$746,311Average Value$433Average Price per Sq Ft33Homes For Sale
Relaxed staycation vibes and a lively downtown
Sitting at the edge of Moriches Bay on Long Island’s South Shore, Center Moriches is a boater’s paradise. Creeks cut into it, creating four jagged “fingers” of land that are surrounded by water as they jut into the bay. The resulting abundance of homes with water access, creeks to explore and access to the bay — even access to the Atlantic Ocean through the nearby Moriches Inlet — are less than 8 miles from Westhampton, but there’s plenty in the community itself that draws people to live here year-round. “The fun thing is that it can be lively with community activity and street fairs,” says Kevin Loiacono, a licensed real estate broker and the owner of BrookHampton Realty who has lived in the Moriches area for 24 years. “It can be very quiet because people can make staycations in their homes in a lot of places. And it’s laid-back. It’s a town that you come home to that you’re happy to be home. It can be overlooked in a heartbeat, but once you get into it, you’re like, ‘This is comfortable.’ It’s not trying to be opulent like the Hamptons. It’s a good life balance.”
Center Moriches is a costal town by Moriches Bay.
AJ Sunflower Boutique in Center Moriches has a loyal following.
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'A boater’s paradise' on Moriches Bay
People who love the water, particularly boaters, are drawn by Center Moriches’ creeks, bay access and proximity to the ocean. “You take the boat out in Center Moriches, and you’re immediately on vacation,” Loiacono says. “It’s quaint, there’s not a lot of boats, there’s good fishing. There’s calm water for those who like water sports like tubing and wakeboarding and waterskiing. If you look at Long Island as a whole, there’s very few towns that have ocean access. So literally, it’s a boater’s paradise.” Its status as a boater’s paradise is helped along by the many public boat ramps and private marinas that dot its coast. “Even people who don’t live on the water have access to a very inexpensive boat slip and a community area,” Loiacono says.
Webby’s Beach is a popular but often relatively quiet spot with calm water and a little playground geared toward younger children. Right up against the bay and another creek, the 263-acre Terrell River County Park is popular among hikers, with 2.6 miles of scenic hiking trails and beach access.
Boating culture is front and center in Center Moriches.
Webby's Park on the South part of Center Moriches has a beach and a playground.
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Inland homes in Center Moriches from $500,000
Center Moriches is known for its private community clubs like the Holiday Beach Club. These clubs offer amenities like a private beach and boat slips, and according to Joy Bryant, a licensed broker associate with Coldwell Banker American Homes who has sold homes here for nearly 30 years, Holiday Beach Club has exclusive access to The Masury, an old Victorian home turned event space, for regular community events. Communities with events like this help foster Center Moriches’ relaxed, neighborly atmosphere. “They really become very friendly because they see each other every weekend,” Bryant says. “In other communities, if you don’t get together, you don’t see your neighbors. You pull into your driveway and you go into your house. But in these beach communities, you get out and you go to the beach or get out and go to the beer night on Friday or the wine tastings, and it just promotes friendships.”
Ranch-style, hi-ranch and new traditional homes are common here, especially among the smaller and more average-sized homes. Inland homes start as low as $550,000 and usually max out at around $800,000. A home with a waterfront view — or even better, backed against one of the creeks — commands a higher price tag. A house with a view and a short walk to marinas or yacht clubs starts at around $600,000. Waterfront homes start at around $775,000 and climb to $5 million, though they can occasionally climb to $7 million. With so much waterfront in Center Moriches, these properties aren’t rare, and homes backing one of the creeks usually have a private dock where homeowners can keep their boat or launch kayaks. Larger waterfront homes tend to be custom-built, so they vary much more in style, often taking influence from Victorian, Mediterranean, or general European villa styles. Houses in Center Moriches have a higher elevation than some waterfront towns, but flooding can still happen living so close to the water and flood insurance is an essential part of buying a home here. The CAP Index crime score is 3 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Many homes also have private pools in Center Moriches.
More modest waterfront homes can be found on the canal in Center Moriches.
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Frequent street fairs and festivals in downtown
“Downtown Center Moriches is a bit of a cultural draw, and they do those street fairs,” Loiacono says, adding that folks from surrounding communities attend many of these events as well. “They do holiday parades in the wintertime, they do the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.” Events like the Spring Festival often feature live music, local vendors and food trucks, and there’s also a popular summer concert series.
