Shirley: Affordable houses, downtown revitalization, beaches are draws for buyers
Patriot's Preserve is a big draw in Shirley with its 100 acres and walking trail in the middle of the Pine Barrens. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
THE SCOOP With waterfront homes, nearby beaches and multiple improvement projects in the works, home prices are climbing in Shirley. But sales data shows it's still one of the more affordable communities on Long Island.
Named after Brooklynite Walter Shirley, the hamlet starts at the Long Island Expressway south of the Great South Bay. It sits alongside Mastic and Mastic Beach, often companion communities sharing access to institutions like schools, libraries and community centers.
A playground at Shirley Beach overlooks Bellport Bay on the western side of Shirley. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Deemed a vacation paradise for buyers in the 1950s and 1960s, touting its proximity to Smith Point County Park, it is still a beach-centered community that also houses nature preserves, including the 100-acre Patriot's Preserve, a walking trail in the middle of the Pine Barrens with lake views.
"Shirley is a beautiful waterfront community," said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico, promoting the preserve, along with Shirley Beach, Smith Point and more.
William Floyd Diner is a longtime staple eatery in the center of Shirley. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
After a stint in the U.S. Army at nearby Camp Upton, Walter Shirley started selling real estate in Nassau County. Eventually, he realized the land alongside the water's edge in the Mastic/Shirley area was ripe for development for young families. These new homes — smaller in size than those to the west — sold originally for $4,700, according to multiple sources.
Brookhaven Town and other municipalities have made some improvements to the Shirley area in recent years. They include a new $7.5 million waiting room pavilion at the Mastic-Shirley LIRR station, as well as renovations in the Shirley branch of the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library district, which include new separate areas for children and teenagers.
Houses along Grandview Drive in Shirley, where homes are among the most affordable on the Island. Credit: Elizabeth Sagarin
Panico noted that Brookhaven Town has "cracked down mightily on suburban blight," and the recent nearly $250 million municipal investment in sewers has opened up possibilities when it comes to commercial space. Shirley is also home to Brookhaven Calabro Airport.
Shirley is still very much a suburban residential community, with most rental units in houses.
SALE PRICES Between April 9, 2025, and April 8, 2026, there were 295 home sales with a median sale price of $535,000, according to OneKey MLS. During the same period a year earlier, there were 283 home sales with a median sale price of $515,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are five condos, priced between $499,999 and $529,999, on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 28,375
Median age 40.3
Median home value $535,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from Mastic-Shirley $452
School districts, graduation rates William Floyd (87%), Longwood (86%)
Libraries Mastics-Moriches-Shirley, Longwood
Transit Suffolk County Transit Route 66
Sources: 2024 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express
ON THE MARKET
$899,500
This $899,500 Shirley home has been completely renovated. Credit: LI Real Estate Photography/Brian Botticelli
This three-bedroom, three-bathroom expanded ranch is completely renovated and has a three-car garage with heat and air conditioning. The backyard is landscaped, with a heated in-ground pool, outdoor bathroom and shower, hot tub, gas fire pit, large deck and patio. The outdoor kitchen, which is covered, has a fireplace. Taxes are $8,046. Salvatore DiCristo, Signature Premier Properties, 631-413-1100.
$639,999
This $639,999 Shirley home sits at the end of a canal. Credit: Long Island Virtual/Joseph McGarry
Built in 1963, this updated three-bedroom, two-bathroom home sits at the end of a wide canal with an opening to Narrow Bay. It has an updated bulkhead, plus a floating dock and whip lines. The house features a renovated kitchen with an 8-foot center island and wet bar. Additionally, the purchase includes a roughly 40-by-125-foot buildable lot. Taxes are $12,692. Lisa Jaeger, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 631-246-7881.
RECENTLY SOLD
$899,000
Deer Path
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 5
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1985
Lot size 0.8 acre
Taxes $15,287
+/- List price Sold for asking
Days on market 133
$600,000
Arrowhead Drive
Style Ranch
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3
Built 1988
Lot size 0.23 acre
Taxes $9,643
+/- List price +$10,010
Days on market 100
$435,000
Windus Drive
Style Cape
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1
Built 1956
Lot size 0.2 acre
Taxes $6,522
+/- List price +$15,010
Days on market 57
ON THE MARKET
Number of listings 66
Price range $569,999 to $1.43 million
Tax range $6,208 to $16,378
