Home → Suffolk County → Central Islip
Explore Central Islip homes, schools, train service, restaurants, parks and everyday life in this Long Island community.
Prepared by Jack Cutrone, MRP, PSA, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Patriot Real Properties.
Community information reviewed October 31, 2026. Housing-market figures below identify their reporting period.
Thinking about a move? Discuss your Central Islip home search or browse Long Island listings.
Central Islip, NY Real Estate & Community Guide
Fairfield Properties Ballpark is one of Central Islip’s local destinations.
Photo: Quintin Soloviev / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0. Cropped from original.
Living in Central Islip, Long Island
Central Islip is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, New York. Its local destinations include the Central Islip LIRR station, Fairfield Properties Ballpark, Gull Haven Golf Club and the Central Islip Public Library.
For someone comparing Central Islip homes, the practical questions go beyond square footage: How will you reach the station? What does the actual tax bill show? Which schools serve the address? How do the location and condition compare with recent closed sales?
This guide brings those questions together with places to eat, recreation options and useful local resources.
Central Islip is distinct from Islip, East Islip, Islip Terrace and Islandia. A mailing address or listing label alone should not determine which community, school district or municipal rules apply to a property.
Central Islip at a Glance: Population and Demographics
The following figures describe Central Islip CDP, the Census Bureau’s statistical geography.
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Population: 36,714 (2020 Census)
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Land area: 7.16 square miles (2020 Census)
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Households: 9,545 (2020–2024 estimates)
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Persons per household: 3.99 (2020–2024 estimates)
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Owner-occupied housing rate: 78.2% (2020–2024 estimates)
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Median household income: $113,707 (2020–2024; in 2024 dollars)
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Median owner-occupied home value: $436,400 (2020–2024 estimates)
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Median gross rent: $2,071 per month (2020–2024 estimates)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Central Islip CDP.
The multiyear estimates describe community characteristics. They are not current asking prices, current rental quotes or an appraisal.
The Census CDP, ZIP code 11722, school district and real estate websites’ search boundaries are not interchangeable.
Central Islip NY Real Estate Market Snapshot
Redfin’s Central Islip report, covering all home types, provides this dated snapshot:
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Median sale price: $561,732 (three months ending September 2026)
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Median-price change from a year earlier: +0.8% (same three-month period versus prior year)
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Homes sold: 44 (September 2026)
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Median days on market: 30 days (September 2026 report)
Source: Redfin Central Islip housing market, reviewed October 31, 2026. Redfin’s calculations draw on MLS and/or public records.
These are sales figures for Redfin’s Central Islip market area, not the entire Town of Islip and not a verified ZIP-wide dataset. The price metric uses a rolling three-month period; it should not be described as September-only pricing.
A median is the middle sale price, not the arithmetic average.
The reported price was nearly flat year over year, while marketing time was somewhat longer. Those figures alone do not establish that Central Islip has become a buyer’s market. Property type, available competition, condition, price range and terms still matter.
For a purchase or sale, request a property-specific market analysis using comparable closed sales and current competing listings.
Comparing Central Islip Homes and Housing Options
Evaluate each listing on its own terms. Compare detached houses with similar detached houses. Compare condominium units with similar units and account for association costs and rules. Combining unlike properties can give a misleading impression of value.
For a house, consider usable interior space, lot layout, parking, heating and cooling, roof condition, maintenance and documented improvements.
For a condominium or other association property, review common charges, what those charges cover, financial documents, assessments and restrictions with the appropriate professionals.
Location within the community also changes the comparison. A home near the station may present a different daily routine from one closer to the Carleton Avenue and courthouse area.
Visit at the times you expect to travel, and assess actual access, traffic and sound rather than relying on a listing’s “close to everything” description.
Central Islip Schools and School District Information
The Central Islip Union Free School District lists eight schools: six elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.
