Calverton is a rural community graced with farmland, recreational areas and a few popular landmarks, including Miloski's Poultry Farm. But for decades the area was largely defined by Grumman Corp., which had extensive operations.

The former Grumman property, owned by the Town of Riverhead, is being redeveloped.

Although Calverton lacks a downtown, a few shops, including an antiques store, have opened on Route 25 behind J&R's Steak House, said Peggy Von Bernewitz, associate broker at Little Bay Realty in Wading River. Neighborhoods feature mostly ranches as well as capes, Colonials and Victorians - generally valued from $250,000 to $500,000 - on spacious properties, said David Lunenfeld, owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Premier Homes in Wading River. "It's a great place for people looking for a first home," Lunenfeld said, noting the North Fork and Riverhead are nearby.

Though there has been some spot building, new homes can be found in neighboring Baiting Hollow, which shares the same ZIP code, Von Bernewitz said. Mobile and manufactured homes, priced from about $40,000 to $125,000, can be found as well. Windcrest, an upscale retirement community for adults 55 and older, is being built off Middle Road. Prices are in the $500,000-to-$600,000 range.

Grumman Memorial Park on Route 25 features Grumman memorabilia. Calverton also is home to the 1,052-acre National Cemetery. Splish Splash water park is located here, too. Other activities include fruit picking, horseback riding, golfing and skydiving.

- Lisa Doll Bruno (3/17/2006)