What towns are on Long Island?

Long Island is divided into 13 official towns located within Nassau County and Suffolk County. These towns serve as the primary local governments for much of the island outside New York City and encompass hundreds of villages, hamlets, and neighborhoods. While many people think of places such as Huntington, Islip, Hempstead, and Oyster Bay as communities, they are officially organized as towns under New York State law.

In Short

Long Island has 13 official towns—three in Nassau County and ten in Suffolk County. Together, these towns contain hundreds of incorporated villages and unincorporated hamlets.

What Towns Are on Long Island?

Outside New York City, local government on Long Island is organized around 13 towns. These towns provide municipal services, maintain parks and beaches, oversee zoning and planning, and serve as the primary governmental units for most residents living in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

In Nassau County, the three towns are Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay.

In Suffolk County, the ten towns are Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton, Huntington, Islip, Riverhead, Shelter Island, Smithtown, Southampton, and Southold.

Within these 13 towns are hundreds of incorporated villages and hamlets, each with its own unique identity. Some communities have their own village governments, while others are unincorporated hamlets governed directly by their respective town. This layered system of local government is one of the defining characteristics of Long Island.

Quick Facts

The 13 towns of Long Island form the foundation of local government throughout Nassau County and Suffolk County. Whether you’re exploring the beaches of East Hampton, the waterfronts of Huntington, or the suburban neighborhoods of Hempstead, each town contributes to the diverse character and identity that make Long Island unique.