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Coram, NY

Coram is an unincorporated hamlet on Long Island, known for its Revolutionary War history and suburban character.

About Coram

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

Coram is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in the Town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, New York, on Long Island . Its full official name is simply Coram, New York. As an unincorporated community, it does not have its own municipal government but is governed directly by the Town of Brookhaven and is part of the New York metropolitan area . Suffolk County is known for its sandy beaches, wineries, and as a key part of the Long Island region east of New York City.

Historical Names and Nicknames

The area's earliest recorded name was "Wincoram" . This name, first documented in colonial records, is believed to be derived from the Algonquian languages spoken by the indigenous Setalcott people and may refer to a Native American individual who lived in the area as late as 1703 . The meaning is thought to be "a passage between hills" or "valley" . Over the 18th century, the name was simplified to its current form, "Coram" .

Date of Foundation and Age

European settlement in Coram began in the late 17th century, making it the oldest settlement in the central part of the Town of Brookhaven . The first recorded European settler was likely William Satterly, who was granted permission to open a tavern for travelers in 1667 . With origins stretching back over 350 years, Coram is one of the historic communities on Long Island.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Coram is located in the central portion of Long Island, within Suffolk County. Its precise geographic coordinates are 40.8812° N, 73.0059° W . The 73rd meridian west passes directly through the hamlet . The center of Coram sits at an elevation of approximately 29 meters (95 feet) above sea level . With a total area of 35.8 square kilometers (13.83 square miles), it is a landlocked, suburban community characterized by residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Coram is primarily a suburban residential community, functioning as a bedroom community within the New York metropolitan area . Its economy is typical of a modern suburb, with a workforce concentrated in the health care, retail, and education sectors . Many residents commute to jobs elsewhere on Long Island or in New York City, with an average commute time of 34.4 minutes .

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, the population of the Coram CDP was 40,220 . By 2023, the population was estimated to be around 42,933 . According to the 2020 census, the population density was approximately 1,123 people per square kilometer . The community is diverse, with a significant proportion of foreign-born residents, primarily from Latin America and Asia, contributing to its character as a family-oriented suburb .

"Visiting Card" of the City (In Brief)

Coram is a historic Long Island hamlet where 17th-century colonial roots and Revolutionary War heritage meet modern suburban life. Visitors come to explore landmarks like the Davis Town Meeting House, one of the oldest buildings in the region, and to experience the quiet charm of a residential community with a rich and well-preserved past.

Landmarks

Davis Town Meeting House

The Davis Town Meeting House, also known as the Lester H. Davis House, is the most significant historical landmark in Coram. Constructed around 1750, this historic building is likely the oldest existing structure in the hamlet . It was likely built by Elijah Davis, a descendant of Foulk Davis, an early settler who arrived in the area from Britain in 1642, and was originally operated as a tavern-inn for travelers .

From 1790 to 1885, the house served as the primary meeting place for the Town of Brookhaven government, hosting over 80 annual town meetings . It was here that the town's administrative business was conducted for nearly a century. The building's historical importance has been formally recognized at multiple levels: it was designated an official town landmark by the Brookhaven Town Board in 1986, named a New York State landmark in 2000, and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 . After significant restoration work completed in 2012, the Davis Town Meeting House now functions as a community center and museum, offering historical tours every second Sunday of the month . It is located at 263 Middle Country Road .

Coram Revolutionary War Memorial

Coram played a notable role in the American Revolutionary War. On November 23, 1780, Major Benjamin Tallmadge led a contingent of Continental soldiers, including men from the famed Culper Spy Ring, on a raid from Connecticut. They landed near Mount Sinai and advanced to Coram, where they successfully captured and burned approximately 300 tons of hay that the British forces had stockpiled for the winter to feed their horses and cavalry .

This action was a significant blow to British logistics. Upon hearing the news, General George Washington sent a letter to Major Tallmadge expressing his pleasure with the mission's success . This historic event is central to local heritage, and the community annually celebrates it in October with reenactments and ceremonies . A memorial or plaque commemorating the "Burning of the Hay" is located near the corner of New York State Route 25 and Route 112 .