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Central Islip High School: 85 Wheeler Road, Central Islip
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Ralph G. Reed Middle School: 200 Half-Mile Road, Central Islip
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Anthony Alfano Elementary School: 50 Wheeler Road, Central Islip
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Andrew T. Morrow Elementary School: 299 Sycamore Lane, Islandia
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Charles A. Mulligan Elementary School: 1 Broadway Avenue, Central Islip
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Cordello Avenue Elementary School: 51 Cordello Avenue, Central Islip
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Francis J. O’Neill Elementary School: 545 Clayton Street, Central Islip
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Marguerite Mulvey Elementary School: 44 East Cherry Street, Central Islip
Before making a housing decision, confirm the exact property’s district, assigned school, registration requirements and transportation eligibility with Central Registration, Residency & Enrollment.
The district’s main number is 631-348-5000.
An Islandia school address within this directory illustrates why municipal names and district boundaries should not be treated as identical.
Use the district’s curriculum, program, calendar and student-service information to evaluate the questions that matter to your household. This guide does not rank schools or guarantee assignment based on a ZIP code.
LIRR Service, Station Parking and Bus Transportation
Does Central Islip have a train station? Yes. Central Islip station is on the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch. The MTA describes it as accessible, with ramps and passenger-information systems.
For travel to Manhattan, compare the particular departures and transfers serving Penn Station or Grand Central Madison. Use the station page’s TrainTime link to plan your actual journey.
An advertised rail time does not include getting to the station, parking, waiting or reaching your final destination.
The MTA’s Central Islip parking and station-area map, dated March 2026, states that the station’s parking facilities are free and unrestricted, with no fee or permit required. The Town of Islip handles parking issues.
Follow posted signs and temporary restrictions when you visit; parking availability is not guaranteed.
Suffolk County Transit Route 17 links the Central Islip station with destinations including Town Center at Central Islip, the county and federal court area, East Islip, Islandia and Hauppauge.
Suffolk County Transit’s Route 17 page identifies connections with Routes 4, 6, 52A and 52B. Check the current route maps and schedules for transfer locations and service availability.
Roads, Driving and Airport Access
When evaluating an address, map its connections to Suffolk Avenue, Wheeler Road, Lowell Avenue and Carleton Avenue. For longer trips, compare the approaches to the Long Island Expressway, Southern State Parkway and Veterans Memorial Highway.
Test your route during your expected travel window. A short distance on a map can involve traffic lights, school traffic, railroad crossings or event traffic.
If you plan to commute by train, compare both the rail journey and the route home from the station.
Long Island MacArthur Airport is a regional air-travel option in the Town of Islip. Check its current destinations and schedules directly; this guide does not assume a particular nonstop route or promise a fixed drive time.
Parks, Golf and Outdoor Recreation
Gull Haven Golf Club — Central Islip
Gull Haven, at 1 Gullhaven Drive, is a nine-hole executive course. Its official website provides reservations, rates and course information.
Review current booking requirements and seasonal operations before visiting.
Central Islip Recreation Center — Central Islip
The Town of Islip parks and recreation directory lists the center at 555 Clayton Street, 631-436-6050.
Use the Town’s current program information to check activities, registration and eligibility.
Lakeland County Park — nearby Islandia
Lakeland County Park, at 220 Johnson Avenue, is a 70-acre county park with a nature trail and boardwalk through the Connetquot River headwaters.
The County describes the facility as accessible. Review current conditions and seasonal facilities before planning a visit.
Lakeland is a nearby destination, not a park within Central Islip. Fees, access policies and program availability should be checked with the operator.
Long Island Ducks Baseball and Things to Do
The Long Island Ducks play home games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark in Central Islip. The team’s official site provides schedules, tickets and event information. The ballpark address is 3 Court House Drive.
A useful way to explore the area is to combine a station-area visit, a meal along Suffolk Avenue or Wheeler Road, and a separately planned ballgame or golf outing. Seeing these destinations in person helps you judge how they fit into your routine.
