Commack, New York

Commack
Carll Marion Farm, a historic landmark in Commack that is at risk of being destroyed by developers. Commack, NY / USA – Circa July 20, 2019. Commack is a mature, upper-middle-class suburb with top-tier schools, renowned parks, historic depth, and dependable services—all nestled in a commuter-friendly setting. File photo: Ray Larsen, licensed.

Commack is a vibrant hamlet and census-designated place straddling the towns of Huntington and Smithtown in Suffolk County on Long Island. Covering about 12.25 square miles – all land – it lies along major corridors like the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Sunken Meadow Parkway, and Jericho Turnpike.

History & Heritage

  • The name derives from the Secatogue Native Americans term “Winnecomac,” meaning “pleasant lands”.
  • Originally agricultural, Commack evolved into suburbia post‑1930s. Though it lacks a traditional Main Street, it’s rich in preserved landmarks like the 1789 Commack Methodist Church.
  • A standout venue, the Long Island Arena (built 1959–1964), hosted the hockey Ducks, early Nets, even Peter Frampton—later becoming a shopping center.

Demographics & Community

  • Population: ~36,500 as of 2020, density ~2,983/sq mi
  • Ethnic breakdown (2023): ~85% White, 5% Asian, 6.5% multiracial, Hispanic ~10%
  • Foreign-born: ~10%
  • Median age: ~45 years
    A balanced suburb with both deep-rooted families and new residents.

Income & Affluence

  • Median household income: approx. $170,375, average around $204,843
  • Per capita income: ~$62,600
  • Poverty rate: below 3%
    Commack ranks as a well-off and economically stable community.

Education Excellence

  • Served by Commack Union Free School District, established in 1899, serving about 5,764 students across 8 schools.
  • Schools include four primary (K–2), two intermediate (3–5), one middle (6–8), and Commack High (9–12).
  • Wood Park Primary School (K–2) is top-rated (A– on Niche), with low student‑teacher ratio (~10:1).
  • High School honored as a National Blue Ribbon School, with middle school Science Bowl accolades.

Parks & Recreation

  • Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve: 133-acre hub with sports fields, playgrounds, apple orchard, woodlands, and birdwatching trails.
  • Numerous neighborhood parks and nearby access to Sunken Meadow State Park.
  • Community amenities include commuter bus and trail connectivity; it’s family-friendly with tree-lined neighborhoods.

Transportation & Connectivity

  • Bounded by four major highways: LIE, Northern State, Sunken Meadow, Jericho Turnpike.
  • No direct LIRR station – residents rely on Kings Park, Smithtown, or Central Islip stations.
  • Excellent access to both Long Island Sound beaches and commuter networks.

Housing & Neighborhoods

  • Mix of mid-century Colonials, Splanches, Ranches – particularly in the quaint “Candy Section”
  • Median home value ~$647,000, rent ~$2,396.
  • Homeownership strong and generational, with stable, tree-lined avenues.

Notable Places & Culture

  • Marion Carll Farm (circa 1860), a historic property once preserved by the school district, now in restoration efforts.
  • Secatogue heritage tied to Native American roots; the Methodist church and sawmill memorialize early settlement.
  • Community life centers on schools, local library, volunteer fire and ambulance corps – fostering civic engagement and pride .

Hamlet Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population~36,500; density ~2,983/sq mi
Demographics~85% White, ~5% Asian, 10% Hispanic; 10% foreign-born
IncomeMedian ~$170K; average ~$205K; poverty <3%
Schools~5,800 students; Blue Ribbon HS; Science Bowl middle school
HousingMix of Colonials/Splanches; median home ~$647K
TransportMajor parkways; no direct LIRR station
ParksHoyt Farm Preserve, neighborhood parks
Heritage Sites1789 Methodist Church, Marion Carll Farm, former Arena
Community LifeFamily focus, libraries, volunteer services