Babylon, New York

Babylon lies in southern Suffolk County
Babylon is the terminus of the electrified Babylon Branch, one of the busiest lines on the LIRR. All electric trains from Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, and Grand Central Madison end at Babylon. The station is also a hub for Suffolk County Transit buses and local taxis, increasing its regional importance. File photo: WoodysPhotos, licensed.

Babylon lies in southern Suffolk County, approximately 35 miles east of Manhattan. The incorporated Village of Babylon (2.4 sq mi, ~12,200 residents) anchors the larger Town of Babylon, which spans around 52 sq mi with a total population of over 218,000. The area combines historic waterfront charm, commuter convenience, and thriving suburban neighborhoods.

History & Heritage

  • Origins: Originally part of Huntington, the area was known for harvesting salt hay since the 1670s. It separated as its own town in 1872, with the Village incorporated in 1893.
  • Resort era: Late 19th-century rail access turned Babylon Village into a fashionable summer resort with hotels and estates .
  • Historic sites:
    • Nathaniel Conklin House & Village Preservation Museum
    • Old Town Hall History Museum (built 1918, on National Register)
    • Argyle Park, Hawley’s Lake, and the Egbert Regulation-era landmarks

Demographics & Community

  • Village of Babylon (2023): ~12,188 residents; median age ~45; 89% White, 9.8% Hispanic/Latino; 8.6% foreign-born.
  • Town-wide: Median household income ~$80k median family, ~$143k in village; per capita ~$69k; poverty ~3–6%.
  • Education: Over 95% high school graduate; >52% hold a bachelor’s degree.

Transportation & Connectivity

  • Rail: Babylon is the terminus of the LIRR’s Babylon Branch & Montauk Branch – commute to NYC is ~55–75 minutes.
  • Road & transit: Served by main roads and Suffolk County Transit.
  • Maritime link: Historic ferry docks continue seasonal boat traffic to Fire Island.

Parks & Recreation

  • Argyle Park & Hawley’s Lake: Central green space with playgrounds, waterfront paths, and event venues.
  • Gilbert C. Hanse Memorial Pool at village waterfront.
  • Sumpawams Creek Golf Course: 9-hole public course.
  • Townwide Parks: Featuring pools, tennis, spray parks, and recreational complexes including Deer Park & North Amityville.

Institutions & Culture

  • Town of Babylon History Museum in Old Town Hall: Free, with exhibits on local governance and jail cells.
  • Village Historical Society operates the Conklin House and hosts exhibits.
  • Community life: Argyle Theatre events, summer programming, crafts fairs, and waterfront festivals enhance local culture.

Housing & Lifestyle

  • Village: High homeownership (~78%), median home values ~$622k; low mobility (6.3% move annually) .
  • Suburbs: Town includes North Babylon, West Babylon, Copiague, and others—mostly middle-class, suburban-family oriented .
  • Quality of life: Strong community bonds, mix of historic homes and mid-century suburbs, robust schools, local shops, and green spaces.
Babylon’s South Shore is characterized by scenic waterways, a network of residential canals, and a mix of modern and traditional homes that exemplify the coastal lifestyle of Long Island. The area is renowned for its close proximity to the Great South Bay, offering direct access to boating, fishing, and waterfront recreation. File photo: ECL Media LLC, licensed.

Babylon Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Village population~12,188; median age ~45
IncomeVillage household: ~$143k; per capita: ~$69k
Education>95% HS grads; ~53% ≥ bachelor’s
HousingMedian home ~$622k; 78% owner-occupied
TransportationLIRR terminal (~1 hr to NYC); ferry access
Historic SitesOld Town Hall, Conklin House, Argyle Park
Parks & RecPool, golf, waterfront, parks in town
CultureMuseums, theatre, festivals, community events
Town population~218,000; diverse suburban hamlets

Babylon blends historic waterfront charm, commuter convenience, and suburban breadth- from the compact village hub to expansive residential towns. It remains a dynamic cultural and civic center on Long Island’s South Shore.

Vicinity of Babylon

Clarifying the Town of Babylon vs. Babylon Village

Although they share the name “Babylon,” the Town of Babylon and Babylon Village are not the same thing. The Town of Babylon is a large municipal area in Suffolk County composed of multiple hamlets and villages, including West Babylon, North Babylon, Lindenhurst, Deer Park, and others. Babylon Village refers specifically to the historic downtown waterfront community within the town, known for its scenic harborfront, shops, restaurants, and local events. This distinction helps visitors understand whether they’re reading about the wider region or the specific village.