Long Island Proud: The Treasure Hamptons Real Estate Truly Is

During the real estate bubble burst in 2007 to 2008 I interviewed Bridgehampton National Bank CEO Kevin M. O’Connor. When I asked him about the high-priced Hamptons real estate he said, “T.J., as long as that ocean is there, Hamptons real estate will be a strong investment.”

At the time prices were in a free-fall and banks were failing. Yet BNB was having a record year (thus the interview) but I remember how confident Kevin was saying that more than 11 years ago.

So here we are with CPF funds lower then last year; they are indicators I use for real estate climate in the Hamptons and this year's sales are not robust. With the uncertainty of markets, trade and politics the one thing that remains constant is the value in owning East End property.

Now I am not paid to write this nor do I have connections to Hamptons real estate. I write this only because I love the East End and all it offers in terms of quality of life. That being the beaches, the parks, the local-grown food, the local loyal people who protect it, the local government that sorts things out, and most of all, just the plain beauty of the place.

I was a lost soul sinking like a boulder in an endlessly deep stink pond when I landed by accident on the East End almost 20 years ago. Bitter, broke and broken. One by one those three things changed in my life because perhaps time heals all — but even more so, because time in the right place with the right people heals it so much better.

So when you are thinking of buying in the Hamptons or selling to leave remember me saying this: “The East End of Long Island is as good as a quality of life can get. Billionaires pay huge sums to try to capture of few weeks of what the locals have every day. The magic of being near the ocean along with the peaceful back-road drives, sunset sails, backyard grills, front porch cold beers, and wonderful neighbors.

T.J. Clemente is a Patch columnist.