Smithtown, New York

Smithtown
Smithtown blends deep colonial heritage with top-tier schools, diverse recreation, and suburban sophistication. Its blend of scenic parks, strong transit access, and quality services continues to make it one of Long Island’s premier North Shore towns. File photo: Jose F. Donneys, licensed.

Smithtown is a historic town and hamlet on the North Shore of Suffolk County, Long Island, situated roughly 50 miles from NYC along picturesque coastal and woodland areas. Founded in 1665 and officially incorporated in 1788, it spans about 111.5 square miles with nearly half (≈52%) being water – creating a diverse landscape of shorelines, forests, parks, and urban centers.

Rich History & the Legend of the Bull

Smithtown traces its origin to English settler Richard “Bull” Smith, who, according to legend, selected the summer solstice to ride a bull around the land he would claim. Though the story is mythical, the legend remains a proud part of local lore—with the iconic “Smithtown Bull” statue guarding the intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Route 25A.

Actual land rights were formalized when future settlers obtained the Nicolls Patent of 1665 via purchases tied to Richard Smith and Lion Gardiner.

Population & Community

  • 2020 population: ~116,296 residents
  • Density: ~2,164 people/sq mi
  • Diverse but predominantly White: foreign-born about 8%, with White non-Hispanic ~20k, followed by White Hispanic and Asian populations.
  • Median household income: high relative to national averages, with aging demographics and a slow decline in school-age families since the 1970s.

Transportation & Infrastructure

  • Rail: Three LIRR stations (Kings Park, Smithtown, St. James) along the Port Jefferson Branch.
  • Roads & Parkways: Accessible via I‑495, Northern State, Sagtikos, and Sunken Meadow Parkways.
  • Buses: Suffolk County Transit covers local routes.
  • Health services are anchored by St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, a 296‑bed regional hospital and teaching campus.

Parks & Recreation

  • Caleb Smith State Park Preserve: 548 acres of woodlands, river, trails, pond, and historic Caleb Smith House—perfect for hiking, fishing, skiing, and nature education.
  • Sunken Meadow State Park: 1,288 acres featuring 3 mi of Sound beachfront, boardwalk, golf course, playgrounds, sports fields, and trails.
  • Additional green spaces include Nissequogue River State Park and Blydenburgh County Park (pictured) with boathouse, trails, fields, and wildlife.

Excellent Education

  • Served by Smithtown Central School District, with ~7,600 students across seven elementary, three middle, and two high schools. Offers high academic standards, strong extracurriculars, and abutting districts like Kings Park, Commack, Hauppauge, and Sachem.

Shopping & Economy

  • Smith Haven Mall (Lake Grove/St. James): 1.2 million ft² retail anchored by Macy’s and Dick’s, featuring over 119 stores and recent renovations to include Zara, Warby Parker, and wellness centers.
  • A bustling downtown Smithtown offers local cafés, restaurants, boutiques, and professional services, balanced between suburban convenience and classic charm.

Community & Quality of Life

  • Rated a top suburban community: Niche grade A overall, with strengths in public schools, outdoor activities, and family-friendliness.
  • Lifestyle includes scenic trails, water access, golf, and a vibrant downtown with festivals, farmer’s markets, and civic events.

Notable Residents & Culture

Smithtown has been home to numerous public figures, such as MLB’s Craig Biggio, actress Melissa Joan Hart, Rosie O’Donnell, novelist Jodi Picoult, and news anchor Soledad O’Brien. Cultural offerings include community theatre, public library programs, and local media like Smithtown News and local radio/TV outlets.

Town Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population~116 k (2020), Density ~2,164/sq mi
Land/Water53.8 sq mi land, 57.7 sq mi water
Founded1665 (Nicolls Patent), Incorporated 1788
DemographicsPredominantly White; 8% foreign-born
IncomeHigher-than-average; household wealth trending up
Schools~7,600 students; 7 elementary, 3 middle, 2 high
TransportLIRR, major parkways, Suffolk buses
ParksCaleb Smith Preserve, Sunken Meadow, Nissequogue River SP
Retail HubSmith Haven Mall + downtown shops
HospitalSt. Catherine’s—296‑bed, full services
CommunityGrades A in schools, outdoor life, families
NotablesBiggio, O’Donnell, Hart, Picoult, O’Brien