Long Island now has 29 communities with ‘starter homes’ over $1 million

No. 28 — Orient: $1,064,396

_{Priced a shade under $1 million, this charming three-bedroom, two-bath home comes with a boatload of history. Known as The Hale House, the Village Lane home was first built in 1781 and is said to be one of the first schoolhouses in Orient. The fully renovated home originally hit the market a few months backs with an asking price of $1.1 million; the amount dropped $101,000 last month.}

Tucked at the eastern tip of the North Fork, Orient is a peaceful hamlet where time seems to slow amid historic homes, quiet streets and sweeping views of the Long Island Sound. With its ample farmland, nature preserves and calm harbors, Orient exudes a a bucolic and rustic charm.

Although you get the feeling in Orient that you’ve traveled back in time, the community is just five miles from the Greenport, a Jitney stop from Manhattan and close to the ferry to Connecticut. It’s home to about 1,100 residents.

No. 27 — East Williston: $1,070,919

_{This three-bedroom, 1.5 bath home on Orchard Meadow Road in East Williston has an asking price of $1,180,000. It features a formal living room with a fireplace, dining room, eat-in-kitchen, screened-in porch and hardwood floors through out the house. A sale of the property is pending.}

East Williston is an incorporated village with about 2,600 residents. Steeped in history and tradition, East Williston is the kind of place where Santa Clause — literally — delivers gifts to children. It is consistently ranked high among desirable communities to live in by the likes of U.S. News & World Report and Niche.com.

No. 26 — Shelter Island: $1,081,155

_{If you go house hunting in Shelter Island these days, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a property within range of Zillow’s typical starter home price. This four-bedroom, 2.5 bath Cape Cod — priced at $1,195,000 — is the closest we could find. The highlights include a cheerful living room with a vaulted ceiling; a raised Vermont Castings vent-free propane stove; built-in cabinetry; a surround sound system; an outdoor entertainment deck; a kitchen with all the bells and whistles; and central vacuum.}

Fairly new to this list, Shelter Island came on board the million-dollar starter house train in 2024. The island within an island is nestled between the North and South Forks and accessible only by car ferry. The island’s 35 mph speed limit — together with its unhurried, chill way of life — takes visitors to a bygone era, one preserved by a quiet resistance to change.

No. 25 — Ocean Beach: $1,096,123

_{This three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath home offers year-round comfort on Fire Island — with gas heat and central air conditioning. The home has bamboo floors, a fenced-in yard and an outdoor shower. At $999,000, it’s at the very low end right now in terms of “starter homes” in Ocean Beach.}

The unofficial capital of Fire Island, Ocean Beach is known for its lively mix of shops, restaurants and vibrant beach-town energy that draws families and weekenders alike. The vast majority of its properties serve as seasonal or vacation homes.

No. 24 — Remsenburg: $1,122,035

_{This Southwind Road charmer in Remsenburg has an asking price of $1,100,000. Minutes from the beach and downtown Westhampton Beach, the three-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has a big kitchen, cozy den, fireplace, private balcony and jacuzzi tub.}

The serene South Shore hamlet of Remsenberg is located in Southampton Town. The community features a blend of rural charm and upscale living,

No. 23 — Huntington Bay: $1,133,202

_{Priced at $1,299,000, this cozy four-bedroom, two-bath Huntington Bay home sits on private property and is only a stone’s throw from the shores of the bay. Included are deeded beach and mooring rights to the Bay Hills Beach Association that is located just up the road.}

Nestled on the North Shore with amazing views across the sound of Connecticut, the picturesque Village of Huntington Bay has its own police department, court and building department. It is home to about 1,600 residents.

No. 22 — Mill Neck: $1,152,169

_{This beauty is the cheapest Mill Neck home on the market right now, priced at $1,500,000. Located at the village’s southern border, it has four bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and a whopping 4,500 square feet of living space. The home’s 1,500-square-foot basement 1,500 square foot finished basement has a home theater, nearly 9-foot ceilings, a laundry area and space for recreation or hobbies.}

Mill Neck is another tranquil village on the North Shore. Home to about 989 people, the Nassau County community is known for its historic Gold Coast estates and secluded, wooded landscapes. Many of the summer homes built by the industry moguls during the Gilded Era in Mill Neck remain standing.

