Islip, New York

File photo: WoodysPhotos, licensed.
This striking image captures two sailboats gliding across the calm waters of the Great South Bay with the iconic Robert Moses Causeway Bridge stretching across the horizon. It’s a perfect visual representation of Islip’s maritime charm, highlighting the town’s deep connection to recreational boating, bayfront leisure, and its scenic South Shore setting. File photo: WoodysPhotos, licensed.

Located on Long Island’s South Shore, the hamlet of Islip sits at the heart of the Town of Islip, which spans over 160 square miles and serves as one of Suffolk County’s largest municipalities (population ~340,000 as of 2020). The hamlet lies along the Great South Bay, about 35 miles from Manhattan, directly across from Fire Island.

History & Heritage

  • First settled in 1683 by William Nicoll, the area grew from Native American settlement and colonial plantation farmland into a bustling maritime and tourism hub.
  • The arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1867 and ferry service to Fire Island accelerated tourism and oyster-farming prosperity – as epitomized by Blue Point oysters and local clamming companies.
  • Throughout the early 20th century, Islip transitioned into a suburban bedroom community, growing rapidly post‑World War II and becoming home to generations of families and seaside estates

Population & Community Character

  • Hamlet (Islip CDP): ~17,224 (2023), with a median age of 44 and a dense residential feel (~3,878 people/sq mi).
  • Ethnic heritage & identity: Diverse ancestry with Italian (22.7%), Irish, German, American, and Jamaican roots; residential continuity with multigenerational families is common.
  • Social life: A close-knit community with a walkable Main Street filled with local shops, restaurants, and community events from holiday parades to sidewalk sales and Victorian teas.

Economy & Income

  • The hamlet’s median household income is $122,596 with a per capita income of approximately $64,394, and a poverty rate near 5.8%.
  • As seat of the larger Town of Islip, the region incorporates economic centers like Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, supporting business, retail, hospitality, and transit infrastructure.

Transportation & Connectivity

  • Islip LIRR Station (Montauk Branch) delivers regular service to and from NYC; ferry access across the bay connects with Fire Island communities.
  • Major roads include NY‑27A (Main St), Sunrise Highway (NY‑27), and several parkways linking to neighboring towns and beaches.
  • The future expansion of infrastructure near MacArthur Airport and Ronkonkoma Station promises improved connectivity and local development.

Transportation & Connectivity

  • Islip LIRR Station (Montauk Branch) delivers regular service to and from NYC; ferry access across the bay connects with Fire Island communities.
  • Major roads include NY‑27A (Main St), Sunrise Highway (NY‑27), and several parkways linking to neighboring towns and beaches.
  • The future expansion of infrastructure near MacArthur Airport and Ronkonkoma Station promises improved connectivity and local development.

Hamlet Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population (CDP)~17,224; density ~3,878/sq mi
Median Age / Income~44 years; Household: $122,596; Per capita: $64K
Community CultureHistoric Main Street, festivals, community-driven events
Economy & TransitAirport-owned by town; LIRR and major highways
HistoryColonial roots, oyster farming, railroad-era tourism
Natural AssetsGreat South Bay, wildlife refuge, local parks
RecreationMuseums, marina, parks, beach access
Future GrowthMacArthur Airport upgrades & downtown revitalization

Islip embodies Long Island’s layered identity – from colonial seaport and oyster capital to vibrant suburban hub with rich traditions, walkable charm, and coastal access. It offers residents and visitors an inviting mix of history, local character, and growing opportunity.