Bay Shore became renowned in the late 19th century for its shopping district and resorts. With its convenient and appealing location along the Great South Bay and access to Fire Island, the hamlet became popular with affluent New Yorkers looking to escape the city. It was a tourist spot on weekends and during the summer, in large part because the newly built Long Island Railroad enabled easy access from Manhattan and Brooklyn. Today, the LIRR takes commuters to and from New York City for an easy daily commute from the Bay Shore Railroad Station, which was outfitted with a new pedestrian bridge in 2009. And it is still a summertime favorite in part because of its incredibly easy access to Fire Island via Fire Island Ferry Service.
Bay Shore’s population grew after World War II when returning soldiers and former city dwellers opted for the suburban life. Because of this, Bay Shore enjoyed, and still enjoys, socioeconomic, religious and ethnic diversity.
Main Street in Bay Shore historically has been THE place shop, dine and be entertained. Today, it still is! Main Street continues its redevelopment with new sidewalks, antique-style streetlights, new landscaping and restored parks. The Bay Shore Beautification Society transformed an empty lot on Main Street into a meditation garden that has since been recognized for its excellent design. The improvements also include the addition of a bandshell at the Village Green, which features a summer concert series and the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, owned by the Great South Bay YMCA. Plus the Old Mill Pond – the source of ice for seafood shipment during the 18th and 19th centuries – was re-created.
The Bay Shore Marina is breathtaking and is adjacent to a beach for Bay Shore residents to enjoy. In the Summer of 2010, a new splashpark was built at the marina (with plenty of parking) as well as a redone bath house and beautiful landscaping.
The schools in Bay Shore are phenomenal. The Bay Shore School District participates in numerous academic, cultural and sports programs in which their students excel. Bay Shore High School underwent extensive renovation and expansion from 2005 through 2008. The project has been noted for its close attention to architectural and historic detail. Residents of all ages can be seen making use of the new and beautiful track for their own fitness routines — when school is not in session, that is.
At the east end of Bay Shore, south of Main Street, there is a peninsula known now as Penataquit Point, formerly Thurber’s Neck. It is comprised of three avenues — Awixa, Penataquit and Montgomery — between Awixa Creek and Orowac Creek. Here you will find grand, historic homes built mainly between the 1880s and 1920s like The Awixa Castle. Click here for more photos and history.
Bay Shore offers many other housing options as well such as ranches, capes, Colonials, split-levels, contemporaries, vintage Tudors, Victorians and Georgian Colonials. In 2008 and 2009 new condominiums were built next to the train station.
But enough talking about the fantastic home choices in Bay Shore… Start looking at what homes are available in Bay Shore right now…
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