No. 21 — Southampton: $1,183,544

_{This four-bedroom, 2.5-bath colonial is located on North Magee Street and is priced at $1,050,000, a bit less than Zillow’s typical starter home price for Southampton.}

Among the most iconic Hamptons villages in Suffolk County, Southampton Village blends coastal elegance with centuries of history and wealth. The village’s population is about 4,600 — many more people reside in the surrounding Town of Southampton. It was the first permanent English settlement in New York state.

No. 20 — Cold Spring Harbor: $1,213,076

_{Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac in Cold Spring Harbor, this four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home has an asking price of $1,299,000. A sale is pending. The home sits on nearly an acre of handsomely landscaped property.}

Cold Spring Harbor is known for its picturesque harbor and historic charm. It’s a community that blends natural beauty with upscale living. It is home to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and some 3,100 residents.

No. 19 — Asharoken: $1,322,562

_{This home on East Bevin Road in Asharoken recently sold for $1.2 million. It has two bedrooms and one bathroom.}

This secluded and affluent enclave is a narrow North Shore village in the Town of Huntington bordered by water on both sides. In recent news, Mayor Greg Letica and Deputy Mayor Pam Pierce met with Gov. Kathy Hochul on May 28 to request state funding for the reconstruction of the village’s seawall.

No. 18 — Montauk: $1,323,922

_{The seller is asking for $1,195,000 on this four-bedroom condo in Montauk, on Deforest Road in Montauk Shores.}

While it still holds onto its fishing village roots, “The End” has seen a steady rise in luxury development and home prices, with a year-round population just over 4,000.

No. 17 — East Hampton: $1,326,927

_{This four-bedroom, three-bath home on Cedar Drive in East Hampton has an asking price of $1,399.000. A sale is pending pn the property, which features a secluded garden and heated pool, recreation area for kids, large deck, chef’s kitchen and more than 1,500 square feet of living space.}

A magnet for celebrities and second-home owners, East Hampton is revered for its pristine beaches and historic homes. Having walkable Main Street filled with upscale shops, inns and restaurants also has helped keep East Hampton entrenched in the million-dollar starter home club.

No. 16 — East Hills: $1,333,998

_{A pending sale is in place for this three-bedroom, 2.5 bath home in tony East Hills that was asking $1,350,000. The home has 2,300 square feet of living space.}

Part of the Greater Roslyn area, the family-friendly and affluent Village of East Hills features a residents-only park and pool complex.

No. 15 — Sag Harbor: $1,364,566

_{This Sag Harbor Village property — priced at $1,300,000 — is just half a mile from Main Street. It offers two bedrooms upstairs, additional living space and bedrooms below and room for a pool. It also has great proximity to Havens Beach.}

The former whaling town blends historic charm with artistic flair. The village’s harborfront downtown is filled with boutiques, galleries and restaurants housed in 19th-century buildings. Sag Harbor is home to about 2,800 people.

No. 14 — Lloyd Harbor: $1,514,551

_{This mid-century modern ranch has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and 3,000 square feet of living space on two acres of property. It’s asking price is $1,299,000, a significantly less than the typical start home price in Lloy Harbor, according to Zillow’s report.}

Located in the Town of Huntington, the Village of Lloyd Harbor is characterized by large properties, historic homes and access to Caumsett State Historic Park. It’s population is about 3,700.

No. 13 — Manhasset: $1,534,152

_{Asking $1,499,000, this three-bedroom, 1.5-bath tudor home is tucked mid-block on a tree-lined street in Manhasset.}

The Miracle Mile shopping district and strong schools help explain why Manhasset is a veteran of the million-dollar start home club. The bustling North Shore hamlet offers a mix of suburban convenience and upscale living.

No. 12 — Laurel Hollow: $1,587,678

_{This newly constructed Laurel Hollow home has all the fixings. Asking $1,750,000, the Harbor Road house has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and 6,000 square feet to move around — including huge open spaces and high ceilings.}

Situated along the North Shore waterfront, Laurel Hollow is known for its rolling hills, wooded lots and opuluence. It’s a quiet, residential village that is home to a small population of about 2,000.

No. 11 — Oyster Bay Cove: $1,612,974

_{Apparently, at $1,100,000, this five bedroom, 4.5 bath home is a bargain. It features over 4,100 square feet of living space. The realtor calls the vacant home a “diamond in the rough.”}

Home to about 2,300 people, Oyster Bay Cove offers privacy, scenic woodlands and a strong commitment to land preservation. It’s near historic Oyster Bay hamlet, which of course was once home to Theodore Roosevelt.

