Once an affordable seaside getaway for vacation-starved New Yorkers, Sheepshead Bay evolved from hotels and bungalows into a quiet neighborhood of single-family homes.

But the real-estate boom has brought big changes to Sheepshead Bay, as a number of these houses have been torn down and replaced by boxy apartment buildings.

The majority of the development has been along the waterfront, with a recent effort to offer more upscale condos that cater to boaters. Waterfront properties include an 18-unit development, The Riviera at Sheepshead Bay (2433 Knapp St.), with prices starting at $600,000, and the 19-unit The Marina at Sheepshead Bay (2908 Emmons Ave.)

The transformation of the nabe shows no sign of abating: In late 2007, a 2-acre site sold for $20.3 million, the largest sale in more than 20 years. A mixed-use development (with national retailers) is planned.