Islip, New York
Located on Long Island’s South Shore, the hamlet of Islip sits at the heart of the Town of Islip, which spans over 160 square miles and serves as one of Suffolk County’s largest municipalities (population ~340,000 as of 2020). The hamlet lies along the Great South Bay, about 35 miles from Manhattan, directly across from Fire Island.
History & Heritage
- First settled in 1683 by William Nicoll, the area grew from Native American settlement and colonial plantation farmland into a bustling maritime and tourism hub.
- The arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1867 and ferry service to Fire Island accelerated tourism and oyster-farming prosperity – as epitomized by Blue Point oysters and local clamming companies.
- Throughout the early 20th century, Islip transitioned into a suburban bedroom community, growing rapidly post‑World War II and becoming home to generations of families and seaside estates
Population & Community Character
- Hamlet (Islip CDP): ~17,224 (2023), with a median age of 44 and a dense residential feel (~3,878 people/sq mi).
- Ethnic heritage & identity: Diverse ancestry with Italian (22.7%), Irish, German, American, and Jamaican roots; residential continuity with multigenerational families is common.
- Social life: A close-knit community with a walkable Main Street filled with local shops, restaurants, and community events from holiday parades to sidewalk sales and Victorian teas.
Economy & Income
- The hamlet’s median household income is $122,596 with a per capita income of approximately $64,394, and a poverty rate near 5.8%.
- As seat of the larger Town of Islip, the region incorporates economic centers like Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, supporting business, retail, hospitality, and transit infrastructure.
Transportation & Connectivity
- Islip LIRR Station (Montauk Branch) delivers regular service to and from NYC; ferry access across the bay connects with Fire Island communities.
- Major roads include NY‑27A (Main St), Sunrise Highway (NY‑27), and several parkways linking to neighboring towns and beaches.
- The future expansion of infrastructure near MacArthur Airport and Ronkonkoma Station promises improved connectivity and local development.
Transportation & Connectivity
- Islip LIRR Station (Montauk Branch) delivers regular service to and from NYC; ferry access across the bay connects with Fire Island communities.
- Major roads include NY‑27A (Main St), Sunrise Highway (NY‑27), and several parkways linking to neighboring towns and beaches.
- The future expansion of infrastructure near MacArthur Airport and Ronkonkoma Station promises improved connectivity and local development.
Vicinity of Islip
Town of Islip – Snapshot Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Municipal Type | Town (Suffolk County, NY) |
| Town Population | ~335,000 |
| Major Hamlets & Villages | Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip, East Islip, West Islip, Sayville, Islip (hamlet), Islip Terrace |
| Hamlet Population (Islip CDP) | ~17,200 |
| Median Age / Income (Townwide) | Median age ~40s; Household income varies widely by hamlet |
| Community Character | Diverse communities ranging from waterfront villages to suburban and commercial centers |
| Economy & Infrastructure | Long Island MacArthur Airport, healthcare, retail corridors, logistics, municipal services |
| Transportation | Long Island Rail Road, Sunrise Highway, Southern State Parkway, LIE access |
| History | Colonial settlement, oyster and bay economy, railroad-era growth, postwar suburban expansion |
| Natural Assets | Great South Bay, Fire Island access, nature preserves, waterfront parks |
| Recreation & Culture | Marinas, beaches, parks, museums, downtown districts, seasonal festivals |
| Future Development | Airport modernization, downtown revitalization, infrastructure upgrades |
Islip embodies Long Island’s layered identity – from colonial seaport and oyster capital to vibrant suburban hub with rich traditions, walkable charm, and coastal access. It offers residents and visitors an inviting mix of history, local character, and growing opportunity.
Clarifying the Town of Islip vs. Islip (Hamlet)
Although both share the name “Islip,” the Town of Islip and the hamlet of Islip are not the same entity. The Town of Islip is a large municipal town in Suffolk County made up of numerous distinct communities – including Bay Shore, Brentwood, Central Islip, East Islip, West Islip, Sayville, and more. The hamlet of Islip refers to one specific community within the town, centered around the traditional downtown area near the waterfront. This distinction helps readers understand whether the guide is referring to the entire town region or the individual hamlet community.
