In the serene coastal town of Atlantic Beach on Long Island, residents take pleasure in the simplicity of their surroundings. Located just 25 miles outside of bustling Manhattan, a sign advertising the upcoming E-ZPASS toll booths stands, beckoning drivers to pay the $3 toll in cash for entry into this charming area. With three restaurants, three delis, two bars, a newly opened café and boutique, a boardwalk, and a post office, Atlantic Beach exudes a delightful retro theme, complemented by its quaint residential community of approximately 1,800 locals. However, the true gems of this town lie in its 10 waterfront beach clubs, which scatter across nearly 200 acres of the island. Despite recent rumors circulating among Wall Street professionals that Atlantic Beach may become the “new Hamptons,” the locals adamantly deny any resemblance. They have consistently resisted any construction that does not align with the village’s character.
Once described as a “Genuine ‘Old New York’ paradise,” Atlantic Beach residents are satisfied with their beach-centric lifestyle. The beach clubs offer convenient access to the town’s private beaches for the summer, complete with cabanas, lockers, and pre-set chairs. Stu Yachnowitz, owner of The Sands Beach Club, passed down through generations since 1976, asserts that people visit Atlantic Beach solely for its pristine beaches. While the town lacks in restaurant options, locals are content with making the 12-minute drive to Long Beach for any other services and entertainment they may desire.
Yachnowitz passionately describes the efforts he made to rebuild The Sands Beach Club from scratch after Hurricane Sandy devastated the area in 2012. Investing his retirement funds into the club, he managed to salvage his father’s legacy, successfully reopening the establishment with all-new amenities and facilities. The club thrived even during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a sense of community and fostering enduring friendships among members.
Gerard Foster, a lifelong resident of Atlantic Beach, shares Yachnowitz’s sentiment about the town’s seaside appeal. The tightly-knit community fosters neighborliness, with an increasing number of people choosing to stay in Atlantic Beach year-round. Beautiful homes line Bay Boulevard, featuring shingle-style architecture reminiscent of the Hamptons, alongside the classic Mediterranean-inspired structures.
Jill Kaplan, manager of the New York Beach Club, acknowledges the allure of the Hamptons but emphasizes the convenience of Atlantic Beach, which is just a 40-minute drive from Manhattan. In addition to its accessibility, the town imports palm trees every season, enhancing its unique ambiance. The New York Beach Club, with its capacity to accommodate 1,200 people, stands as one of the few oceanfront restaurants in Atlantic Beach and already has a waitlist for next year.
Tom and Cassie Justice, owners of Sea City Vintage, a recently opened coffee shop and boutique, recognize the potential of Atlantic Beach to rival the Hamptons. They point out the available private beaches, beach clubs, homes for sale, and yacht slips that entice those seeking a luxurious coastal retreat. As business owners, they acknowledge the benefits of increased commerce, but they also understand the concerns of locals about the invasion of Wall Street professionals. Nonetheless, the area’s burgeoning boutique scene suggests a promising future.
The real estate market of Atlantic Beach supports the notion of its burgeoning popularity. Sale prices have soared in recent years, with a record-breaking listing at 139 Bayside Drive hitting the market for $11.5 million. While some residents believe the pricing to be unreasonable for the neighborhood, they acknowledge that property values have doubled in the past few years.
Despite these developments, Atlantic Beach remains a cherished haven for its locals. Its paradise-like beach, short commute to Manhattan, and strong sense of community continue to attract and satisfy those who call it home.
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