Thursday, October 1, 2026
For generations of Long Islanders, Merrick has represented the ideal South Shore lifestyle: waterfront living, tree-lined suburban streets, a direct commute to Manhattan and a strong sense of community that keeps families rooted for decades.
Situated in the heart of Nassau County, Merrick attracts buyers seeking luxury waterfront estates, historic charm and proximity to both New York City and the beach.
Few know Merrick’s evolution better than the mother-son real estate team of Louise and Seth Pitlake of Douglas Elliman, who have spent three decades helping buyers and sellers navigate one of Long Island’s most desirable residential markets.
“We’ve been selling real estate here for a long time. I grew up here,” Seth said. “We’re mother and son, and we’ve been a team with Douglas Elliman now for 30 years.”
That deep local knowledge gives the Pitlakes a unique perspective on what continues to draw buyers to Merrick.
“Merrick is basically a very small, large town,” Seth said. “We have a lot of different neighborhoods, that all put together make Merrick what it is.”
The community has long been prized as a commuter haven for Manhattan professionals who want suburban comfort without sacrificing accessibility.
“We’ve always been that bedroom community to Manhattan,” Louise said. “We’re suburban enough that people feel it’s a little more relaxed here, but we are 45 minutes from the city and 45 minutes from the Hamptons, so we’re kind of in the middle of the South Shore.”
The Long Island Rail Road’s Babylon Branch remains one of Merrick’s strongest selling points. According to Seth, access to both Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal continue to make the area attractive to professionals, executives and hybrid workers.
“Commuting has always been one of the features of living in Merrick,” Seth said.
Yet Merrick’s appeal extends beyond convenience. The community offers a fascinating blend of architectural history and modern luxury development.
“Merrick has a lot of history,” Louise said.
The famed Gable Section remains one of Merrick’s most distinctive neighborhoods. Inspired by architecture popularized during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the enclave traces its roots to the film industry.
“In the 1920s, a couple of developers came out to Long Island and decided they were going to build a community reminiscent of the California Mediterranean-style homes for the actors that were coming to Astoria studios,” Louise said.
Among the notable names associated with the area were Gloria Swanson and Clark Gable.
Today, the Gable Section remains one of Merrick’s most architecturally charming and historically rich neighborhoods, blending restored homes with tasteful renovations and modern additions.
Another unique neighborhood is Tiny Town, a circular residential enclave originally established as a Methodist summer campground in the 19th century.
“They used to have the revival meetings there,” Seth said. “It’s built in the shape of a circle — concentric circles built like a wheel.”
Originally composed of tiny cottages and narrow lanes, Tiny Town has evolved into one of Merrick’s most coveted residential pockets.
“The property values have gone up so much that most of the small houses have either been expanded on or built up,” Louise said. “It’s turned into one of the most desired neighborhoods to live in.”
Merrick’s waterfront lifestyle continues to command premium prices and intense demand. “Waterfront is one of the premier features of living on the South Shore,” Seth said.
Merrick offers calm bayfront access, ideal for powerboats, jet skis and recreational boating.
“When you live on the bayfront, you’re looking out at the lights of Ocean Parkway,” Seth said. Many homes offer private docks, canal access, and panoramic bay views.
“They love being able to look out from our open bay homes here and seeing Jones Beach, the Jones Beach Theater, seeing the needle,” he said. “That’s our view.”
The waterfront market has appreciated, with luxury homes regularly surpassing multimillion-dollar price points.
“Seeing a two in front of the house on the waterfront is not unique anymore,” Louise said.
Even inland neighborhoods have experienced rising values. “In today’s market, people are buying at good values and renovating because they want this location,” Seth said.
One neighborhood that continues to attract attention from commuters and families is Merrick Woods.
“Merrick Woods is actually a little bit north of the railroad,” Louise said. “It looks just like the North Shore because of the foliage.”
The area’s walkability and mature landscaping create a distinct atmosphere. “You could walk to the train, to town, to any place,” Seth said. “People coming from the city love it.”
Beyond the neighborhoods themselves, residents are drawn to Merrick’s balance of recreation, shopping and coastal living. The Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve offer walking trails, kayaking access and sweeping bay views, while Jones Beach, Point Lookout and Lido Beach sit just minutes away.
“You have access to everything from Merrick,” Seth said. “You’re close to everything. It’s just a nice place to live and a nice place to be.”
For the Pitlakes, Merrick’s greatest luxury may ultimately be its staying power — a community where families return generation after generation.
“It’s a neighborhood that everyone can feel comfortable living in,” Seth said, “and know that they can be here forever and not miss anything.”
Herald Content Studio articles are produced by the Herald’s marketing division and independent of the newsroom. The Herald may be compensated by featured companies or purchases made through these articles, which does not constitute the Herald’s endorsement.
