Somehow the light is different in Dunewood. It seems to be brighter than other places on Fire Island. Perhaps it is the lack of trees. The open spaces of bare sand and beach grass that were once so prevalent to this barrier island, are still here, reflecting light up from the ground, bouncing it in all directions to bathe one in a stream of continual summer sun. Never does one feel that they are too far away from the glistening water of the Atlantic Ocean.

As the island’s youngest community, Dunewood still has the feel of a budding teenager coming into its own. Everything seems new and fresh. Houses are all born of same style, much like the suburban developments created after World War Two. They were affordable well designed, simple beach cottages for people of modest income, giving more families the ability to enjoy the ocean waves and the fresh air of Fire Island. Though time has slowly altered the look and feel of homes as residents have lovingly expanded with extra bedrooms, second floors, and roof decks, there is still the datum of evenly spaced and well maintained cottages that creates an orderliness that is very uncommon to Fire Island.

Residents of Dunewood are proud of the community that they have created. Parents can enjoy a tennis game at the private courts or go boating on the Great South Bay on their boats that have been docked at the yacht club marina knowing that their children are either learning to sail under the auspices of instructors or playing freely under the watchful eye of lifeguards at the beach. All is calm, tranquil and neighborly.