Bayville

Bayville is a small incorporated village on Long Island’s North Shore. It’s almost entirely surrounded by water. Initially a summer community, it was also home to people who worked on the large estates in adjacent towns. Today, it has a more down-to-earth vibe than its exceptionally wealthy neighbors.

Its location means most of its recreational opportunities are beach-based. Three beaches, Mill Neck Creek, West Harbor Beach and Sound Side Beach, are for Bayville residents only. Mill Neck Preserve, located near the town’s western border, is undeveloped, with marshlands and waterways.

Bayville Avenue is the main road through the village. Many of the town’s stores, restaurants and professional services are located along this stretch. The village has an active Chamber of Commerce, which works to support and promote local businesses. The Bayville Free Library, located across from Village Woods Park, has a variety of materials for borrowing. Nassau’s major roads and highways are a good distance away, making the area a bit isolated, but necessary amenities are conveniently located. There is no direct LIRR service, so residents must travel to Locust Valley to board the train; travelers on this line must change trains at Jamaica.

The Locust Valley Central School District educates 2,300 students from Bayville and its surrounding areas. The district has received national and local recognition for its excellence. In 2012, Newsweek magazine identified Locust Valley High School as #2 on Long Island, #6 in New York, and #55 nationally. U.S. News and World Report and the Washington Post ranked the school similarly. In addition to its Advanced Placement courses, students can participate in the International Baccalaureate program, an academically rigorous college preparatory program. Students at the elementary and middle school level also have high passing levels on state standardized exams. Bayville has its own elementary school in the district, but students must travel to nearby Locust Valley for middle school and high school.

Bayville’s zoning does not allow condominiums, but homes are well-priced. Currently, prices begin at around $300,000, making the area affordable, especially for a coveted waterfront town. However, prices range well beyond $1 million dollars. There is a good amount of inventory in between, allowing residents the option of trading up.