Bridgehampton, New York

Historic Beebe Windmill set against lush summer greenery and a vibrant blue sky in Bridgehampton, New York.
Historic Beebe Windmill set against lush summer greenery and a vibrant blue sky in Bridgehampton, New York. Originally built in 1820, this iconic smock mill stands as a proud reminder of the region’s agricultural roots and early industry, now preserved as a cherished landmark in the heart of the Hamptons. File photo: Craig Cooper, licensed.

Bridgehampton is an upscale hamlet nestled in the heart of the Hamptons on Long Island’s South Fork, part of the Town of Southampton. Located just under 100 miles from Manhattan, it sits amid rolling agricultural landscapes, beaches, and world-class estates

Historical Roots & Heritage

Founded in the mid‑1600s and renamed for a bridge over Sagaponack Pond, Bridgehampton retains deep colonial and rural heritage. Notable historic sites include the Nathaniel Rogers House, a Greek Revival gem dating to 1840 now part of the Bridgehampton Museum. The Beebe Windmill, built in 1820, remains one of Long Island’s few surviving smock mills and is listed on the National Register.

Population & Demographics

  • Population (2023): ~1,322 residents, median age ~51.9 years
  • Median household income: ~$168,167 annually; per capita: ~$75,300
  • Homeownership: ~89%, median property value ~$1,974,400 – reflecting Bridgehampton’s high-end real estate market

Landscape & Agriculture

Bridgehampton preserves its agrarian identity with productive farmland, equestrian estates, vineyards, and flower farms. It hosts signature events like the Hampton Classic Horse Show and the Mercedes‑Benz Polo Challenge, showcasing its equine culture and upscale rural lifestyle.

Schools & Culture

  • The Bridgehampton Union Free School District serves a small, tight-knit student body; its basketball team, known as the “Killer Bees,” boasts multiple state championships in Class D play.
  • Cultural venues include Dia Bridgehampton (formerly the Dan Flavin Art Institute), dedicated to minimalism and contemporary art, and the Children’s Museum of the East End (CMEE) for family learning and creative programs.

Events, Recreation & Attractions

  • Bridgehampton’s equestrian calendar peaks with the Hampton Classic, drawing visitors and competitors region‑wide.
  • Outdoor attractions include Bridge Gardens, the South Fork Natural History Museum, and scenic trails around Long Pond Greenbelt.
  • Though the vintage Bridgehampton Race Circuit is closed, its legacy remains in local motorsport lore and is memorialized on preserved course sections.

Transportation & Access

  • Served by the LIRR Bridgehampton station on the Montauk Branch, though daily ridership is modest (fewer than 60 riders daily) due to its rural setting and limited service schedule.
  • Most residents and visitors use personal vehicles; average commuter travel time to work is around 22 minutes.

Hamlet Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population~1,322 (2023); median age ~51.9
IncomeHousehold: ~$168K; per capita: ~$75K
HousingMedian value ~$1.97M; ~89% owner-occupied
Heritage & LandmarksNathaniel Rogers House, Beebe Windmill
EducationSmall local district; “Killer Bees” basketball
Culture & ArtsDia Bridgehampton, CMEE, Bridge Gardens
EventsHampton Classic, Polo Challenge
RecreationVineyards, farms, trails, windmill
TransitLIRR station (low ridership), primarily car access

Bridgehampton offers a refined blend of deep rural heritage, elite equestrian traditions, scenic beauty, and artistic energy. Its small year-round population coexists with sophisticated seasonal activity—making it one of the Hamptons’ most iconic destinations.