Lake Grove, NY

Like many nearby communities, Lake Grove planted its genesis roots in the early 18th century along what is now New York State Route 25, Middle Country Road. In 1818, the community erected its first church building, named the First Congregational Church of New Village. The year 1870 saw the construction of its first post office, using horse and wagon to transport mail to and from Lakeland Station until 1883.

The community, having previously been given an assortment of names, finally settled on Lake Grove in the mid-19th century, named after the groves of trees near Lake Ronkonkoma. In the early 20th century, popularity in the area led to an influx of new housing developments; Lake Grove officially became incorporated in 1968, by a vote of 552 to 332. Arthur Holmes Howell, a noted zoologist known for documenting and confirming the extinction of the Gull Island Vole, hailed from Lake Grove.

Lake Grove's best restaurants rate favorably, combining flavor and value in the heart of the village. A Lake Grove fixture since the 1950s, The Good Steer stakes its claim as the foremost local spot for all things BBQ. The fresh meat is ground and smoked on site, and their famous crispy onion rings come piled up on every plate. For some classic BBQ flavor try the skirt steak, ribs or pulled pork. Those feeling adventurous ought to investigate the local favorite; dubbed the 'Cheese Dream,' its a massive burger topped with bacon, onion strings and Steer's creamy cheese sauce. Diners swear by the burger, and even tell tales of its cheesy awesomeness.

K60 Japanese Steakhouse, located on Middle Country Road in Lake Grove, has all your favorite Japanese hibachi and sushi food, with prices that are slightly more reasonable than comparable area options. Visitors love the sashimi platter, which is artfully presented and prepared fresh by an experienced sushi chef. On the hibachi side, the chefs put on a great show as they stoke the flames and elegantly perform traditional hibachi cooking wizardry. Perfect for the whole family, the K60 Japanese Steakhouse provides taste, value and a good time.

The nightlife in Lake Grove holds appeal for its proximity to a variety of locales. Head over to John Harvard's Brewery & Ale House in the Smith Haven Plaza for the best pumpkin spice beer on Long Island. Come during happy hour where everything is half off, and catch the big game on one of their large LCD televisions.

Transportation around Lake Grove comes easily when one considers its convenient location and reliable travel options. Unhindered access to important roadways such as Middle Country Road and the Long Island Expressway are key. The Suffolk County Transit runs the S57 bus route through Lake Grove and surrounding areas, including a handy stop at the popular Smith Haven Mall. If you need a local driving service, feel free to use the growing Uber driver base. Plenty of public parking in the area ensures you can get to where you need to go.

Middle Country Road features bike lanes across the length of the route, but these are seldom used due to the inherent danger of the sometimes congested streets. One's best bet is recreational walking and/or biking around the pristine grounds of the apartment complexes and parks, rather than biking as a means of commuting into the shop or work locations. The bordering hamlet of Lake Ronkonkoma also provides Long Island Railroad Service, which stands as the easiest and most efficient way to New York City as it takes you right into Penn Station.

Lake Grove's suite of parks provide the perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty afforded by living in this community. Whether for leisure, sport or social occasion, Lake Grove has a park that fits what you seek.

Lake Grove has a beautiful Village Green, often used as a gathering place for special resident events such as concerts, where families can pull up lawn chairs as they listen and relax. One can also go there to reflect, with a veteran's memorial and a newly constructed 9/11 memorial garden in place. Robert J. Henke's Nature Preserve, named after a former Lake Grove mayor, invites all to come and walk through its striking natural setting and well-kept paths.

For the sports-inclined residents, several basketball, baseball and tennis courts are scattered throughout the area. Children's playgrounds allow a place to get outdoors and play with a son or daughter, and can be found throughout Lake Grove, with one in Robert J. Henke's Nature Preserve.

For those looking to fully enjoy the cultural experience in Lake Grove, be sure to make it out to one of the events and festivals held throughout the year. Annually, residents have the opportunity to attend the local Harvest Festival and Halloween celebration. Sponsored by the Village of Lake Grove, the festival is held at Kelly Park in Lake Grove and promotes costume contests, pumpkin picking, hay rides and a petting zoo.

Lake Grove residents pay above-average costs for the benefits of living in the area. The cost of living in Lake Grove is moderately greater than the national average, and slightly greater than the state average. Costs of goods, groceries and transportation compare favorably to state averages, but exceed national averages. Lake Grove sits virtually on par with the rest of the Town of Brookhaven in terms of cost of living, with a slightly lower than average housing cost. Comfortable apartment complexes populate Lake Grove, with valuable amenities typically included. A one-bedroom apartment in Lake Grove commonly ranges from about $1,000 - $1,500 per month.

Headlining the shopping experience in Lake Grove is the Smith Haven Mall, the most renowned shopping mall in the entire "Mid Island" region of Long Island. Opened in 1969, the Smith Haven Mall has grown to become an integral center of commerce in central Long Island. Famously, the mall is home to celebrity chef Bobby Flay's first Bobby's Burger Palace, which opened there in 2008. The mall attracts customers from both near and far, who come to walk around and shop at its more than 140 stores.

For shopping at a boutique, Smith Haven Mall houses Francesca's, a store selling clothing, bags, shoes and jewelry. Also in the mall, the Solstice Sunglass Boutique carries designer and luxury sunglasses for both men and women. On Middle Country Road, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse sells luxury brand shoes for kids, women and men.

Grocery shopping options include a Fairway Market, a Whole Foods Market and a Trader Joe's in Lake Grove. A quick drive to Ronkonkoma takes you to a well-regarded family-run farmer's market called Thera Farms. Operated from their own backyard, the Thera family specializes in fresh vegetables, fruits and eggs. Everything is grown by the family themselves, without damaging chemicals. Best of all, Thera Farms stays open from 9 AM to 8 PM every day of the week.