From Merrick to Montauk: Where Long Island’s Property Values Are Holding Strong

The 2025 Long Island Snapshot

Let’s be real—real estate isn’t exactly known for being predictable. But even in this interest-rate rollercoaster and post-pandemic shuffle, certain areas on Long Island are still flexing their muscles. According to the MLSLI July 2025 data, Nassau County’s median home price hit $821,000, up 5.5% year-over-year, while Suffolk trailed slightly at $637,500, with a more modest 3.2% increase. Throw in a 30-year fixed mortgage rate hovering around 6.55%, and you’ve got a market where every decimal counts. Inventory’s tight, demand’s twitchy, and sellers still hold just enough leverage to make buyers sweat a little—unless, of course, they’re shopping in the wrong zip code. Welcome to Long Island, where one train stop can change everything (including your tax bill).

Let’s be real—real estate isn’t exactly known for being predictable. But even in this interest-rate rollercoaster and post-pandemic shuffle, certain areas on Long Island are still flexing their muscles. According to the MLSLI July 2025 data, Nassau County’s median home price hit $821,000, up 5.5% year-over-year, while Suffolk trailed slightly at $637,500, with a more modest 3.2% increase. But those averages barely scratch the surface. Let’s dive into the hyperlocal pockets where property values aren’t just surviving—they’re thriving.

Merrick: Steady, Strong, and Still in Demand

If you thought Merrick peaked last year, think again. With its commuter-friendly vibe, well-ranked schools, and strong local amenities, Merrick continues to command attention. According to Redfin’s Q2 2025 report, homes in Merrick are averaging $790K, with days-on-market at just 14. It’s become a go-to for NYC transplants who want a neighborhood feel without giving up their barista-crafted cappuccinos.

Babylon and Bay Shore: Suffolk’s Quiet Climbers

Out east, Babylon and Bay Shore are low-key winning. Both towns saw 4–6% price growth in the past 12 months, thanks to new waterfront development and increased investment in infrastructure and walkability. Plus, let’s be honest—when you can snag a renovated Cape near the water for under $700K, people are going to take notice. These towns are turning into Gen Z and Millennial magnets.

Huntington and Port Jefferson: Culture Meets Equity

Long Island buyers want more than square footage—they want lifestyle. Huntington and Port Jefferson deliver exactly that. With arts districts, top-rated school systems, and vibrant downtowns, these towns are holding their value even as inventory fluctuates. Homes here are selling within 96% of list price, with demand driven by buyers who prioritize both experience and long-term appreciation.

Montauk: Still Riding the Luxury Wave

Yes, Montauk is expensive. No, that hasn’t stopped people. In fact, demand for second homes and short-term rental investments has kept Montauk’s high-end market from cooling off. Median home values have held firm around $1.95M, with the top 10% of sales seeing a year-over-year increase of 8%, driven largely by cash buyers and remote-work execs.

Syosset and Jericho: The Education Premium

Education-minded buyers continue to gravitate toward Syosset and Jericho—and their budgets prove it. In July 2025, homes in these two Nassau powerhouses saw a median sale price of $1.05M, with buyer competition particularly strong in the 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath category. School district rankings consistently land in the top 5 in New York State, and proximity to the LIE and Northern State makes commuting manageable. Even in a cautious market, these towns remain top-tier.

The Takeaway: Data Over Drama

Long Island's not a monolith—it's a patchwork of micro-markets stitched together by school rankings, train schedules, property taxes, and whether or not there's a Trader Joe’s nearby. In 2025, the smart money is watching hyperlocal shifts: how Jericho’s school reputation sustains its $1M+ price tags, how Babylon’s investment in downtown revitalization pulls in young buyers, and how Montauk’s waterfront continues to lure cash-rich New Yorkers looking for salt air and Instagrammable porches.

So no, not every market’s "hot," but the smart ones are warm—and warming. If you’re buying, selling, or just doom-scrolling Zillow during your lunch break, know the market beneath the median. Because yes, Long Island’s expensive. But with the right strategy, it’s still full of opportunities that aren’t listed in bold on Redfin.

The “Map Smarter, Move Smarter” Edition

You’ve got options. But you also need hyperlocal insight, school zone strategy, and someone who knows where the next wave is hitting before the headlines catch up. Whether you're in Merrick, Montauk, or still deciding which side of Sunrise Highway feels like home, don’t rely on broad stats or national clickbait.

📞 Call Dean Miller—Long Island’s AI-certified real estate pro with the tools, tactics, and transparency to turn market noise into clear decisions. We’ll break down your zip code, street by street, to find the real value behind the comps.

💬 Schedule your custom neighborhood pricing analysis today. Because in this market, your equity deserves more than guesswork—and your next move deserves more than luck. Let’s find your edge on the Island.