Creating advancements in everything from politics to psychiatry, Brentwood’s legacy is perhaps the most unusual among the inland communities of Long Island. Today, it has a suburban quality similar to neighboring cities like Deer Park. But plenty of historic landmarks remain, telling a story of Brentwood ambitiously forging a unique identity. In the mid-1800s the city was the site of a progressive commune called Modern Times. A local currency was established, but the Civil War eventually led to the project’s dissolution. Residents can visit the commune’s wooden octagonal building that served as a one-room schoolhouse. Also still standing is the former Pilgrim State Hospital, previously one of the world’s largest psychiatric institutions.
Health care continues to be a leading local industry, with the Pilgrim Psychiatric Center being a top employer. The city’s population is around 65,000 people, and the median age is 36 years. Over half of residents are part of a Central American community, and a sizable portion hails from Puerto Rico.
Brentwood is considered a hamlet of Islip, which launched a 20-year master plan in late 2024. Improving infrastructure and relieving traffic congestion are key goals. Brentwood is part of the third most populated municipality in New York State. That said, the city has plenty of park space tucked away, and even has a nature preserve on its west side. Plus, away from the highly trafficked roads, the city stays quiet. “We’re primarily a single-owner home community,” says Jose Martinez, broker at Power Team Realty. “We don’t have co-ops and townhouses.”
Most of the homes in Brentwood, NY are either ranches or hi- ranch style homes.
A historical sign is at the current location of the original schoolhouse in Brentwood, NY.
The Pilgrim Psychiatric Center was once one of the biggest in the country.
The Modern Times School in Brentwood, NY is currently under renovation.
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Modest home styles and mature trees on lawns
One of the appeals of Brentwood’s housing market is that the prices are consistent across the city, with the exception of some large luxury properties on the west side. “Typical of mid-island residential real estate, homes in this neighborhood are modest and modestly priced,” says Todd Yovino, a licensed real estate broker and owner at Island Advantage Realty. The median price is $569,500. The national median is $418,700. Ranch-style homes here typically have leafy settings, with mature trees. “Yards can be a quarter acre to half an acre,” says Martinez. “They try to preserve the environment here, especially in East Brentwood, to the right of Suffolk Avenue. You’ll see lots of trees.” Prices range from $450,000 to $560,000. Homes often feature driveways leading to attached garages, and some subdivisions have sidewalks, but that’s not always the case. Other prevalent styles in Brentwood include split-level homes that range from $575,000 to $745,000. Colonials, modern traditionals and custom homes sell for $800,000 into the $2 million range.
Solar panels on ranch style homes roofs are a common sight in Brentwood, NY.
Homes are often placed on their lots cady-cornered at the end of many streets in Brentwood, NY.
Many streets in Brentwood, NY have rows of ranch style homes on them.
Many residents of Brentwood, NY have expanded their ranch homes to create more living space.
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Successful sports teams at Brentwood High
Brentwood Union Free School District serves the city, earning a B-minus rating overall from Niche. Students can start at Pine Park Elementary, which receives a B-plus rating. North Middle School has a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio and is C-rated. Brentwood High is known for successful sports teams. In 2023, the boys’ basketball team became Class AA Long Island Champions. That year the boys’ soccer team became state Class A champions after an undefeated season. The school is B-rated. Suffolk County Community College provides a higher education option for the community.
Flag football is one of many activities located at Brentwood State Park.
Oak Park Elementary School in Brentwood, NY serves students in grades K-5.
Brentwood soccer lovers play all year around at Brentwood State Park.
The East Middle School in Brentwood, NY has 90% economically disadvantaged students.
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From skate parks to nature preserves, there are plenty of outdoor recreation options
Visitors can keep busy at Roberto Clemente Park on the south side: It contains a swimming pool, athletic fields, a playground and Brentwood Skatepark, which is full of ledges and half pipes. Brentwood State Park is even more extensive, with 52 acres, some of which used to be part of the Pilgrim Psychiatry Complex. The park opened in 2009, after $15 million in investments. Amenities include a playground, a concession stand and athletic fields that use artificial turf. For an immersive experience, residents can head to the city’s western face, which is almost entirely hugged by the Edgewood Oak Brush Plains Preserve. Nearly 25 miles of trails are available to explore, taking visitors through a pine barren ecosystem.
Roberto Clemente Park has a newly established skateboard park for hours of fun in Brentwood.
There are a lot of large open green spaces at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
Skateboarding can be enjoyed at Roberto Clemente Park in Brentwood.
Residents of Brentwood often go for walk at the Nature Preserve at Suffolk Community College.
