Babylon Village vs West Islip

OK, DH and I have been looking for a house since September 2011..We started browsing at houses in 2009 when we got engaged but we weren't ready to buy then...we went to a few open houses then just to learn what we want and to get an idea of prices.

We've primarily looked at Babylon Village and though we've opened ourself to other towns such as Seaford and Wantagh, we end up still focusing on Babylon Village. Since September, we haven't bought a house because there is always something - a house will either lack a garage (alot of the homes in the Village were built without garages and a garage is a must for us), is too small, etc. There were 2 houses in the Village that we liked this year..Unfortunately, both were overpriced, both sellers refused to lower their prices and both listings expired. Go figure.

What is frustrating is that in 2009, there were a few colonials in the Indian Section with 4 beds, 2.5 baths and 2 car garages that sold that we would have bid on had we been seriously ready to buy then... This year, nothing in that area with those features has popped up.

Now, we looked at a few house in W. Islip right but right by Rt. 231. I won't go too far from Rt. 231 because we need the LIRR. If we lived near the intersection of Montauk Highway and Rt. 231 we could be just 1 mile away from the LIRR and since there are parts of Babylon Village that are 1 mile away from the LIRR, we figured it won't make a difference time wise. If we lived in West Islip (close to Rt. 231) we could easily drive or even walk to Babylon Village's bars and restaurants. And we wouldn't pay a village tax which is nice.

Any thoughts on the two school districts? From what I hear and read they are both good. What about the neighborhoods themselves? Any major differences? TIA!

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

We are in W Islip and Lived in W babylon for a few years before moving here. Been going to the Village for a while and love it over there.

We looked at a few house in Bab Village and the truth is the ones that were within the price range we wanted to spend, were way too small, house and property size and then of course there's the extra tax.

We are just under 2 miles from the babylon train station. Buying a little further out made the prices that much less which freed up $$ to make the renovations we wanted.

WE LOVE it here. I keep saying I've never met such nice people. Our neighbors are so friendly and helpful. I refer to it as Mr. Rogers Neighborhood lol

From what I found out the school system is spectacular. Between research and asking people from the area. Babylon Village schools are pretty much the same, but again - you are paying even more in taxes bc of the village tax.

If you are looking in W. Islip. There are a few homes right by me for sale. We are right off Montauk so obviously way south of Union. 2of which are fairly new construction w/ a Garage.

GL!

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

My husband and I both grew up in West Islip and then bought a house here. We love it! I like that we are close to the village and able to enjoy it without paying the taxes. Let me know if you have any questions about the area or any houses!

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

I think they are both fantastic and they are fairly equal in terms of school district. The 'downside' is that both seem to lack some diversity, but that's not an insurmountable issue. I personally prefer Babylon - but only because I really like smaller districts and West Islip is considerably larger than Babylon. But there are a lot of benefits to being in a larger district.

I'm not much help, am I??

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

Thanks everyone! It sounds like they are equally nice towns with good school districts except that Babylon's is smaller. We would prefer Babylon Village but are looking in West Islip too. If something we love pops up in West Islip close enough to the LIRR, we would definitely make an offer.

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

I live in WI and my brother is in Babylon village. Both nice places to live. You might want to look in the Parkwood section of WI - I love that area and very close to the village (it is just east of Rt 231 north of Montauk). Very nice little neighborhood. I live a little further north and east and it takes me about five minutes to drive to the village/train. I think the schools in WI might have more as the district is bigger. I've heard a few people tell me that they are not crazy about BV schools but I guess it depends what you're looking for. The high school and middle school are in one building, and there is one lower elementary and one upper elementary.

I don't think you can go wrong with either area - both are very nice.

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

We were in the same position as you 5 years ago. DH needs the LIRR. I loved the Indian section in Babylon, we wound up buying in West Islip. I love the schools and I have to say it is a really great community. I have met some wonderful people here. I have to say the community really rallies around each other. DH and I considered possibly moving further west for his commute (he works long hours) but we are so happy here we have decided to stay. I agree with the Parkwood recommendation it is very nice. We live North of Union but South of Sunrise. It is a short ride for DH to the train.

ETA - We are about 2 miles from the train. DH and I will bike into Babylon to go out at night.

Message edited 4/29/2012 8:35:00 AM.

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

I also live in West Islip. I am 2 blocks north of Union (south of sunrise). My husband also commutes into the city. If you are a Babylon Village resident you can park there everyone else has to pay $60 a month to park. So for now he is taking the train out of deer park (Udall all the way to the end) its about a 10 min car ride.

So the downfall of not living in the village is having to pay to park.

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

I live in Bab village- I renting looking to purchase soon

I think its really what you want your life style to be

I love being able to walk places- I walk everywhere

for me this is must- so I would prefer to stay in the village- I am willing to pay a bit more in taxes for this

Message edited 4/30/2012 4:51:51 PM.

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

Thanks everyone.

Beth- maybe we will be neighbors one day. I check the MLS every day but if you happen to get any exclusive listings in Babylon Village, please let me know (if you remember).

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip

Re: Babylon Village vs West Islip