No. 10 — Muttontown: $1,703,598

_{There’s not much cooking for under $2 million in Muttontown. This five-bedroom, four bath home on Midlane Road has a 3,500-square-foot living area. It’s on a two-acre lot on a tree-lined street.}

Named after the sheep that once grazed its land, Muttontown features estate-style homes on large wooded lots. The quiet, upscale village has roots dating back to colonial times.

No. 9 — Upper Brookville: $1,724,048

_{There’s a pending sale on this stately five-bedroom, 4.5 bath colonial in Upper Brookville. The house sits on a 2.75-acre property. Outside, there’s an in-ground saltwater pool, cabana, putting green, sand trap and chipping area.}

Home to about 1,800 residents, Upper Brookville offers spacious properties and a rural feel in the middle of suburbia. The village is part of Long Island’s Gold Coast.

Bellport flip bought for $230K, listed for $489K, now heavily discounted

No. 8 — Quogue: $1,732,672

_{This fully renovated Quogue cottage offers three bedrooms, two full baths, a gourmet kitchen with dual sinks, a built-in wet bar, a full basement and plenty of space for storage. With a $1,699,000 asking price, it seems to be right in line with Zillow’s expectations for a starter home price in the village.}

Nestled between Westhampton Beach and East Quogue, this quaint village is highly valued for its quiet beaches, wildlife refuge and strong sense of community. It’s home to about 1,000 people.

No. 7 — Amagansett: $1,830,482

_{This cheery three bedroom, two-bath home on Leeton Road in Amagansett sold recently for $2,075,000.}

Amagansett combines beachy, laid-back vibes with an artsy, upscale culture. About 650 call the hamlet home, dipping dramatically from 1,165 in 2010.

No. 6 — Old Westbury: $1,904,007

_{This beautiful stairway is featured prominently in a five-bedroom home for sale on Post Road in Old Westbury. The asking price for the 1897 clapboard farmhouse style home is $1,875,000. Click here to see more photos of the property.}

The North Shore Village of Old Westbury is dotted with stately homes, grand estates and historic mansions.

No. 5 — Bridgehampton: $2,052,449

_{This five-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom Bridgehampton home features spacious living and a private pool. A sale is pending. The asking price for the Hampton Court home is $1,995,000.}

Known for its equestrian roots and the annual Hamptons Classic Horse Show, Bridgehampton is a blend of farmland and affluence. It’s also home to charming shops, vineyards and high-end restaurants.

No. 4 — Sands Point: $2,203,836

_{This 3,100-square-foot center hall colonial in a prime, private setting in Sands Point features five bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, an in-ground pool, full-house generator, and sits on a 1.48-acre lot. It’s asking price is $2,100,000.}

Made famous by “The Great Gatsby,” Sands Point is a historic Gold Coast village located at the tip of the Cow Neck peninsula. Considered part of Greater Port Washington, it’s population is about 2,700.

No. 3 — Wainscott: $2,273,905

_{This Wainscott home offers five bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and a private pool on a spacious lot. It’s asking price is $2,650,000.}

A hamlet in East Hampton, Wainscott, like its neighbors, is flanked by farmland and ocean beaches. It’s home to the small, historic Wainscott School, which has been in operation since the 18th century.

No. 2 — Water Mill: $2,293,758

_{A sale is pending for this three-bedroom, four bath condo in Water Mill. Located in a new development, the property’s asking price is $2,290,000. Click here to see more artist renderings of the home and the development.}

Home to art galleries, wineries and historic water mills, the hamlet of Water Mill blends old-world charm with high-end Hamptons living, contributing to a local housing market where starter homes now approach $2.3 million. About 2,200 people live in Water Mill.

No. 1 — Sagaponack: $3,106,545

_{This light-filled four-bedroom, four-bath Sagaponack home sits on 1.56 private acres and features a heated pool, renovated interiors, a finished lower level, new HVAC, putting green, outdoor shower, and a spacious deck ideal for entertaining. It’s on the market for $3,195,000.}

A tiny village in the Town of Southampton, Sagaponack is one of the wealthiest zip codes in the United States. Fewer than 750 people live there. It’s the only Long Island community where a starter home is worth more than $3 million.

Tired of rising property costs on LI and considering a big move?

Zillow recently identified 20 U.S. metros where starter homes are significantly more affordable than the average home — in some cases by more than 60%. Below are the top 20 cities with the biggest percentage gaps between typical starter home values and overall home values. In these metros, starter home values are at least 25% less than the average affordable home.
(As of Jan. 31, 2025)