East Hampton

Steeped in history, East Hampton Village exudes charm, with a landscape punctuated by trees, beaches, historic landmarks, traditional homes and a windmill.

According to easthamptonvillage.org, the village, settled in 1648, "is one of the few places where the original design of a 17th century New England agricultural plantation is still so evident." Restaurants, galleries and boutiques add to the allure.

"The population swells threefold in the summer," says Judi Desiderio, chief executive of Town & Country Real Estate. Nonresident beach permits are sold out for this season, she adds. Many homes are on the National Register of Historic Places. Buyers can find ranches, Victorians, postmoderns and mansions. Prices north of Montauk Highway start at about $1 million, while it takes $4 million to buy south of the highway, and that can be for a tear-down, Desiderio notes. A high-end residence north of the highway can start between $8 million and $10million and those south can soar beyond $20 million.

Rentals: $50,000 to $800,000 for the season. There's almost nothing left in the village, Desiderio says.

Shopping: Two words - Main Street.

Attractions: There are five beaches in the village, including Main Beach, voted one of the country's best in 2007, according to travelwithkids .com. Historic sites include Clinton Academy, the state's first college prep school, and Mulford Farm, an original homestead. Herrick Park, the Maidstone Club and local events are part of the scene.