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Central American food scene, plus a regional mall nearby
The food scene is boosted by Brentwood’s Hispanic and Central American communities. “Portuguese, Colombian, El Salvadorean food, we have universal cuisine,” says Martinez. “Argentinians bring their steakhouses. We have Italian, too.” Martinez describes the intersection of Suffolk Avenue and Brentwood Avenue, near Brent City shopping mall, as a reliable concentration of eateries, for those who want to begin exploring the scene. “Tango on Suffolk is an absolutely delicious Argentinian steakhouse,” says Susan Lombardi, Realtor with Douglas Elliman. “We went with a group, got a steak platter for four and still had plenty left over.”
Like many suburban locales, destinations for errands can be a bit spread out, but are still easily reachable via main corridors. “They have a lot of delis, bodegas, small supermarkets with specialty items,” says Lombardi. Wicks Road leads past a Food Bazaar supermarket and a Walgreens, for example, then connects with Suffolk Avenue where plenty of fast-food eateries are lined up. Entertainment venues show up, too, like Great South Bay Brewery. This renovated warehouse space features a simulated golf range and a packed calendar of events, including live music shows, trivia nights and bingo nights. Motor Parkway along the north side is dotted with fast casual stops like Chipotle, as well as locally owned Italian restaurants, including Mezza Luna, an upscale establishment adorned by white tablecloths. South Shore Mall in Bayshore is less than 3 miles south, offering large brand names for shopping and dining, like American Eagle and Buffalo Wild Wings.
Mi Tierrita is a great local Colombian restaurant in Brentwood
Brentwood residence commonly shop in Macys at the South Shore Mall.
The great big Central American mural was painted by local Brentwood students
Deli Chaparrastique serves up authentic Central American cuisine.
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A popular rail line and Interstate 495 take commuters to New York City
Commuters can take the Ronkonkoma Branch of the Long Island Rail Road from Brentwood station, which is also a hub for Suffolk Transit buses. Or, there’s always the option to drive. Interstate 495 runs along the north side, providing the route of choice for commuters to Manhattan. The 50-mile trek can be completed in just under two hours. Sagtikos Parkway, which intersects with 495, is the city’s major north-south path. Suffolk Avenue is the main east-west path, and often referred to by residents as a primary landmark, since it divides Brentwood in half. Still, according to Islip’s master plan released in 2024, reducing traffic is in focus. “Brentwood is a trendy community, and traffic’s becoming an issue,” says Martinez. “But that’s good for businesses who are moving in.”
Police aiming to reduce gang violence
Gang violence has been an issue for over a decade, with the MS-13 gang in particular becoming a concern for the community. The Center for Immigration Studies attributes this to the rapid influx of unaccompanied children from Central American countries. Even from a nationwide perspective, Suffolk County in general and Brentwood in particular have born the brunt of trying to rehome unaccompanied children. Between 2014 and 2016 alone, nearly 4,000 unaccompanied children showed up in Suffolk County. In 2018, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a $20 million package to reduce MS-13 violence on Long Island. Additional funding was provided to Suffolk County Police for the purchase of surveillance cameras and other technology. “Crime used to be driven by gangs in Brentwood, but it’s gotten better,” says Martinez.
Zachary Scher, Lead of Team Scher at Signature Premier Properties in East Setauket, New York – the #1 Overall Team at Signature Premier Properties, possesses a dynamic combination of industry knowledge, enthusiasm and a true desire to provide his clients with conscientious, dedicated service. Rapidly ascending to the top of the Long Island real estate industry, Zach has proven himself to be a consummate professional who consistently achieves quick sales for top dollar. Some of his recent accolades include being named Top 20 under 40 in 2019 by Long Island Board of Realtors Young Professionals Network, in 2020-2024 he was named by Real Trends Magazine as one of Americas Best Realtors, the #2 overall team on long island in 2023, and was awarded Broker/Agent Top 100 Seven Star Agent by Broker Agent Advisor.
Zach is a true entrepreneur who, prior to beginning his real estate career in July of 2016, started several business during and after obtaining his Bachelors Degree from CW Post and his Masters Degree from NYU and also consulted for a variety of others in the field of Marketing, Branding, and Design.
Currently overseeing an amazingly dedicated team of twelve full time and ten part-time agents – each of whom share his “client first” ethos – Zach has seen his business grow by leaps and bounds year after year. Since 2017, Team Scher has sold over 1000 houses. Serving the entirety of Long Island, Zach can boast of a business that is based significantly upon repeat and referred clients, a sure sign that he is leaving his customers grateful and satisfied. The appreciation Zach’s clients feel for him is perhaps best evidenced by the sheer number of glowing reviews he has received from his clients.
Another major factor that has played a significant role in Zach’s continuing success is his thoughtful, comprehensive approach to marketing his listings. High-quality professional photography is utilized exclusively, as are cutting-edge virtual tours and videos. Expert staging is done when necessary, and listings are showcased in a wide variety of ways, including print materials and digital avenues.
When he’s not working, Zach enjoys spending time with his wife and their two young sons. Traveling and football are other free-time passions, and he has spent over a decade playing with the same flag football team. He is also dedicated to giving back to his community, and does so in a variety of ways.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
