While bungalow communities reached their peak of popularity in the 1950s there are still some around that offer a relaxed, communal summer experience for weary New Yorkers. Many of the communities have been transformed into inexpensive co-ops, providing a vacation-home buying opportunity for those on a budget and some reasonable rentals for those not ready to buy.

The communities tend to have a laid-back vibe with a variety of amenities geared toward outdoor activities and socializing. The bungalows themselves tend to be pretty modest — compact and un-winterized.

We’ve rounded up five communities that are fewer than three hours from Brooklyn and have bungalows for sale or rent. Four of our five picks are in the Catskills region, while the other — the closest to Brooklyn — is just north of the city in Westchester County.

catskill bungalows poine alek woodbourne spring glen lake huntington
Photo via Pine Lake Park

Pine Lake Park
Location: Near Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.
Size: 60 units on 50 acres
Distance from Brooklyn: It’s just over an hour by car from Brooklyn via the Sprain Brook Parkway. It is also accessible via public transportation — take MetroNorth to the Croton-Harmon or Cortlandt stations, then taxi to the site.

Pine Lake Park has been hosting vacationers for 85 years and while it may be in Westchester County and not the Catskills, it is the closest to Brooklyn of those on our list. The property includes a lakefront beach, tennis courts and a social hall. There are both sales and rentals available, with rentals starting at $2,700 per month or $8,000 for the entire season. Several one-bedroom units are available for purchase with prices ranging from $59,000 to $99,000.

catskill bungalows pine lake woodbourne spring glen lake huntington
Photo via Lansman’s Bungalow Colony

Lansman’s Bungalow Colony
Location: Woodbourne, N.Y.
Size: 85 units on 100 acres
Distance from Brooklyn: It’s just over two hours by car from Brooklyn via the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Established in 1942, Lansman’s Bungalow Colony went co-op in the 1980s. The largest colony on the list, it has tennis courts, athletic fields, a heated swimming pool and a clubhouse. There are just a few sales and rentals currently available, with rentals starting at $3,000 for the season. Interestingly, one unit is currently for sale for just $1,000 more than a rental — $4,000 for a one-bedroom unit.

catskill bungalows pine lake woodbourne spring glen lake huntington
Photos via The Buffalo Colony

The Buffalo Colony
Location: Woodbourne, N.Y.
Size: 30 units on 103 acres
Distance from Brooklyn: It’s just over two hours by car from Brooklyn via the Palisades Interstate Parkway.

Established in 1941 as Jacoby’s Bungalow Colony, the community was purchased by new owners in 1981 and turned into a co-op. The colony includes a pool, volleyball court and casino. There are two units available, one for sale and one for rent, although images and info are scarce — the for-sale unit is listed in as-is condition and no price is given.

catskill bungalows pine lake woodbourne spring glen lake huntington
Photo via Spring Glen Woods

Spring Glen Woods
Location: Spring Glen, N.Y.
Size: 21 units
Distance from Brooklyn: It’s about two hours by car from Brooklyn via I-87 N. It is also accessible via public transportation — take a Shortline bus from Port Authority to Spring Glen and then it is a five-minute walk to the site.

The colony opened in the 1940s and is a strictly owner-occupied community — no rentals to be had. Owners enjoy the use of the pool, basketball court and community room. There are two bungalows currently for sale, a one-bedroom for $28,000 and a two-bedroom for $50,000.

catskill bungalows pine lake woodbourne spring glen lake huntington
Photo via Lake Huntington Summer Community

Lake Huntington Summer Community
Location: Lake Huntington, N.Y.
Size: More than 50 units on 17 acres
Distance from Brooklyn: It’s about 2.5 hours by car from Brooklyn via the Palisades Interstate Parkway. It is also accessible via public transportation — take a Shortline bus from Port Authority to Spring Glen and then it is a short walk to the site.

The furthest from Brooklyn, Lake Huntington Summer Community is also the youngest of the group — it was established in the 1970s as a co-op vacation community. The units range in size from apartments to houses and residents have access to the swimming pool, a lake, tennis courts and a zipline. There are quite a few units available for rent, with prices ranging from $700 to $1,200 per week. No bungalows are for sale but if you want a brand new vacation retreat, there is an unusual opportunity to build two adjoining units based on approved plans. Construction costs are estimated between $110,000 and $125,000 for each unit.

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