MacArthur Airport’s $3.3 Billion Expansion Is Making Ronkonkoma the Ultimate Destination for Families Seeking Convenient Long Island Living
Long Island is experiencing a transportation revolution, and families looking to relocate are taking notice. The $3.3 billion MacArthur Airport expansion project, approved by the Federal Aviation Administration in February 2024, will feature a new terminal directly connected to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station via a pedestrian walkway. This massive infrastructure investment is transforming Ronkonkoma into Long Island’s premier aviation hub, creating unprecedented opportunities for families seeking the perfect balance of suburban comfort and urban accessibility.
A Transportation Hub Like No Other
The timing couldn’t be better for families considering a move to the area. Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $150 million state-funded project to connect MacArthur Airport to the Long Island Rail Road station in Ronkonkoma, while JetBlue commenced service at MacArthur Airport in October 2024, with the airline’s operations becoming profitable faster than at any other airport it serves, leading to expansion plans for 2025. This rapid growth in air service, combined with enhanced rail connectivity, positions Ronkonkoma as a unique transportation nexus.
The Ronkonkoma LIRR station is Suffolk County’s busiest and Long Island’s second-busiest, serving 17,000 daily commuters with express routes to both Penn Station and Grand Central Station. For families, this means easy access to Manhattan for work while enjoying the space and community feel of Long Island living.
The Ronkonkoma Hub: A New Downtown for Long Island
What makes Ronkonkoma particularly attractive to relocating families is the Station Yards development, also known as the Ronkonkoma Hub, a transformative $1.2 billion transit-oriented development spanning 53 acres around the Ronkonkoma Long Island Rail Road station that integrates housing, office and retail spaces, creating a dynamic urban center.
This isn’t just another housing development. The Ronkonkoma Hub will span approximately 53 acres, offering 1,450 residential multi-family homes, 360,000 square feet of office space, 195,000 square feet of retail space, 60,000 square feet of hospitality space, and three new parking facilities, supporting 10,000 construction jobs and 2,500 permanent jobs. For families, this means having work, shopping, dining, and entertainment options within walking distance of home.
Why Families Are Choosing Ronkonkoma
Ronkonkoma offers relatively affordable housing compared to other parts of Long Island, making it an attractive option for families looking to maximize their housing budget. The area is great for families, professionals, and retirees alike, with a mix of quiet neighborhoods, bustling commercial areas, and easy access to New York City, striking the perfect balance between suburban living and urban convenience while providing a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of amenities.
The community benefits extend beyond convenience. Two of the biggest priorities on Long Island are ensuring the region is a place where businesses can succeed and where young professionals can raise their families, and developments like the Ronkonkoma Hub address both priorities.
Making Your Move to Ronkonkoma Seamless
With all this development and growth, families planning a move to the Ronkonkoma area need reliable moving services that understand the local landscape. Whether you’re relocating from another part of Long Island or moving from out of state to take advantage of this emerging hub, choosing the right moving partner is crucial.
When searching for a professional moving company ronkonkoma, families should look for local expertise and comprehensive services. Dunbar Moving, based in nearby Stony Brook, brings over 30 years of Suffolk County experience to every relocation. As a full-service, fully licensed and insured moving company located in Stony Brook, New York in Suffolk County, Long Island, they are your Long Island movers who know the island and care about their clients.
Dunbar Moving offers same day moving service in Ronkonkoma, along with other select Long Island locations, which is particularly valuable for families dealing with tight closing schedules or unexpected moving timelines. Their experienced team members are seasoned professionals with a combined thirty years of experience in moving, fully qualified and trained, with Long Island moving services that are second to none, knowing how to protect valuables while getting them to their final location quickly.
The Perfect Time to Make Your Move
The convergence of airport expansion, transit improvements, and community development makes this an ideal time for families to consider Ronkonkoma. The $150 million investment from New York State aims to improve regional connectivity and transform the area into a transportation hub, with Suffolk County committing an additional $50 million in infrastructure, expected to drive long-term economic growth, attract businesses, and create jobs.
For families, this means not just a place to live, but a community that’s growing and improving. The area is served by the Connetquot and Sachem School Districts, known for their strong academics, and offers plenty of parks and recreation opportunities, from Lake Ronkonkoma to golf courses and trails.
As MacArthur Airport’s expansion continues and the Ronkonkoma Hub reaches completion, early residents will benefit from being part of a community transformation. The combination of improved transportation, new housing options, enhanced amenities, and strong local services creates an compelling opportunity for families ready to plant roots in Long Island’s newest transportation hub.
Whether you’re drawn by the convenience of airport access, the appeal of transit-oriented living, or simply the promise of a vibrant new community, Ronkonkoma represents the future of Long Island family living. With the right moving partner and timing, your family can be part of this exciting transformation.