Welcome to Center Moriches, which has lots to do and beautiful homes all over.
Downtown Center Moriches is a great place to window shop or stroll.
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Walkable downtown with restaurants, local boutiques
Center Moriches’ walkable downtown is a haven for foodies. The 100-year-old Country Cottage Diner is where many people start their days with a stack of pancakes, Sea Cove is known for its seafood, and friends often meet at Buckley’s Irish Pub for beer and burgers. Luncharitos is often packed for its Taco Tuesdays and live music or trivia night events, while Sunsets At Senix is the neighborhood’s only waterfront restaurant. For dessert, The Rainbow Rolls serves ice cream tacos. The little downtown also has local shops, including clothing boutiques, hair salons, a Pilates studio and the Center Moriches Public Library. King Kullen and Lidl provide groceries toward the western side of the neighborhood. “Atlantic Seafood and Fish Market has the best fresh seafood,” Bryant says. Lina Lopes, a licensed associate broker at Douglas Elliman who has sold homes here for 34 years, says that there are also farm stands and wineries within a few miles of the neighborhood.
According to Deloar Khan, a licensed real estate salesperson at AVS Realty, there’s some new development going on right now in Center Moriches, but no one expects it to turn into the type of explosive growth seen on other parts of the island.
AJ Sunflower Boutique is one of several cute stores in Center Moriches.
Enjoy some tacos at Lucharitos in Center Moriches.
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Free summer programs at Center Moriches High
The Center Moriches Union Free School District gets a B from Niche. Children attend Clayton Huey Elementary School, which scores a B-minus, then move on to Center Moriches Middle School, which scores a B-plus. Center Moriches High School has a B and offers a free Summer Band Enrichment Extravaganza program for sixth through 12th graders. Students meet twice a week during summer to practice their instruments, then show off their improved skills at the end of the summer with a concert. According to Loiacono, the district hosts a lot of activities for the community as well.
Clayton Huey Elementary School is ranked #1263 among New York Elementary Schools.
Center Moriches High School ranks #5,145 nationally.
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Sunrise Highway, driving to Mastic-Shirley LIRR station
Montauk Highway serves as the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, but the only major highway in Center Moriches is Sunrise Highway, which runs along its northern border. The closest Long Island Rail Road station is Mastic-Shirley Station, which is just under 5 miles away. From there, the train takes commuters to Manhattan’s Penn Station in about an hour and 50 minutes. The train reaches Montauk in an hour and 30 minutes. Francis S. Gabreski Airport is just over 12 miles away and Long Island MacArthur Airport is 19 miles away.
Bus stops run mainly along Montauk Highway in Center Moriches.
Mastic–Shirley Train Station on the LIRR is the closes station to Center Moriches.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew-Paul Ragusa,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Moriches Sports Complex
Baseball/Softball
Volleyball
Playground
Terrell River County Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Osprey Park
Fishing
Playground
Parking Lot
Kalers Pond Park
Playground
Parking Lot
Crystal Beach
Picnic Area
Beach
Parking Lot
Atlantic Avenue Park
Baseball/Softball
Parking Lot
Multi-Purpose Field
Webby's Park
Transit
Airport
Long Island MacArthur
29 min drive
Bus
Montauk HWY & Lake Ave
Bus
Montauk HWY & Bellview Ave
Bus
Montauk HWY & Brookfield Ave
Bus
Railroad Ave & Montauk HWY
Bus
Bank St
Bus
Montauk HWY & Hawkins Ave
Bus
Railroad Ave & Frowein Rd
Reviews
Niche Reviews
4.014 Reviews
5.0Current Resident
8/2/2022Niche Review
Center Moriches is one of the best towns to live in on the south shore. You have a variety of all sorts of things to do. With the town being so small, everyone is family. You are close enough to the beaches and even can live on the water. South of Montauk highway there is a beach at the end of each road. You are about 15 minutes from Riverhead, 10 minutes from Shirley, 15/20 minutes from westhampton. But you are under 10 minutes to any of your friends. This town has shown me so much in a good way.
