almes. While no longer an artists colony, the landmarked enclave "still has an artsy edge to it," she said. "It's very much a community within a community."

And Oakdale will likely retain its historic charm for years to come. "New York State owns all of the wetlands" in and around Oakdale, said Alfano, 49, who has lived in Oakdale nearly all his life. "It's protected land," he said. "It cannot be developed."

Homes along Fairwind Court, top, and Katherine Place in Oakdale. Credit: Rick Kopstein

SALE PRICES Between May 31, 2024, and May 30, 2025, there were 108 home sales with a median sale price of $638,750, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 92 home sales with a median sale price of $607,500.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are three condos, priced between $599,000 and $785,000, and two co-ops, priced at $275,000 and $369,900, on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 7,171

Median age 48.2

Median home value $638,500

Monthly LIRR ticket from Oakdale $378

School district, graduation rate Connetquot (94%)

Library Connetquot

Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 2

Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov, Suffolk County Transit

ON THE MARKET

$1.15 million

In the Water Pointe at Oakdale Shores community, this 1993 contemporary has three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The property includes an in-ground pool as well as a boat slip. There is a two-car garage and a fireplace. Taxes are $18,788. A $540 monthly HOA fee covers docking, pool service, snow removal and other amenities. Dorothy E. Ziccardi, Signature Premier Properties, 516-729-7851.

$779,000

With four beds and 2½ baths, this 2,364-square-foot Colonial has a fireplace, central air conditioning and a new gas heating system. Along with an attached two-car garage, it features a formal dining room, cathedral ceiling in the living room and a fenced-in yard with sprinklers. Taxes are $16,312. Dawn DeGirolamo, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-872-1991.

RECENTLY SOLD

$940,000

Middlesex Avenue

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 2½

Built 1987

Lot size 0.23 acre

Taxes $15,064

+/- List price -$58,000

Days on market 153

$720,000