Riverhead’s Wine Country Renaissance is Sparking a New Wave of East End Relocations
Long Island’s East End is experiencing an unprecedented transformation as Riverhead, named by Forbes as one of the Top 50 Travel Destinations in 2023, becomes the epicenter of a wine country relocation boom. This year marks 50 years since the first wine-centric vines were planted on Long Island, and today the region’s 3,000 acres of vineyards produce more than half a million cases of wine annually, creating new opportunities for those seeking to relocate to this thriving agricultural paradise.
The Gateway to Wine Country Living
Known as the “Gateway to the Forks,” Riverhead is rich in agricultural heritage and early American history. The town sits strategically where the North and South Forks split with the Peconic River running through town, making it an ideal launching point for wine country enthusiasts. The North Fork extension off of Riverhead is home to the award-winning Long Island Wine Country, where acres and acres of vines account for over 60 wineries that stretch all the way to the easternmost of the North Fork, with the region having a similar maritime climate to the classic Bordeaux Region of France.
This unique positioning has created a surge in real estate interest. Homes in Riverhead range from $74,999 to $3,999,000 with a median home price of $550,000, and the average sale price for homes over the last 12 months is $579,787, up 3% from the previous year. There are currently 221 homes for sale in Riverhead with a median price of $580,833, which is an increase of +2.8% since last year.
Development Driving Relocation Opportunities
The wine country boom isn’t just about vineyards—it’s creating substantial development opportunities throughout the region. Based on November 2024 data, Long Island’s real estate market continues to be active, with the median sale price of a home on Long Island reaching $716,000, a 10.1% increase compared to the same time last year. This growth is particularly pronounced in areas like Riverhead, where revitalization projects in downtown Riverhead are strengthening the local economy.
According to the Long Island Association, 37% of all Long Island real estate sales in 2023 included buyers from NYC, with Suffolk County seeing an 11% rise in residential purchases in 2024 by NYC buyers. The ongoing trend of remote work and flexible arrangements is driving demand for Long Island real estate, with more people able to work from home seeking spacious homes and larger properties with outdoor spaces, which favors Long Island’s housing market where such properties are more readily available compared to crowded urban settings.
Moving to Wine Country: What You Need to Know
For those considering a move to Riverhead’s wine country, choosing the right moving partner is essential. When relocating to this unique region, working with a trusted moving company riverhead ensures your transition to wine country living goes smoothly.
Dunbar Moving is a full-service, fully licensed and insured moving company located in Stony Brook, New York in Suffolk County, Long Island. They are Long Island movers who know the island and care about their clients. The company has been servicing Long Island as a full service local moving company for over 30 years, giving them extensive knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with moving to wine country areas.
The Appeal of East End Living
Hotel Indigo East End is nestled quietly in the Riverhead area, surrounded by an extensive number of winery vineyards, with some of the first grapes on Long Island’s East End planted in 1972. This established wine culture creates a lifestyle that attracts both retirees and working professionals seeking a more relaxed pace of life.
Long Island is easily accessible, dotted with wonderful wineries, and far more affordable than its California cousins. Best known for the Hamptons, the east end of Long Island has become a well-recognized wine region in recent years. The North Fork of Long Island is about 30 miles long from Riverhead to the tip at Orient Point, so visitors can easily spend a day or two exploring just that area.
Professional Moving Services for Wine Country Relocations
Moving to wine country requires specialized knowledge of the area’s unique characteristics. Dunbar Moving ensures the safety of precious belongings with their moving services, with everything from the tiniest fork to heavier furniture pieces packaged carefully for transportation to its new location. They handle everything from heavy moving to packing all belongings and making sure they get where they need to be.
The company offers same day moving service in Hauppauge, Smithtown, Islip, Centereach, Nesconset, St. James, Kings Park, East Northport, Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Medford, Bohemia, Sayville, Patchogue, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, Selden, Coram and other select locations. This extensive coverage area makes them ideal for moves throughout the wine country region.
Market Outlook and Future Opportunities
Experts anticipate that the Long Island housing market will maintain its resilience and growth, with the area’s appeal as a suburban haven, coupled with easy access to urban centers, placing it in a strong position for continued demand. Over the last several decades the Long Island Wine Country has seen dramatic and exciting growth for producers and lovers of wine, with Long Island now boasting over 60 distinct wine producers and 3500 acres of cultivated grapevines.
For those considering a move to Riverhead’s wine country, the timing couldn’t be better. The combination of established wine culture, growing real estate values, and proximity to both New York City and pristine natural areas creates an attractive proposition for relocating families and individuals. With professional moving services readily available and a welcoming community centered around agricultural heritage, Riverhead represents the perfect blend of rural charm and modern convenience that defines Long Island’s East End appeal.