Sayville, New York

Sayville
Sayville’s blend of historic charm, waterfront living, vibrant community, and commuter-friendly positioning makes it a standout on the South Shore. It’s a destination where small-town warmth meets coastal adventure—and always brimming with local stories waiting to be discovered. File photo: Javier Catano Gonzalez, licensed.

Sayville is a picturesque hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, positioned on Long Island’s South Shore along the Great South Bay. With an area of approximately 5.38 sq mi, including 0.07 sq mi of water, Sayville had a population of 16,569 in 2020, with recent estimates around 15,600 and a median age near 44.6 years

History & Heritage

  • Early settlement: Founded in 1761 by John Edwards and later John Greene; officially named “Sayville” in 1838 after a misspelling of “Seaville”.
  • 19th‑century boom: Arrival of rail service in 1868 transformed Sayville into a bustling summer getaway, with over 30 hotels by the 1880s. The John Ellis Roosevelt estate (Meadow Croft), built in 1891–92, still remains as a landmark.
  • Historic significance: In 1912, Sayville hosted a German wireless transmitter seized by U.S. Marines after America entered WWI.
  • Cultural figure: Between 1919 and 1932, the commune of Father Divine was located here, adding a unique chapter to Sayville’s social history.

Demographics & Economy

  • Population: 15.6k with a slight recent decline, predominantly White (≈88%).
  • Income & housing: Median household income ~$145k; median property values around $615k; poverty rates remain low (~5–5.5%).
  • Local businesses: Charming downtown lined with specialty shops (e.g., Sayville Running Company, Red Cedar Grill, South Shore Bicycle Co).

Transportation & Services

  • LIRR access: Sayville Station on the Montauk/Port Jefferson branch connects commuters and visitors, with bus, taxi, and ferry links to Fire Island.
  • Public services: Served by Sayville Fire Department (volunteer), Community Ambulance Co., and Sayville Public Library at 88 Greene Ave.

Education

  • Sayville School District: Comprises one high school, one middle school, and three elementary schools; known for strong academic achievement and high graduation rates.
  • Connetquot SD overlap: Portions of Sayville also attend this district.

Attractions & Recreation

  • Waterfront & beach life: Boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming opportunities abound along Great South Bay. A ferry terminal links to Fire Island vacation communities, including Cherry Grove and Sailors Haven.
  • Historical sites:
    • John Ellis Roosevelt Estate (Meadow Croft) – 1890s Colonial Revival manor.
    • Long Island Maritime Museum in West Sayville showcases maritime heritage, including the historic oyster sloop Priscilla, a National Historic Landmark.
  • Yachting scene: Sayville Yacht Club, founded in 1901, is active in regional regattas and sailing programs.
  • Parks & events: Local parks and Rotary Park feature community gatherings, farmers’ markets, and summer events.

Community & Quality of Life

  • Family-friendly charm: Residents highlight the village’s warm, nostalgic Main Street atmosphere, friendly neighbors, and strong civic spirit.
  • Historic character: Well-preserved Victorian and early 20th-century architecture and heritage homes evoke Sayville’s coastal legacy.

Hamlet Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Population~16 k, median age ~44
IncomeHousehold: ~$145 k
HousingMedian home value: ~$615 k, ~77% owner-occupancy
SchoolsOne high school, one middle, three elementary
Commute~30 min to NYC; strong local connectivity
RecreationBoating, beach, parks, maritime museum, yacht club
Notable Historic SitesMeadow Croft, wireless station ruins, Priscilla sloop