Leisure Knoll

Leisure Knoll is a private, gated 55+ community in Ridge, New York — part of Brookhaven Township on eastern Long Island — established in 1972 and affectionately known as the "Garden of Friendship." The community is made up of 701 single-family ranch-style homes built in phases between 1972 and 1982, set along quiet streets and well-kept grounds just off William Floyd Parkway near Whiskey Road. Most homes are detached; a small number of one-bedroom residences are semi-attached. Floor plans range from roughly 650 to 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms and one or two baths being the norm, and signature models throughout the community include the East Hampton, Westport, Heather, Danbury, and Walden. All homes have a one-car garage, central air conditioning, washer/dryer, and are built on owned land (fee-simple), giving residents the low-maintenance lifestyle of a planned community without the complexity of a condo or co-op. Leisure Knoll is self-governed as a not-for-profit Home Owners Association, run by a seven-member Board of Directors elected by the homeowners and supported by an on-site administrative office and maintenance staff. Rules and architectural guidelines — outlined in the community's "Blue Book" resident handbook — are strictly enforced to protect home values and preserve the look of the neighborhood. The monthly common charge of $305 is unusually inclusive for Long Island: it covers lawn maintenance, snow removal, basic family cable TV, basic internet, trash removal, water, sewer, gate-guard security, community bus service, and the upkeep of all common facilities. Because homeowners own their homes outright, interior and structural maintenance is the owner's responsibility, which keeps the common charge low while still delivering true low-maintenance exterior living. Security is a hallmark of the community — the front gate closes at 11 p.m. (with code access after hours) and a security guard patrols the community throughout the night. Social and recreational life centers on the Recreation Center at 108 Sheffield Drive and a separate Craft Center at 111 Sheffield Drive. The clubhouse houses an auditorium/ballroom, library, billiards room, card room, game room, fitness center with cardiovascular and weight equipment, and even a small movie theater. Outdoors, residents enjoy a heated saltwater pool with a lifeguard on duty during the season, tennis and pickleball courts, bocce courts, shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, a golf driving net, and walking and biking paths that wind throughout the property. A community bus takes residents to local shopping, which is especially helpful for those who no longer want to drive. The social calendar is deep and genuinely active. Resident-run clubs and activities include an Artist Club, Bible Study, billiards, bingo, bowling, bridge, ceramics, chair yoga, chess, dominoes, knitting, poker, and frequent group trips off-property. This is a close-knit community where neighbors know each other — long-tenured residents are common, and the multi-generational tenure (original owners, long-time families, and newer retirees) gives the place a settled, welcoming feel rather than the polished sheen of a brand-new master-planned development. Location is a major draw. Leisure Knoll sits in the heart of eastern Long Island with easy access to Long Island Wine Country, the Hamptons, Montauk, Port Jefferson's waterfront village, Tanger Outlets in Riverhead (about 15 minutes), and Long Island's North and South Shore beaches. Manhattan is roughly 65 miles west, with LIRR service from Port Jefferson or — for more direct trains — Ronkonkoma. Grocery stores (Stop & Shop, King Kullen), pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), and medical providers including Peconic Bay Medical, Island Medical Care, and Horseblock Medical are all within a short drive. For buyers who want a mature, affordable, amenity-rich 55+ community on Long Island with low all-in monthly costs and a strong sense of neighborhood, Leisure Knoll is one of the most established options in Suffolk County.