Cold Spring Harbor, New York

Cold Spring Harbor
Cold Spring Harbor combines upscale suburban living, world-class science and cultural institutions, scenic North Shore beauty, and top-tier schools. Its blend of historic charm and natural assets make it a crown jewel of Long Island. File photo: Micha Weber, licensed.

Cold Spring Harbor is a charming hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Huntington, Suffolk County, situated on Long Island’s North Shore along the scenic Harbor. About 40 miles from Midtown Manhattan, it offers waterfront views, rolling hills, and historic appeal.

Population & Demographics

  • 2023 population: ~3,123, with steady 4.8% growth over the past year.
  • Median age: ~36.8 years.
  • Racial makeup: Predominantly White (87.6%), small Asian (4.1%) and other minority communities.
  • Homeownership: ~96.3% owner-occupied.

Income & Real Estate

  • Median household income: $250,001—more than triple the national average.
  • Per capita income: ~$82,069.
  • Median home value: ~$1.47 M–$1.54 M.
  • Low poverty: ~1.6% of residents below poverty.

Education

  • Cold Spring Harbor Central School District serves ~1,561 K–12 students.
  • District boasts 95.8% high school graduation and 75.3% bachelor’s rate.
  • Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School (grades 7–12):
    • ~735 students, student-teacher ratio ~9.6:1
    • ~95% graduation rate; average SAT ≈1300, ACT ≈29

Parks & Natural Areas

  • Cold Spring Harbor State Park (47 acres): Features wooded trails, birdwatching, hiking, cross-country skiing, and scenic Harbor views.
  • Numerous passive green spaces, including community parks and the Green Belt trails.

Science & Museums

  • Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL):
    • Founded 1890; world-leading in genetics, neuroscience, genomics
    • Home to eight Nobel laureates and hosts 25–30 international conferences yearly.
  • Dolan DNA Learning Center: Global pioneer in genetics education and public STEM programming.
  • Whaling Museum & Education Center: Accredited maritime museum preserving whaling era artifacts and hosting 20,000+ visitors annually.
  • Harbor Road Historic District: 45-acre district featuring 18 historic homes in styles from early settlement to mid-19th century, on the National Register.

Transportation & Commute

  • Commuting:
    • ~52% drive alone, 12.5% use public transit, ~25% work from home
    • Average commute: ~36 minutes

Real Estate Market

  • Listings: Homes range $700K–$3.5M+, with upscale waterfront and estate properties .
  • Market feel: Rural-suburban with historic charm, family-friendly, low turnover.

Hamlet Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population~3,123 (2023); median age 36.8
Household Income$250,001
Per Capita Income~$82K
Home Value~$1.47M – $1.54M
Poverty Rate~1.6%
Homeownership96.3%
Schools1,561 students; ~96% grad rate; SAT ~1300
Parks47 acre state park, trails, Harbor access
InstitutionsCSHL, DNA Learning Center, Whaling Museum
Historic SitesHarbor Road Historic District
TransportMixed (driving, transit, remote) with ~36 min commuter