Calverton, New York
Calverton, a rural hamlet straddling the towns of Riverhead and Brookhaven in Suffolk County, is a unique blend of agriculture, aviation history, woodlands, and fast-growing commercial development. Known for its open space, farms, and former Grumman test facilities, Calverton sits at the crossroads of Long Island’s North Fork and South Shore, making it both a quiet residential community and a strategic gateway to the East End.
With preserved natural areas, recreation sites, wineries within minutes, and proximity to Riverhead’s major shopping and attractions, Calverton has become a desirable location for residents seeking space, affordability, and access to everything the East End has to offer.
History of Calverton
Calverton’s roots trace back to farmland and pine barrens, but its most defining role came in the mid-20th century when it became home to Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation’s Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant (NWIRP). The facility was central to the testing and completion of military aircraft- most famously the F-14 Tomcat – until operations wound down in the 1990s.
After the plant’s closure, thousands of acres were transferred for mixed use, including parks, nature preserves, industrial development, and what is now the Enterprise Park at Calverton (EPCAL). Today, Calverton continues to balance preservation with innovation as new proposals and projects shape the region’s economic future.
Things to See & Experience in Calverton
Calverton may not have a traditional downtown, but what it lacks in density it makes up for in open space, outdoor attractions, and easy access to some of the East End’s most popular destinations. Just north of the hamlet, Splish Splash Water Park draws thousands of visitors every summer with its long list of water slides, lazy rivers, kids’ areas, and thrill rides – technically located in Riverhead but widely associated with Calverton due to its proximity. On the quieter side, the Calverton Ponds Preserve offers rare access to pine barrens habitat and endangered plant species protected by The Nature Conservancy. This low-key natural escape is ideal for hiking and environmental study and is one of the most unique ecological preserves on Long Island.
Also within Calverton is Calverton National Cemetery, one of the largest national cemeteries in the United States. With its sweeping, manicured grounds and solemn atmosphere, the cemetery hosts ceremonies and memorial events throughout the year, honoring veterans and their families in a dignified, peaceful setting.
For those seeking something more high-energy, the Long Island Sports Park hosts mud runs, obstacle races, and seasonal outdoor festivals. Calverton is also surrounded by farms, vineyards, and trailheads, allowing residents and visitors to pick fresh produce, enjoy wine tasting, paddle the Peconic River, or explore the woods – all within a few minutes of home.
Community Character & Lifestyle
Life in Calverton is slower, quieter, and more wide open compared to more densely populated areas of western Suffolk County. Most of the hamlet is residential, with larger property sizes and many homes set back on wooded lots or near agricultural land. Housing options range from traditional single-family homes and condos to manufactured home communities, making Calverton one of the more affordable areas near the North Fork and Hamptons.
Residents often describe Calverton as a rural-suburban hybrid: peaceful and community-oriented, with the unique benefit of having Riverhead’s commercial center just minutes away — including shopping malls, movie theaters, big-box stores, restaurants, and nightlife. It’s the kind of place where you can spend the morning walking wooded trails or visiting a farm stand, and the afternoon running errands in a major shopping plaza.
Education & Schools
Calverton is served primarily by the Riverhead Central School District, which includes Riley Avenue Elementary School (located in Calverton itself), Riverhead Middle School, and Riverhead High School. Depending on exact location, some sections of Calverton may fall within neighboring districts, but Riverhead is the primary educational system for most local students.
Transportation & Access
Calverton sits at the crossroads of several major East End highways, making it easy to reach both the North and South Forks. The Long Island Expressway, Route 25, William Floyd Parkway, and nearby Route 25A provide direct access to Riverhead, Brookhaven, and hamlets further east.
The former Calverton Executive Airpark (EPCAL) — once used by Grumman for aircraft testing — is now the subject of ongoing redevelopment proposals and discussions, though its runways are not currently open for commercial flights. For air travel, the nearest major airport is Long Island MacArthur Airport, about 35 minutes to the west.
Nature, Parks & Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation is where Calverton truly shines. In addition to Calverton Ponds and local trail systems, residents enjoy easy access to the Pine Barrens, Peconic River canoeing and kayaking launches, agricultural land, and scenic nature viewing areas. Nearby attractions such as Grumman Memorial Park pay tribute to Calverton’s industrial history, while acres of preserved green space ensure that the community retains its rural feel even as surrounding areas continue to grow.
Shopping, Dining & Nearby Destinations
While Calverton itself is relatively rural, its location at the doorstep of Riverhead gives locals direct access to Tanger Outlets, big-box retailers, craft breweries, restaurants, and the Long Island Aquarium. Riverhead serves as the primary commercial hub for Calverton residents, who benefit from being close to shopping, entertainment, and services while still enjoying a quieter lifestyle away from the main retail corridors.
Real Estate Snapshot
Homes in Calverton range from single-family houses and newer subdivisions to well-maintained condo and 55+ communities and manufactured home parks. There are also larger wooded lots and agricultural parcels for those seeking space and privacy. Real estate remains more affordable here than in the Hamptons or the North Fork proper, and the community appeals to buyers looking for a balance of rural charm and suburban convenience – particularly those drawn to outdoor recreation and open space.
Vicinity of Calverton, NY
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Split between the Towns of Riverhead & Brookhaven, Suffolk County |
| ZIP Codes | 11933, 11901 (some overlap) |
| Known For | EPCAL/Grumman history, farms, preserves, proximity to East End |
| Major Parks | Calverton Ponds Preserve, Grumman Memorial Park |
| School District | Riverhead Central School District |
| Nearby Attractions | Splish Splash, Long Island Aquarium, Tanger Outlets |
| Population | Approx. 6,000–8,000 (hamlet estimate) |
Calverton offers a distinctive blend of open landscapes, historical significance, and modern convenience, making it one of Suffolk County’s most interesting East End communities. Its combination of preserved natural areas, agricultural roots, and ongoing redevelopment at EPCAL gives the hamlet both character and future potential. Whether you’re exploring its parks, visiting nearby attractions, or considering a place to live with more space and quiet, Calverton provides a unique gateway to the East End of Long Island.
