Medford, NY

Medford's beginnings were attached to development of the Medford Train Station in 1843. The community revolved around the station, and goods entering the region by train required merchants from neighboring hamlets to travel here to collect their merchandise; this led to Medford's nickname, "The Hub of Long Island." Medford experienced growth and development of new neighborhoods by the mid-to-late-20th century, with city dwellers purchasing land for future homes. Successful home, school and business development led to the blooming of contemporary Medford.

Medford has a number of arts-centered businesses. The Shimmy Shimmy Dance Studio on Route 112 teaches female adult dance classes in a number of more intimate styles, including ballet, burlesque and even belly dancing. Nominated as one of the top dance schools for adults in Long Island, the classes are great for a fun workout and to learn exciting dance techniques.

The restaurants in the Medford area feature an eclectic mix of Italian pizzerias, Asian cuisine, American-style steakhouses, seafood restaurants and much more. La Margherita Pizzeria & Restaurant on Station Road has been serving genuine pizza and Italian food to Medford residents for over 20 years. Incredibly spacious, the restaurant features booths towards the front and a big dining area in the back, both attended by friendly staff. While the hero sandwiches and pastas make great choices, the pizzas definitely steal the show, with a great balance of quality pizza dough, simple marinara sauce, homemade mozzarella cheese and plentiful toppings. In addition to the regular pies, locals enjoy the Sicilian, brick oven and specialty pizzas. The specialty pizzas come in unique varieties, such as the shrimp scampi pizza, which earns rave reviews.

Spice up your night with the authentic taste of the dishes served up by Mexican Grill 2000 on Route 112. Neighborhood diners love the large portions and the generous servings. Try the fish tacos or a chicken torta, also known as a Mexican sandwich. Find fresh pico, guacamole and sour cream to top off your meal at the restaurant's walk-up salsa bar. Grab a dozen tamales on your way home from work for a delicious, quick dinner.

The nightlife in Medford is mostly limited to its local bars, though its convenient location means neighboring Patchogue's famed nighttime happenings are a mere car ride away. To experience local bands and great beer specials, take a drive down to 89 North Music Venue off Ocean Avenue. Karaoke lovers can get their song on at the Lizard Lounge in nearby Bohemia.

Transportation in Medford centers around ever-present car travel. The area allows for easy access onto and off of Interstate 495, the Long Island Expressway. This major highway takes commuters and travelers to work places and destinations throughout Long Island. Route 112 passes through Medford and connects to neighboring hamlets as well as main highways. Horseblock Road is yet another important road in Medford, with many businesses residing along this thoroughfare. Though bike lanes are paved on some of these roads, lack of sidewalks and substantial traffic make biking or walking an imprudent decision.

Further public transportation options around Medford include taxi, train, bus and plane. Local cab companies such as Last Minute Taxi reliably serve Suffolk County including Medford, and residents can also opt to use Uber. Suffolk County Transit features several bus routes that pass through Medford, including the S61 bus that goes through the Medford Train Station. Medford Station, on the Long Island Railroad, has free parking and carries travelers by train as far as New York Penn Station. Well within driving distance from Medford, Long Island MacArthur Airport in nearby Ronkonkoma possesses a strong reputation as the most important airport in central Long Island.

Many of the local parks in Medford are designed with a sports focus in mind. Granny Road Park features baseball and football fields, a basketball court and plenty of free parking. Eagle Estates Park also has multiple baseball fields and a basketball court. The Country Farms Equestrian Center on Bellport Avenue in Medford teaches indoor and outdoor horseback riding lessons on its spacious farm. The Mill Pond Golf Course on Mill Road in Medford features a full 18 holes with a well-groomed fairway and challenging greens; beware of the frequent bunkers and water hazards.

Country Fair Entertainment & Event Park combines a gigantic play space full of all kinds of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. Fans of golfing at any skill level should head to the two mini-golf courses or to the driving range. A $1 token gets you 10 swings at the slow, medium or fastball batting cages; there's even the option for softball. Outdoor go-karts are a favorite of many, with $6 getting you into a race in either a single or double kart. A fierce game of blasting action awaits at the outdoor laser tag arena, near the picnic section. An arcade, carnival-style games, and a restaurant on the premises all add to the appeal of this popular family entertainment park in Medford.

Medford residents, like most residents in popular central Long Island, pay largely premium prices to live in the area. Compared to state averages, the cost of living in Medford sits at about 13 percent more expensive. Medford trumps the national cost of living by a moderate 38 percent. However, as compared to the rest of the town of Brookhaven, Medford comes as a relative bargain. Cheaper housing prices lead Medford's general cost of living to be about 7 percent less than the town average. Prospective residents can find a one-bedroom apartment in Medford for around $1200 a month.

Some of the daily costs of living in Medford such as goods, services, groceries, transportation and health care come on par with the town and only slightly higher than the state average. At only $2 for the full fare, transportation around Medford and surrounding local areas comes cheap via Suffolk County Transit bus services. Gas prices in Medford sit at only 11 percent higher than the national average. When going out for a drink in the Medford area, patrons can expect to pay about $6 per beer at the local bars and pubs.

Residents in Medford enjoy an abundance of quality shopping, with a host of flexible chain and independent stores to suit buyers' needs. Many of the stores in Medford cluster along Horseblock Road, Route 112 and other roads passing through the hamlet. Some of the important shopping centers in the area include Medford Plaza and the Sunshine Square Shopping Center, together housing dozens of stores and businesses.

For a more unique option, Sneaker Bistro Boutique sits just outside of the neighborhood on Medford Avenue. If the charming storefront doesn't lure you in on its own, then stop in to check out the one-of-a-kind clothing line or some of Nike's hottest selling products and more. The Bistro serves up all the trendiest streetwear with class.

Island Thrift on Southaven Avenue in Medford sells quality, name-brand clothing in good condition. Everything is well-organized by size and article of clothing, making it easy to browse the store's vast selection. They also bring in a consistent supply of new items all the time. Island Thrift is a great place for deal diving, with its droves of cost-effective leather jackets, formal wear, shirts, shoes and accessories.

Medford's grocery stores include popular franchises such as Stop & Shop as well as independently owned local food stores that sell more specialized items. A hidden gem, Associate's Gourmet Market on Route 112 prides itself on preparing the best meats in Medford. The butcher is extremely skilled and knowledgeable, and the friendly staff knows many of the customers on a first name basis. When ordering from the butcher, try the stuffed pork chops, complete with cooking directions. Besides meats to take home from the butcher, order freshly made sandwiches and salads or shop around in the groceries section; the shop even caters events.