Three Under $500,000

Want the cachet of a house in the Hamptons, but lack the cash? Fear not: You can still impress your friends by setting your sights west of the Shinnecock Canal.

East Hampton bluebloods may beg to differ, but the Hamptons officially extend to Eastport, the western boundary of Southampton Town. So although you’re less likely to brush elbows with Alec, Sir Paul or Madonna there, you can still enjoy a certain status quo in Quogue.

“Traditionally, prices in Southampton and points east have been higher,” said Frank Butz of South Fork Realty, who’s been a real estate agent in the Hampton Bays area for 44 years. He doesn’t see a legitimate reason for that. “West of the canal has more water access, with three Bays—Shinnecock, Peconic and Tiana—and more public access to ocean beaches with adequate parking for residents and guests,” he pointed out, also noting a plethora of waterfront restaurants.

Another great incentive to buy west of the canal, Mr. Butz said, is closer proximity to Manhattan—as well as being able to escape the summer gridlock on Route 27 that grows considerably worse in eastern Southampton Town.

Recently Mr. Butz searched the Multiple Listing Site, or MLS, which is commonly used by agents, and found 101 homes for sale for $500,000 or less west of the canal in the Hampton Bays, East Quogue, Flanders, Westhampton and Westhampton Beach areas.

“This area enjoys all the same benefits of living in the Town of Southampton,” he said, also cautioning to look quickly because houses in the $500,000-and-under range “sell briskly,” usually within 90 to 120 days.

So go ahead! Take that extra half a mill just sitting in your bank account, and buy yourself a home in Southampton, just west of the Shinnecock Canal. Here are just three examples, all of them turnkey:

This three-bedroom, three-bathroom 1995 Victorian-style home is set on an almost-acre (.96), across from a greenbelt. The eat-in-kitchen features granite counters, stainless appliances, and custom cabinets. There is a wood-burning fireplace, and a pellet stove, in the living and dining rooms respectively, a master bath with a deep soaking tub, plus an in-ground pool and shed on the property. Listed with Gateway to the Hamptons. $499,900.

A raised ranch with four bedrooms and three baths, open living space, vaulted ceilings, and wood floors. There is a carpeted, finished basement with extra room for play, an attached garage and room for a pool. Listed with Corcoran. $499,000.

Million-dollar panoramic views over the Shinnecock and Peconic all the way to the ocean are the calling card at this boxy four-bedroom contemporary. The home has two master bedrooms, two sets of balconies, and wooden floors throughout. But it’s the view that makes this listing extra special. Listed with South Fork Realty. $499,000.