The allure of owning a spacious property in a tranquil neighborhood within the popular Syosset school district is what draws many buyers - who can afford it - to Woodbury.

This thriving community offers upscale shops, catering halls, restaurants, professional buildings and recreational areas. "There's about a mile and a half stretch on Jericho Turnpike where everyone does their shopping," said Shawn Elliott, a 12-year resident and owner-broker of Shawn Elliott Luxury Homes & Estates.

The Syosset-Woodbury Community Park is a town park with amenities including athletic fields, a pool and a skating rink. The Oyster Bay Golf Course is open to the public. Trail View State Park, also known as the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt, has hiking and biking trails.

Woodbury's ambiance is enhanced by some of the tracts of woodlands that remain. "The general atmosphere in the area lends itself to a nice life," said Maxine Hollander, a 20-year resident and associate broker at Benjamin Fine Homes & Estates.

Woodbury comprises many neighborhoods, some of which are named, including Woodbury Estates and Rolling Hills. There are gated communities: Hunters Run and Windemere. The area's housing stock includes ranch styles, capes, split-ranches, Colonials and contemporaries priced from $500,000 to $2.5 million, Elliott said, noting residents are spending an astronomical amount of money on renovations and restorations.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "People are spending $1.1 million for a house on an acre and knock it down to build new."

About eight new 4,000-square-foot to 5,000-square-foot Colonials being built will command the higher price range. "The market is very active," said Ed Gitlin, owner-broker of Benjamin Fine Homes and Estates. These homes command top dollar, he added. Hollander said Woodbury attracts buyers from neighboring areas who want to upgrade.

There are several condominium complexes in the community, including the luxury gated community of Eagle Chase. A new luxury community of 32 three-bedroom condos, called the Preserve, are priced from $1.25 million to $1.555 million.

There are also three senior Golden Age Housing developments - Woodbury Meadows, Woodbury Cove and Woodbury Gardens. Each has age, income and residency restrictions - and a waiting list.

-Lisa Doll Bruno (4/21/2006)