realestate

Rockville Centre: Downtown charm, NYC access attract homebuyers

Rockville Centre boasts a variety of eateries and modern sports facilities.

R
ockville Centre, a village just six miles from the beach and a 35-minute express train ride to Manhattan, boasts a thriving downtown with a variety of restaurants. According to Scott Wallace of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty, "The real great part is the location, because it's close to the city and also right on the Southern State Parkway so you can get to the Hamptons quickly." The village has its own electric and water departments, resulting in lower utility costs for residents, as noted by Mayor Francis X. Murray.

    Rockville Centre offers state-of-the-art sports facilities, a recreation program for youths and seniors, and hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the state. During the summer, the village celebrates with events like Eat.Shop.Rock day in June, fireworks after the Fourth of July, and free concerts. With $63 million in federal, state, and county grants, the village has invested in road improvements, park renovations, and new construction, including Mr. B.'s Playground.

    The village's history dates back to 1660 when it was known as Near Rockaway, along with Lynbrook and East Rockaway. In 1849, the name Rockville Centre was approved, honoring Mordecai "Rock" Smith, a local preacher and grist mill owner. Today, homebuyers can find ranches, Tudors, and Colonials priced from the $800,000s to millions.

    According to OneKey MLS, between February 4, 2024, and February 3, 2025, there were 247 home sales with a median sale price of $790,000. Currently, six co-ops are on the market, priced between $240,000 and $449,000.

    Some notable homes for sale include:

    * A $2.5 million Tudor with five bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and 5,800 square feet.

    * A $1.9 million Colonial with six bedrooms, three bathrooms, and 3,600 square feet.

    * A $1.5 million Colonial with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and 2,600 square feet.

    Recently sold homes include:

    * A $1.775 million Colonial on Columbia Road

    * A $965,000 Colonial on Demott Avenue

    * A $596,000 ranch on Cleveland Avenue

    The village has a population of 25,770 with a median age of 43.8 and a median home value of $842,500. The LIRR ticket from Rockville Centre costs $287 per month.

Rockville Centre downtown area with charming streets and NYC skyline in background.