[andrew]

Believe it or not, it's cheaper than LA.

[contessa machiaveli]

the hamptons aren't cheaper but there are lesser known areas towards the east end where you can get good value for fairly nice houses. you could try the north fork(mattituck, cutchogue, aquebogue, jamesport, etc.) it is beautiful without the obnoxious celebrities), everytime i take a drive out there i feel as if i'm in america as it once was. there are farms, vineyards and beautiful old victorians. it's quiet even in the summer. it isn't a "scene". long island has lots to offer culturally and it's proximity to NYC is comforting. there are a few delightful town on the south shore before you arrive in the hamptons. e. moriches, speonk, and remsenberg are lovely.