Wyandanch

Community description: Wyandanch is "in between the major arteries of Long Island" in the heart of Suffolk County, says Rickey Hill, owner of Rickey Realty. Jaime Santiesteban, an associate broker and sales manager for Rickey Realty, says Wyandanch offers opportunities for first-time buyers and investors.

Condos: Hill says Wyandanch is not an area booming with condos and co-ops, but nearby Wheatley Heights has such properties.

Beautification-development: "The Town of Babylon is involved in revitalizing what is considered the downtown portion of Wyandanch and the commercial corridor," Hill says. "The idea is to give the area a facelift to attract new businesses and enrich the appearance of Straight Path."

Shopping: The revitalization project is aiming to improve the area's shopping. Right now, there is a Compare supermarket and several strip malls and shops near the downtown area by the train station.

Attractions: Hill says there are two parks where residents congregate on weekends - one on Mount Avenue and the other, which has a pool, on Grand Boulevard. A youth center has many programs.

-Lisa Doll-Bruno and Adam Abramson (6/22/2007)