A Fire Island beach house with a heated pool and screened-in porch, for $899,000

The 9.6-square-mile barrier island of Fire Island is a favorite summer destination for New Yorkers, thanks in part to its gorgeous beaches, vibrant nightlife, thriving LGBTQ scene, car-free streets, and relative proximity to the city. Fire Island comprises a number of villages and hamlets, including Kismet Beach, Saltaire, Fair Harbor, Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines, and Ocean Beach, all of which have their own distinct flavors and draw different crowds.

The quarter-mile-long village of Ocean Beach is the most populous spot on Fire Island, and it boasts a slew of eateries, nightlife options, and boutiques and shops to keep visitors occupied when they're not in the water. Highlights include the popular Matthew's Seafood House, burger spot The Albatross, and seafood restaurant Maguire's; there are also a number of bars, pubs, and music venues, like the Sand Bar and CJ's, plus a number of dining spots (including Maguire's and the Albatross) turn into late-night hangs as the hours wear on.

Ocean Beach has earned a reputation as Fire Island's most party-heavy area, thanks to its nightlife options, but the beachfront makes it as good a spot for families with children (and beer-chugging frat brothers, provided you keep the kids out of CJ's). And though prices for houses can climb above $1 million, there are some good deals in the area, like the three-bedroom, one-bath property at 647 Ocean Breeze, now on the market for $899,000. The panel-fenced house has a number of nice touches, including a wood-burning fireplace in the living room.

The kitchen has white Shaker cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Here's one of the bedrooms with some white wood paneling.

The other two bedrooms feature wood paneling as well. All three rooms look like they get good sunlight.

Outdoor space includes a heated swimming pool on the property's west-facing rear deck. The deck has lots of room for lounging and dining, as well.

And there's a lovely screened-in porch, so you can enjoy the outdoors away from the sun (and mosquitoes). 

The house is just under a two-hour drive from Manhattan, ferry-ride included; you can also take the Long Island Rail Road to Bay Shore station, then take a cab to the Fire Island Ferries.

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