Wainscott is not far from the big three: East Hampton, Southampton and Sag Harbor villages. For this reason, its location is desirable, says Victoria Van Vlaanderen of the Bridgehampton office of Town & Country Real Estate.



And though small, Wainscott has a "village" or commercial district of its own. Just last month, a specialty boutique called Bellhaus opened on Montauk Highway. The grand opening was hosted by Hamptonites Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. "It [Wainscott] is coming back into its own," Van Vlaanderen adds.



Bound by the ocean to the south and by Georgica Pond to the East, Wainscott is also home to a one-room schoolhouse (grades 1 to 3). There's one other in the state, and it happens to be located in neighboring Sagaponack. Though a bit more rural than its Hampton cousins, when it comes to real estate prices Wainscott is right there with the others. To break in, it will cost between $800,000 and $900,000, says Jeanine Edington of RE/MAX Beach Properties in Southampton. Of 53 listings Edington accessed, the highest-priced house - $19.95 million - is Goose Creek, which is featured on this page.



Rentals: They run the gamut - a one month rental can go for $12,000 while a seasonal rental (Memorial Day to Labor Day) can cost as much as $400,000.



Shopping: Boutiques and eateries are scattered throughout the South Fork.



Attractions: The beach. Interested in surfing, kayaking, windsurfing or kite boarding? The Main Beach Surf and Sport on Montauk Highway offers lessons, equipment rentals and tours. The East Hampton Indoor Tennis has outdoor courts. Art galleries are spread throughout the region.



SOURCES: Claritas 2008 estimates, Long Island Rail Road, Mapquest



*For a complete report card on each district, go to newsday.com/real estate.







Town: East Hampton



Area: 6.9 square miles



Population: 498



Wainscott school district enrollment: 14*(grades 1-3)



Spending per pupil: Not available



Median age: 47.03



Median household income: $65,132



Median home value: Not available



LIRR time to NYC: From East Hampton, 2 hours, 41 minutes at peak.



Monthly ticket: $356



Hampton Jitney: makes stops in Wainscott



Distance to midtown: About 98 miles







High-end



$19,995,000



Goose Creek - where celebrity A-listers, including actress Geena Davis, musician Paul McCartney and actor Danny Glover have been guests - remains for sale. Overlooking Georgica Pond, the 25,000-square-foot house rests on 5 1/2 acres. Amenities include a 110-seat screening room, an indoor pool and spa and an outdoor pool. There are eight bedrooms and 11 1/2 bathrooms. Susan Breitenbach, The Corcoran Group, 631-875-6000.



Trade-up



$2,850,000



An electric gate opens to this 5.3-acre property, where there's a fountain and a circular driveway in front of the 3,800-square-foot contemporary. Inside is a new kitchen with Wolf appliances, a built-in cappuccino machine, pale green granite countertops, distressed black wood cabinets and a picture window. The interior also is outfitted with three fireplaces and five sets of French doors that lead to a covered porch overlooking a new heated gunite pool and spa. There are two master suites and three



bedrooms with en-suite baths. There are 5 1/2 bathrooms (all are new except for one).



Amenities include a lighted tennis court. Victoria Van Vlaanderen, Town & Country Real Estate, Bridgehampton, 516-840-3836.



Starter



$995,000



Set on more than a half-acre with a heated pool, this 10-room contemporary-style ranch - more than 2,200 square feet - features an open floor plan. Across the back of the house - including the kitchen, living and dining rooms and master bedroom - are sliding glass doors that access the yard. A center fireplace separates the dining area from the great room. The windows in the house tilt in and out, and most of the floors are wood. There are two bathrooms and three bedrooms. Jeanine Edington, RE/MAX Beach Properties, Southampton, 917-359-9992.