Located amid the central pine barrens of eastern Suffolk, the sprawling hamlet of Ridge covers about 13.2 square miles.

The area is dominated by large tracts of woods, including state conservation areas, that intertwine with neighborhoods old and new.

There are some convenience stores along Middle Country Road but no major local retailers, so residents usually shop in Rocky Point or Middle Island.

While Ridge is largely rural, "it's built up a lot since I was a kid," said Dina McCaffrey, co-owner of Ridge Country Realty Inc., who has spent most of her life there.

Neighborhoods throughout the sometimes rolling terrain feature newer homes, including Victorians as well as Colonials, contemporaries, ranches, high ranches and original cottages that sit on ample properties - some large enough to accommodate horses. There is one section of homes to the east that overlooks Lake Panamoka.

Ridge also is popular for its housing complexes for adults 55 and older, including Timber Ridge, Leisure Knoll and Leisure Village.

Residents can take advantage of the outdoors by hiking, horseback riding, fishing and hunting or golfing at public courses.

The Brookhaven Volunteer Firefighters Museum is on Route 25, and Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton is nearby.

- Lisa Doll Bruno (8/1/2003)