Huntington, New York
Located on Long Island’s scenic North Shore, the Town of Huntington spans 137 square miles of land, with square miles of water and is bordered by Nassau County to the west and Smithtown to the east, with the beautiful Long Island Sound to its north. At roughly 40 miles from Manhattan, Huntington blends suburban charm with waterfront character.
History & Growth
Established in 1653 via land purchase from the Matinecock tribe, Huntington was named – possibly after Cromwell’s hometown – and briefly aligned with Connecticut before firmly becoming New York territory. The Revolutionary War found British troops quartered here until 1783. The 19th-century arrival of the Long Island Rail Road pivoted the town’s identity from agriculture and shipping to commuter suburb and resort community. Post-WWII, Huntington saw rapid residential growth as part of Long Island’s suburban boom.
Population & Demographics
- 2020 population: ~204,127; density ~2,162 people/mi²
- Median age: 43.7 years; family households make up ~77%
- Racial makeup (2020): 79% White, 11.9% Hispanic, 5.5% Asian, 4.2% African American
- Median household income (2023): ~$164,196; ~4% below poverty
Transport & Connectivity
- Rail: LIRR Port Jefferson Branch with top-tier service; Huntington is the end of electrification westward
- Roadways: Served by I‑495 (LIE), Northern State Parkway, Routes 25 & 25A, Route 110, and Suffolk CRs
- Bus: Operates via Huntington Area Rapid Transit (HART) and Suffolk County Transit
- Unusual law: Required full-service gas stations; self-serve is prohibited
Parks & Recreation
- Heckscher Park & Museum of Art: Historic Main Street oasis with seasonal events and regional art collections
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve (adjacent): Privately preserved green space ideal for hiking and birding
- Northport Harbor, Cold Spring Harbor, and other Sound-side areas offer boating, fishing, marinas, and beach access
Education & Institutions
- Seven school districts (Huntington, Harborfields, Half Hollow Hills, Cold Spring Harbor, Northport-East Northport, Commack, Elwood) and 2 private high schools
- Higher education: Close to Five Towns College (Dix Hills) and Semi nary of the Immaculate Conception
Economy & Employers
- Top employers include: Canon (3,100 employees), Northport VA Medical Center (1,929), Huntington Hospital (1,810), Estée Lauder (1,700)
- Corporate presence: Former Swiss International Air Lines, Aer Lingus, and Sbarro HQs; sizable small business and retail sectors
Notable Places & Culture
- Oheka Castle (West Hills): Grand Gold Coast estate turned luxury hotel and event venue
- Historic downtown Huntington: Bustling area with shops, restaurants, galleries, nightlife, and annual festivals
- Cultural icons: Walt Whitman—whose birthplace is commemorated locally—and a long-running hometown newspaper, The Long-Islander (1838)
- Community media: The Times of Huntington, Village Connection Magazine, Huntington Buzz, and local Patch sites
Additional Highlights
- Connectivity & culture: Venue-rich Main Street supports dining, outdoor movies, theater, pubs, and live music
- Local school pride: Museums, libraries, arts and environmental programs, and civic engagement acclaimed by residents and ranking services
Town Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Population | ~204,127 (2020); density ~2,162/sq mi |
| Area | 137.1 sq mi (94 land, 43 water) |
| Founded | 1653; Revolutionary-era site |
| Demographics | 79% White, 11.9% Hispanic, diverse mix |
| Income | Household: ~$164k; poverty ~4% |
| Schools | Multiple top-ranked districts |
| Transit | LIRR, buses, major highways |
| Parks | Heckscher Park, Caumsett, marinas |
| Economy | Big employers: Canon, hospitals, VA |
| Landmarks | Oheka Castle, downtown, Whitman |
| Culture | Active arts, festivals, local press |