Historic Coram Airfield Site

A small airport, known as Coram Airport, existed in Coram from 1959 until its closure in 1984 . The land where the airfield once stood is now part of a Suffolk County park . The site is a point of interest for local aviation history, marking a chapter in the hamlet's 20th-century development before its transformation into the current suburban landscape .

Transport

Main Airports in the City and Region

Coram does not have a commercial airport. The nearest airport for general aviation and private flights was the former Coram Airport, which closed in 1984 . For commercial air travel, residents and visitors rely on several major airports in the New York metropolitan area .

Other Airports (Alternative)

The closest airport to Coram for commercial flights is Long Island MacArthur Airport (IATA code: ISP), located in the town of Islip, approximately 11.9 km (7.4 miles) away . It is a regional airport offering domestic flights. Several major international airports serve the area and are viable options:

Main Railway Stations

Coram does not have its own railway station. The primary rail service on Long Island is the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The closest and most convenient LIRR station for Coram is the Ronkonkoma station, which is a major hub on the LIRR's Main Line, offering service to and from New York City's Penn Station .

Public Transport System (Bus)

Public bus service in Coram is provided by Suffolk County Transit. Several bus routes travel through the hamlet, connecting it to surrounding communities like Selden, Centereach, and the Patchogue LIRR station, providing essential links for residents .

Major Highways

Coram is situated along New York State Route 25, which is known locally as Middle Country Road . This major east-west thoroughfare is the primary commercial strip and a key travel route through central Long Island. The hamlet is also in proximity to other major arteries, such as the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) to the north, providing access to the rest of Long Island and New York City .

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Coram has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa), according to the Köppen climate classification, or a humid continental climate (Dfa) depending on the isotherm used, which is typical for coastal areas of the northeastern United States. It features four distinct seasons with warm, humid summers and cold winters. The climate is moderated by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Long Island Sound.

Average Temperatures by Month

The table below displays the average maximum (day) and minimum (night) temperatures for Coram based on historical data .

Month Avg. Day Temp (°F) Avg. Night Temp (°F)
January 38 29
February 40 30
March 45 36
April 55 44
May 64 54
June 73 63
July 80 71
August 79 71
September 73 65
October 63 55
November 53 44
December 45 37

The hottest month is typically July, with average daytime highs around 80°F (27°C) . The coldest month is January, with average nighttime lows around 29°F (-2°C).

Precipitation and Humidity

Coram receives consistent rainfall throughout the year, with average annual precipitation around 45-50 inches. On average, there are 7-8 days with measurable precipitation each month . Humidity levels are generally high year-round due to the maritime influence, averaging around 75% in the summer months . Snowfall is common in winter, with the snowiest periods typically occurring from late December through late February .

Seasonal Weather Patterns and Best Time to Visit

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

While Coram itself is a suburban community, it offers a diverse dining scene that reflects the broader culinary landscape of Long Island. You can find a variety of international cuisines, with Indian/Pakistani and Italian being particularly well-represented.

Authentic Indian and Pakistani Cuisine

For a taste of the subcontinent, Clay Oven is a notable local spot. This restaurant specializes in authentic, Halal Indian and Pakistani dishes . The menu features classic favorites like Chicken Tikka Masala, succulent Tandoori Lamb Chops, and traditional Vegetable Samosas . They are known for their rich, flavorful curries such as the Karahi Chicken, cooked with ginger and garlic in a tomato-onion sauce, and the creamy, mild Shahi Korma . It's a place where each meal is crafted with traditional spices, offering a genuine cultural feast for those looking to explore the vibrant flavors of the region .

Traditional Italian Fare

For a taste of Italy on Long Island, Little Italy on Route 112 provides a cozy, casual dining experience . This charming establishment offers a menu filled with traditional Italian dishes, catering to cravings for pasta, pizza, and seafood . It aims to capture the essence of Italian culinary traditions, providing a satisfying and flavorful meal in a welcoming atmosphere .