Do not assume a stadium event is taking place on the day you visit. Check the ballpark’s official information for current policies and event details.
Central Islip Public Library and Community Resources
The Central Islip Public Library is located at 33 Hawthorne Avenue. It provides reading materials, digital resources and community programming.
Its Adult Services page describes digital learning and ebook resources, while the library calendar is the place to check upcoming activities.
Review library-card requirements and the eligibility rules for individual services and events. Library service areas and program restrictions should be confirmed directly rather than inferred from a real estate listing.
For municipal services, the Town of Islip Town Square links to property information, recreation programs, recycling calendars, permits and other resident resources.
Restaurants in Central Islip
The following businesses provide several starting points for exploring local dining. They are examples, not a ranked list or a claim of personal endorsement.
Tango Argentinian Steakhouse
99 West Suffolk Avenue, Central Islip
An option for Argentine steakhouse dining. Check its current menus and reservation arrangements.
Visit Tango Argentinian Steakhouse
Central Pizza
32 Wheeler Road, Central Islip
An option for pizza, Italian-style takeout and catering.
Migueleño Restaurant
146 Wheeler Road, Central Islip
Its menu includes pupusas, soups and other prepared dishes.
View Migueleño Restaurant’s menu
Pita & Pizza
1635 Islip Avenue, Central Islip
Its menu includes pizza, wings and additional casual meal options.
Restaurant links lead to business websites or online ordering pages. Confirm current menus, hours, seating and ordering arrangements directly.
Shopping and Everyday Errands
Shopping is part of the location decision, particularly if you expect to combine errands with your commute.
Target’s Central Islip store is at 160 North Research Place. Suffolk County Transit’s Route 17 also identifies Town Center at Central Islip among its destinations.
When touring a home, test the trip to your preferred supermarket, pharmacy and other regular stops. Check store hours and the actual pedestrian or driving route.
A retailer’s postal address is useful for navigation, but it does not establish school boundaries or the correct geography for housing statistics.
Central Islip History and Local Institutions
The former Central Islip State Hospital is an important part of the community’s history. The Town of Islip’s historical document collection includes material about the hospital and the area’s development.
Today’s local institutions also include Touro’s campus at 225 Eastview Drive. Touro’s account of its Central Islip campus expansion provides context for that presence.
Together with the court area and the ballpark, these destinations help explain why Central Islip has activity beyond its residential streets.
Historical material is background for understanding the community; it should not be used to infer the condition or permitted use of an individual property.
Property Taxes, Permits and Ownership Costs
There is no single property-tax amount that applies to every Central Islip home.
Start with the actual parcel’s current tax bill and assessment records through the Town of Islip Assessor and the tax resources linked from Town Square.
Compare taxes alongside insurance, utilities, maintenance, financing costs and any association charges.
Ask which exemptions appear on the seller’s bill and have their applicability reviewed for your circumstances. Do not assume every benefit transfers to a new owner.
For additions, finished space or a proposed rental, obtain the relevant records and professional guidance.
The Town’s Code Enforcement division handles rental occupancy permits for single- and two-family dwellings. A separate entrance or second kitchen is not proof that a space can legally be rented.
For flood-related questions, consult the Town’s Floodplain Management resources and obtain an address-specific insurance assessment. An inland location alone does not resolve drainage, flood or insurance questions.
Buying a Home in Central Islip
Build your search around both the property and your ordinary week. Before making an offer:
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Compare the house or unit with recent closed sales of similar properties.
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Review the current tax bill, likely insurance costs and any common charges.
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Confirm district and school assignment for the exact address.
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Test your commute, station access and regular errands.
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Review condition, documented improvements and the inspection findings.
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Have your attorney and other professionals review the documents relevant to the purchase.
Jack Cutrone can help you organize those comparisons and prepare a purchase strategy.
Start with the Long Island home-buying overview and first-time buyer guide.
Service members and veterans can also explore military relocation assistance.
