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Bethpage: Home of famed Black golf course sees 'large number' of expansion, reno permits

To get her favorite lemon cookies, Patty Franke, of Queens,... — To get her favorite lemon cookies, Patty Franke, of Queens, drives all the way to Moscato Bakery in the heart of Bethpage. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

By Arlene GrossSpecial to NewsdayUpdated October 24, 2026 8:57 pm

THE SCOOP Bethpage has long been known to outsiders for its world-famous golf course and former connections to Grumman, but full-time residents are looking to its future.

The area has seen development at both the residential and commercial levels, said Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

"We have a large number of people who put in permits for expansion on their homes and to redo their homes," Saladino said. "People take great pride in their homes and you can see it with the number of construction projects going on to improve the homes and commercial structures in Bethpage."

Homebuyers will find a large assortment of expanded split levels and Colonials and some newer, larger homes, with prices starting at $650,000 and surpassing $2 million.

Shops, eateries and other businesses line Broadway in the heart... — Shops, eateries and other businesses line Broadway in the heart of Bethpage. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

Bethpage boasts active community groups that put on many festivals, fairs and other activities along its downtown, Saladino noted.

One of those events is the Chamber of Commerce's annual December holiday lighting ceremony, with hayrides, carolers and a petting zoo, said chamber member Teri Catapano Black, owner of Century 21 Catapano Homes. The hamlet resident's family has lived in Bethpage for over a century.

"It's very conveniently located," Black said. "We have the three separate entrances on and off the Seaford-Oyster Bay [Expressway], so it's accessible to North and South shores. We are on the Ronkonkoma [Long Island Rail Road] line. And we are adjacent to 600 acres of the Bethpage State Park."

Many people know the park for its golf courses, particularly the famous Black course which has hosted the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup. The vast park also holds polo matches and has the longest paved bike path on the Island, walking paths and other recreational amenities, Black noted.

Homes along Grohmans Lane in Bethpage. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin

The hamlet was once known as "Central Park," which resulted in multiple mail mix-ups with the eponymous parkland in Manhattan. The hamlet was renamed Bethpage in 1936 — five years after the State Park Commission purchased the estate of railroad executive Benjamin Yoakum and the surrounding farmland.

In 1937, Bethpage became the headquarters of Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation, Long Island's largest employer throughout the Cold War era. Grumman built the lunar module, which sits on the moon near a sign reading, "Made in Bethpage, New York." The property is now home to Grumman and Gold Coast Studios and Bethpage Community Park.

The town is in negotiations with Grumman about remediating the hazardous soil in the 18-acre park, the former site of chemical dumping by the aerospace giant.

"It is our plan to build a brand new park there with all of the amenities upgraded," said Saladino, adding that there will be ballfields, swimming pools and courts for basketball, tennis and pickleball.

SALE PRICES Between Sept. 29, 2025, and Sept. 28, 2026, there were 178 home sales with a median sale price of $775,000, according to OneKey MLS. During the same period a year earlier, there were 197 home sales with a median sale price of $757,500.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are no condos or co-ops on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 17,123

Median age 47.4

Median home value $777,500

Monthly LIRR ticket from Bethpage $299.75

School districts, graduation rates Bethpage (96%), Farmingdale (92%)

Libraries Bethpage, Farmingdale

Transit NICE Bus Route 80

Sources: 2024 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express

RECENTLY SOLD

$2.425 million