Wantagh: 'Gateway to Jones Beach' is in demand with buyers for parades, waterfront
Joe Ellul, of Wantagh, walks his dog, Bentley, at Wantagh Park Dog Run. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
THE SCOOP Known as the Gateway to Jones Beach, Wantagh's easy access to the ocean, waterfront recreational sports and highways leading north and south, as well as east and west, makes it a desirable location for buyers.
"Houses don't stay on the market for three days," said Laura Dupkin Memisha, a top-selling real estate broker with Realty Advisors Inc., "as long as it's priced right." She added that many are still selling thousands of dollars over asking price.
The area near Wantagh Avenue and Sunrise Highway is a central business district with eateries, event venues and more. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
As with many Long Island communities, Wantagh has its own personality, from its beach life vibes to its parks, schools and local spirit. It's also home to Long Island's largest St. Patrick's Day parade, Memisha said.
"It's a very suburban community," she said. "Kids walk to school."
Wantagh Park is a hub for its community. With just over 110 acres, the park at the southern tip of the hamlet has pools, five tennis courts, additional sports courts and walking trails along the water, plus boating and fishing at the marina end of the park.
Trains from Wantagh's LIRR station arrive at Penn Station in under an hour at peak times. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
The community is also a favorite of buyers for its ease in getting into Manhattan, with roughly 50-to-55-minute peak trip times to Penn Station from Wantagh on the Babylon line.
For commuters by car, Wantagh Parkway goes up to the major roads to the north, and to the beaches to the southern tip. The enclave of Mandalay in Wantagh has homes along the waterfront.
Properties run from the $600,000s to nearly $2 million. There are no apartment complexes in Wantagh, but some private rentals.
Named by a Native American Sachem, Wantagh saw Quakers move into the area in the 1800s. In 1827, they built the Jerusalem Friends Meeting House, also called the Quaker Meeting Hall & Cemetery by the Town of Hempstead.
President Richard Nixon's dog Checkers is buried at the Bide-a-Wee on Beltagh Avenue.
Homes along Stephen Lane in Wantagh, where a listing agent said homes sell in a matter of days if priced correctly. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
SALE PRICES Between Jan. 29, 2025, and Jan. 28, 2026, there were 219 home sales with a median sale price of $782,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 229 home sales with a median sale price of $740,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are two condos, priced at $629,000 and $679,000, on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 17,964
Median age 42.1
Median home value $790,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Wantagh $299.75
School districts, graduation rates Wantagh (97%), Seaford (98%)
Libraries Wantagh, Seaford
Transit NICE Bus Route 19, 19x, 55
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express
ON THE MARKET
$1.6 million
This $1.6 million Wantagh home has four bedrooms. Credit: Long Island Real Estate Photography
This four-bedroom, 2½-bathroom Colonial in the Wantagh Woods area been completely renovated. Built in 1950, the home has a kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances and an adjoining prep kitchen. The basement is finished and ensuite has two walk-in closets. There is a whole house water filtration system, as well as smart home lighting and security. Outside, there is an in-ground pool and hot tub. Taxes are $14,297. A sale is pending. Seth Levy and Kunal Sewani, Signature Premier Properties, 516-546-6300.
$849,999
This $849,999 Wantagh home has a new roof.
This four-bedroom, 1½-bathroom split-level home in the Holiday Park area has many new features and renovations, including a new eat-in kitchen with an island and separate dining area. The home also has a new roof, windows and hot water heater, as well as central air conditioning and gas heat. Taxes are $13,894. A sale is pending. Laura Dupkin Memisha, Realty Advisors, Inc., 516-826-1111.
$679,000
This $679,000 Wantagh condo is more than 1,500 square feet. Credit: One Fine Day Media/Howard Fritz
This three-bed, 2½-bath, two-story condo has a formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen and living room with fireplace. The upstairs primary bedroom includes an ensuite and balcony. The community has a pool, clubhouse and playground. Taxes are $13,574 and common charges are $629. John Geldert, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 516-293-2323.
RECENTLY SOLD
$1.95 million
Henry Road
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 5½
Built 2025
Lot size 0.22 acre
Taxes $15,948
+/- List price -$49,990
Days on market 89
$1.07 million
Milanna Lane
Style Split level
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1960
Lot size 0.19 acre
Taxes $18,793
+/- List price +$120,000
Days on market 87
$750,000
Mermaid Avenue
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 6
Bathrooms 3
Built 1950
Lot size 0.16 acre
Taxes $16,906
+/- List price -$149,000
Days on market 162
ON THE MARKET
Number of listings 27
Price range $629,000 to $1.85 million
Tax range 11,925 to $32,337
