Brentwood, New York

Brentwood
Looking between two pine trees to a beautiful red fox in Brentwood, NY. Foxes are common on Long Island, particularly the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which is the species shown in the photo. Foxes live in forests, brushy areas, dunes, parks, and even suburban neighborhoods. They’re especially active in Suffolk County’s wooded preserves, Pine Barrens, and along the East End. File photo: Jaclyn Vernace, licensed.

Brentwood is a prominent hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, on Long Island. Covering about 11 square miles, it had a record-breaking population of 62,387 in 2020, making it the most populous CDP in Suffolk and all of Long Island outside NYC.

History & Community Roots

Originally known as Thompson Station and Suffolk Station on the LIRR’s Main Line in 1844, it became the utopian community “Modern Times” in 1851.

In 1864, it was renamed Brentwood, after the town in Essex, England.

It gained attention in the early 20th century with the massive Pilgrim State Hospital (now Pilgrim Psychiatric Center) and later redevelopment into Brentwood State Park Athletic Fields in 2009 

Population & Demographics

Population (2020): 62,387; density ~5,700/square miles.

Ethnic composition: Approx. 73% Hispanic, 12% African American, 11% White, 2% Asian.

Median age: About 31 years.

Income: Median household income is $111,572, per capita income $33,702, with ~6.7% below the poverty line.

Schools & Education

  • The Brentwood Union Free School District serves K–12 students (~18,300 across 11 elementary, 4 middle, and 2 high schools, plus one freshman center).
  • Celebrates diversity—students hail from over 50 nationalities, with graduates attending top universities like Yale, Cornell, and MIT

Transportation

  • LIRR Station: Located on the Ronkonkoma (Main) Branch, electrification reached Brentwood in 1988.
  • Handles around 2,750 weekday riders, with two side platforms, accessible, and extensive parking.
  • A hub for Suffolk County Transit buses—lines 4, 5, 7, 11, and 58 connect Brentwood to neighboring towns

Parks & Recreation

  • Brentwood State Park is a 52-acre athletics complex featuring baseball and soccer fields, with nearly 750,000 annual visits .
  • Several local parks like Valmont Village, Geiger Park, Hoyt Farm Park, Elwood Park, and Blydenburgh Park offer community play spaces

Public Services

  • Brentwood Fire Department, a volunteer unit founded in 1898, spans six companies and fields ~1,500 calls annually—among Suffolk’s busiest.
  • Emergency medical and ambulance services are provided by Brentwood Legion Ambulance, established in 1959

Housing & Community

  • Homeownership remains strong; renting rate is below state average, with stable and long-term residents.
  • Homes are modest but well-priced for Nassau–Suffolk; Brentwood offers an affordable alternative with family-friendly options.

Summary Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population62,387 (2020); density ~5,700/sq mi
Ethnicity~73% Hispanic, 12% Black, 11% White
Median Age~31 years
Median Income$111,572 hh; per capita $33,702; poverty ~6.7%
Schools18,300 students; 11 elem, 4 middle, 2 HS (+freshman center)
TransitLIRR electrified 1988; major bus hub
ParksBrentwood State Park, multiple neighborhood parks
Fire & EMSVolunteer fire dept; Brentwood Legion Ambulance
HousingAffordable homes; stable, long-term community

Brentwood is a dynamic, multicultural hub on Long Island – its large young population, accessible transit options, active schools, ample parks, and resilient community structure make it a compelling and busy focal point in Suffolk County.