5.0Current Resident
1/26/2022Niche Review
I love my neighborhood. I'm surrounded by a very warm community who are always helping each other and looking out for each other. The school districts in my area are also wonderful and I really enjoyed my time as a student here. This is the perfect place for families to live.
4.0Current Resident
5/9/2020Niche Review
Small town USA. . I am blessed to have grown up in the area where we are surrounded by beautiful waterfront, nature, open space, downtown shops and restaurants, where we get to enjoy many street fairs and parades. I have spent my summers kayaking, swimming and fishing in the bay, plus enjoying the ocean beaches just minutes from home.
4.0Niche User
2/10/2016Niche Review
This area is beautiful and quiet throughout all the seasons of the year. People are friendly and definitely work together in a time of crisis. I got my first job as a licensed veterinary technician here, my parents for their identities, and my brother opened up and joined a club where he met many friends. This place allowed us to find a place to fit it.
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Center Moriches
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Center Moriches, Long Island sell after 53 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Center Moriches, Long Island over the last 12 months is $731,414, up 18% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Located on a prestigious block in Center Moriches, this breathtaking traditional waterfront home has a waterside pool and private beach access. The foyer's soaring ceilings offer a dramatic arrival and panoramic water views welcome you from the moment you enter the front door. The spacious first floor offers an open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area. Separate from the main living area is a
Beautiful renovated 3 bedroom ranch with the open floor plan you have been looking for. Brand new state of the art kitchen with stainless steel appliances including a gas stove, wood floors, center island with seating for 6. large open living room just off the kitchen with plenty of space for those large gatherings. Down the hall three beds and full bathroom with tub. Out the back slider, a
Welcome to your dream home at 5 9th Street in Center Moriches! This beautifully maintained 4-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence offers 3,022 +/-sq. ft. of living space with stunning 9' ceilings and oak floors. Enter through the grand foyer with double-height ceilings and enjoy the elegance of crown molding throughout. The open kitchen, equipped with stainless steel appliances, seamlessly connects to
Built in 1940, this charming Craftsman-style home blends timeless character with modern updates. Boasting 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, the home retains many original features, including exquisite moldings, doors, and a pantry, adding to its classic appeal. Enjoy the enclosed front porch, perfect for relaxing, and the spacious, lazy-day back porch, ideal for outdoor living.The home is
Fantastic 2 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath condominium in the highly desirable "Vineyards at Moriches". This turn-key condo features a first floor primary bedroom w/tray ceilings, large walk-in closets and ensuite bathroom w/separate shower and large tub. The large, open kitchen is perfect for entertaining w/granite counters and stainless steel appliances. First floor also includes large windows, open
******Experience the ultimate in serene waterfront living*****with this nearly 8-acre custom-built residence on the Great South Bay. This unique 5-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom home offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort, featuring nearly 3,600 square feet of beautifully designed living space. Enjoy the convenience and privacy of a main-level master suite. Custom-built kitchen and formal dining
Echo Pond Luxury Apartments, is a stunning 9 Building, 50 Luxury Unit complex in the Moriches/Manorville area of Long Island. The beautiful complex boasts a combination of 2 Bed, 2.5 Bath Townhouses (34 units w/full basements) and 2 Bed, 2 Bath Ranch style homes (16 units) each with garages, private storage area and much more. With open floor plans, stunning kitchens and beautiful finishes, Echo
Located in the Charming Town of Center Moriches - 4 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, Cape has been Completely Renovated from Top to Bottom. Welcome to 127 Belleview Avenue – This Gorgeous Home Boasts Oversized Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Eat-in Kitchen with Dining Area, Generous Sized Bedrooms, Full Basement and an Attached 1-Car Garage, All Sitting on 2 Acres. Only Thing to Do is Unpack! Call Today
‘Home sweet home’ gains a new meaning once you discover Mirror Pond Apartments. Nestled in a wonderfully landscaped, wooded setting, our apartments in Center Moriches offer spacious residences complete with remarkable amenities that support the way you live. Share this rewarding experience with your furry friends—we welcome pets!Large, open-concept layouts mark all our two-bedroom homes
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Andrew-Paul Ragusa,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
8,309
Median Age
42
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.3%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$125,584
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$148,243
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.7%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
36.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
69%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
44''
Average Winter Low Temperature
24°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
33''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
44/ 100
Somewhat Walkable
Walk Score®
57/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
