Amagansett

Community description: Amagansett - the last hamlet before Montauk - is often cited as a family oriented community. And because the South Fork narrows here, it is easy to navigate on foot. "Of all the towns in the Hamptons, this is the one where you don't need a car," says Christopher Chapin of Prudential Douglas Elliman in East Hampton. The real estate market has rocked the headlines with transactions that included Jerry Seinfeld's $32-million purchase of Billy Joel's house in 2000 and more recently Wall Street veteran Ron Baron's purchase of a 40-acre residential parcel for a record-breaking $103 million. Still, buyers can break into the market for less than $1 million. Taxes start below $2,000 and go up from there.

Condos and co-ops: Both start in the high $300,000 range

Seasonal rentals: Start at about $30,000 (May to September)

New construction: There is some, including a 6,700- square-foot traditional on the Bell Estate on Southwood Court, priced at $6.75 million. According to the Multiple Listing Service of Long Island's Web site, a three-bedroom house priced at $799,000 will soon be built in the Devon area.

Attractions: There are two beaches: Atlantic Avenue Beach and Indian Wells Beach, as well as a few restaurants and the shops along Main Street. Some of the best wind surfing can be found at Napeague Harbor, says Chapin. For camping and other outdoor activities, there is Hither Hills State Park in Montauk.

-Lisa Doll-Bruno (9/14/2007)