A Glimpse of Progressive Mexican Nearby

For those willing to venture a bit further, the culinary scene of New York City offers world-class dining. One notable example is Corima, a restaurant in Manhattan's Lower East Side from El Paso-raised chef Fidel Caballero . Corima is a love letter to the ingredients and traditions of northern Mexico, offering what the chef calls "progressive Mexican" cuisine . It gained early fame for its house-made flour tortilla, a billowy delight made with sourdough starter and Sonoran wheat flour, initially cooked with a blowtorch on an overturned wok . The menu features inventive dishes like duck-heart tacos and a guacamole made without avocados (using edamame and pistachios), showcasing a unique and highly acclaimed culinary point of view .

Museums

While Coram does not have a large museum within its immediate borders, it is conveniently located near several cultural institutions on Long Island that house significant collections .

Art Museums Nearby

Residents and visitors can explore a variety of art museums within a short drive.

Specialized and Children's Museums

For those with specific interests or families, there are also specialized museums in the region.

Further afield, the region is home to major institutions like the Brooklyn Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in the United States, and the Neuberger Museum of Art in Purchase, which focuses on modern, African, and contemporary art .

Sport and Sporting Legends

Coram itself does not have major professional sports stadiums or teams. However, as part of the New York metropolitan area, it is in close proximity to the vast sporting landscape of Long Island and New York City. Residents are fans of and have easy access to world-famous teams and events.

Nearby Professional Sports

The nearby town of Elmont is home to UBS Arena, the state-of-the-art venue where the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) play their home games. For baseball fans, Citi Field in Queens, home of the New York Mets, and Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, home of the New York Yankees, are both accessible. Football fans can support the New York Giants and New York Jets at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while basketball and hockey enthusiasts can catch the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, New York Rangers, and New York Islanders at Madison Square Garden and the Barclays Center in New York City.

Collegiate Sports

Stony Brook University, just a few miles from Coram, fields NCAA Division I teams. The Stony Brook Seawolves are particularly well-known for their baseball program, which has made several appearances in the College World Series.

Universities and Academic Institutions

Coram is situated in a region with a high concentration of higher education institutions. There are numerous colleges and universities within a short driving distance, offering a wide range of academic programs .

Major Universities Nearby

The closest and most significant institution is Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Located just a few miles from Coram in Stony Brook, it is the largest college in the area, enrolling over 25,000 students . It is a major research university known for its strong programs in the sciences, engineering, and medicine.

Suffolk County Community College in Selden is the nearest community college, located only 3.4 miles from Coram, offering accessible two-year degrees and certificate programs .

Prestigious Universities Within the Region

Within a 50-mile radius of Coram, there are nearly 80 colleges, including some of the most prestigious in the world . This includes Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, an Ivy League institution ranked #6 in the nation . The list also includes the CUNY City College and other campuses of the City University of New York system, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and the University of Connecticut . This proximity provides residents of Coram with unparalleled access to higher education and cultural events.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Coram is well-served by comprehensive healthcare facilities, including a major community health center and urgent care options.

Major Community Health Center

The primary healthcare provider in Coram is the Elsie Owens Health Center at Coram, which is part of the Sun River Health (formerly HRHCare) network . Located at 82 Middle Country Road, this Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has been serving the community since 2012 . It offers a wide array of services designed to be a comprehensive health partner for the whole family .

Primary and Urgent Care

For more immediate medical needs or primary care, CareMed Primary and Urgent Care is located at 266 Middle Country Rd in Coram . This facility provides exceptional family practice, internal medicine, and pediatric services, and can connect patients with a network of specialists if needed . It serves as a convenient option for both routine check-ups and urgent medical situations.

Other Regional Health Centers

As an FQHC, Elsie Owens is part of a larger network of community health centers in the region. Other nearby centers include Long Island Select Healthcare, Inc. in Central Islip and Damian Family Health Care Inc. in Lake Ronkonkoma, among others, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare close to home .

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