Selling a Home in Central Islip
A community-wide median is background information. Your asking-price strategy should reflect your property’s location, condition, size, documented features and current competition.
As a Pricing Strategy Advisor, Jack starts with comparable properties and a plan for preparation, pricing and marketing. A renovated detached house and an association unit can serve different searches and require different comparisons.
Before listing, gather available records for improvements, taxes and major systems. Address questions early so buyers can understand what is being offered.
Learn about selling a Long Island home or request a Central Islip market analysis.
Investing in Central Islip Real Estate
An investment review should begin with the property’s legal use and documented operating costs.
Evaluate achievable rent using comparable rentals of similar size, condition and legal configuration. Include taxes, insurance, repairs, vacancy, management and association restrictions where applicable.
The Census rent figure earlier in this guide describes a multiyear statistical estimate. It is not a current rental comp or projected return.
Likewise, the presence of transportation, courts or a college campus does not establish occupancy, rental demand or profitability for a particular property.
Review proposed uses with the Town and qualified professionals before relying on rental income in a purchase decision.
Frequently Asked Questions About Central Islip
Where is Central Islip, New York?
Central Islip is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, on Long Island, New York. It is distinct from Islip, East Islip and Islip Terrace.
What is Central Islip’s ZIP code?
Central Islip commonly uses ZIP code 11722. A postal ZIP code does not necessarily match Census boundaries, a school district or a real estate website’s market area.
How much do homes cost in Central Islip?
Redfin reported a $561,732 median sale price for all home types over the three months ending September 2026. That market-wide figure does not determine the price of an individual house or condominium.
Does Central Islip have an LIRR station?
Yes. Central Islip station is on the LIRR’s Ronkonkoma Branch. Use the MTA station page and TrainTime to check departures, transfers, accessibility information and your complete journey.
Is parking free at Central Islip station?
The MTA’s station parking map dated March 2026 states that parking facilities are free and unrestricted, with no fee or permit required. Follow current posted signs and temporary restrictions; space is not guaranteed.
Which public schools serve Central Islip?
The Central Islip Union Free School District lists six elementary schools, Ralph G. Reed Middle School and Central Islip High School. Confirm the district and assigned school for a specific property directly with registration staff.
What is there to do in Central Islip?
Local destinations include Long Island Ducks games at Fairfield Properties Ballpark, Gull Haven Golf Club, the Central Islip Recreation Center and the Central Islip Public Library. Lakeland County Park is a nearby option in Islandia.
Where can I eat in Central Islip?
Examples include Tango Argentinian Steakhouse on West Suffolk Avenue, Central Pizza and Migueleño Restaurant on Wheeler Road, and Pita & Pizza on Islip Avenue. Check each business’s current menu and hours directly.
How do I check property taxes on a Central Islip home?
Use the exact parcel’s tax bill and Town of Islip assessment records. Review applicable exemptions and other property-specific costs before comparing the total expense of ownership.
Who can help me buy or sell in Central Islip?
Jack Cutrone, MRP, PSA, is a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with Patriot Real Properties serving Long Island buyers and sellers. Call 631-926-9592 or use the contact page to discuss your Central Islip plans.
Plan Your Next Step in Central Islip
Whether you are buying, preparing to sell or evaluating an investment, start with information specific to the property and your plans.
Jack can help you compare homes, understand recent sales and organize the next steps.
Jack Cutrone, MRP, PSA
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson
Patriot Real Properties
791 Middle Country Rd, Selden, NY 11784
Sources and Information Updates
Sources are linked beside the relevant information throughout this guide.
Demographics come from the U.S. Census Bureau; housing-market figures come from Redfin; school, transportation and municipal information comes from the relevant organizations. Restaurant links lead to business websites or online ordering pages.
Reviewed October 31, 2026. Market reports, schedules, businesses, programs and policies can change. For an individual property, confirm current records and obtain the professional advice appropriate to your transaction.