Buying in Ridge: Starter homes, luxury housing, volunteer firefighter museum

"It's a diverse community that offers something for everyone," said Brookhaven Town Councilwoman Jane Bonner.

Volunteer firefighting holds a particular place of importance in Ridge, where the local department runs the annual Memorial Day parade and the Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Fighters Museum serves as a memorial to firefighters and educational center on the history of volunteer firefighting.

Centrally located with easy access to major roadways, Ridge is close to vineyards, wineries, farm stands, shopping and restaurants, notes JoAnn Klein, of Coach Realtors Mount Sinai.

"You feel like you are in the country with many newer developments of beautiful Colonials situated on large properties," said Klein.

Today, the hamlet has a wide variety of housing options, from condos and starter homes to senior housing and high-end luxury homes, including several developments, like the 1,500-unit 55-and- over Leisure Village gated community and the brand-new North Fork Gateway complex of 40 luxury homes.

Prices in Ridge range from $400,000 for a small ranch to the mid-$700,000s for a renovated four bedroom expanded Cape on one acre.

The hamlet was for years called "Randallville," for Stephen Randall, who bought a farm there in 1728 on former Native American hunting grounds, and the many members of his family who followed. It was also known as Ridgeville and Ridgefield — sometimes shortened to Ridge — for the topographic features on its northern end. During the American Revolution, Randall organized a company of Minutemen to defend his burgeoning homesteads.

In 1790, William Smith built "Longwood," a manor house in the hamlet, where the family summered. Years later, Smith's descendants donated 50 acres to the Longwood School District for its junior and senior high schools.

Throughout the 1800s, the hamlet, like nearby Middle Island, had a thriving lumber industry, and firewood cut at local farms was transported via Long Island Sound to New York City. From there, it sailed up the Hudson on barges and was burned in brickyards in Haverstraw.

At around 2,200 square feet, this newly painted 2011 Colonial has four beds, two renovated full baths and one half-bath, wraparound porch, hardwood floors, custom molding and built-ins, mahogany cabinetry and granite counters. The 0.83-acre fenced-in property has a brick patio, shed, chicken coop, attached one-car garage and new raised deck. Taxes are $15,885. JoAnn Klein, Coach Realtors, Mt. Sinai, 631-331-3600.

Located in Country Pointe Estates, this 2,215-square-foot 2018 ranch has three bedrooms, 2½ baths, cathedral ceilings, an open floor plan, stainless steel kitchen appliances. It has a full finished basement with bedroom, living room and bath with a pending permit for an accessory apartment. The 0.28-acre property has an attached two-car garage. Taxes are $17,315. Robert Mackenzie, Counsel Rock Realty, 516-558-7277.

Built in 2001, this Colonial has 1,840 square feet of space, four beds, 2½ baths, a large front porch, wood burning stove, full attic and full unfinished basement. Recent updates include a new roof and driveway border. The 0.98-acre property's flat parcel has a fenced-in backyard and attached one-car garage. Taxes are $10,204. Debra Dietrich, House Quest Residential Real Estate, 631-332-1901.

W. Giant Oak Dr.

Rustic Gate

Toussie Ct.