West Islip, NY
- About the City
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Sport and Sports Legends
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
West Islip is a waterfront hamlet on Long Island's South Shore, known for its strong Italian-American community, good schools, and convenient access to the Great South Bay and Fire Island.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: West Islip. It is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located within the Town of Islip .
- Administrative Affiliation: West Islip is in Suffolk County, on the South Shore of Long Island, in the state of New York, United States . The region is famously known for its proximity to New York City, its beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, and its suburban character.
Historical Names and Nicknames
West Islip does not have widely known historical names or nicknames. Its identity is tied to its founding families and its location west of the village of Islip.
Date of Foundation and Age
The area was first settled by English colonists in 1683, making it over 340 years old . Before this, the land was inhabited by the Secatogue Native American people .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 40°42′54″N 73°17′52″W .
- Position: West Islip is located on the South Shore of Long Island, situated along the Great South Bay, which separates the mainland from the barrier islands of Jones Beach Island and Fire Island . Its western boundary is formed by natural features including Sampawams Creek, Hawley's Lake, and the Guggenheim Lakes .
- Elevation: The central area of the hamlet has an elevation of about 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level .
- Geographical Classification: It is a suburban waterfront community.
City Type and Economic Specialization
West Islip is primarily a residential suburban community . Its economy is local, serving its residents with services, schools (part of the West Islip School District), healthcare (Good Samaritan University Hospital), and retail . A short drive affords access to good fishing and swimming .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population was 27,048 .
- Size Classification: It is a medium-sized unincorporated community.
- Demographic Features: The community has a significant Italian-American population, with 43.7% of non-Hispanic white residents claiming Italian ancestry . The estimated median household income is high, at $171,045 (2019-2023) .
"Visiting Card" (In a Nutshell)
West Islip is a classic South Shore Long Island community, offering a peaceful suburban lifestyle with deep-rooted community ties. Its appeal lies in its waterfront location along the Great South Bay, excellent schools, and its role as a quiet, residential haven away from the bustle of nearby cities.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
West Islip features a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification . It experiences warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters, with pleasant conditions in spring and autumn.
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
Temperatures typically range from an average low of -3°C (27°F) in winter to an average high of 28°C (82°F) in summer .
- Hottest Month: July, with average highs around 27-28°C (81-82°F) and lows near 20°C (68°F) .
- Coldest Month: January, with average highs around 4°C (40°F) and lows near -3°C (27°F) .
- Record Extremes: Temperatures can occasionally drop to -14°C (7°F) in winter or rise above 32°C (90°F) in summer .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: Approximately 1,367 mm (53.8 inches) . Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with April, October, and December often being the wettest months .
- Snowfall: The winter months (December to March) bring significant snowfall, with January seeing an average accumulation of around 140 mm (5.5 inches) .
Sun Hours and UV Index
- Sunshine: West Islip enjoys an average of 3,015 hours of sunshine per year . The sunniest months are June, July, and August .
- UV Index: The UV index can reach very high levels (up to 10) during the late spring and summer months, from May through July .
Water Temperature
As a community on the Great South Bay, the water temperature is suitable for boating and some swimming during the summer. The bay's shallower waters warm up faster than the open ocean.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- Best Time to Visit: The most pleasant time for outdoor activities is from mid-June to late September, when temperatures are warm and conditions are favorable .
- Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, with average highs in the low 80s°F (27-28°C). This is the peak season for bay-front activities.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and snowy, with average highs in the low 40s°F (4-5°C). It's a quiet time, ideal for experiencing a classic Northeastern winter.
- Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November): These shoulder seasons offer mild temperatures and beautiful foliage (in autumn) or blooming flowers (in spring), perfect for walking and exploring the local areas.
Specific Weather Phenomena
The area can occasionally be affected by nor'easters in the winter and early spring, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, or snow. The region is also susceptible to the remnants of tropical storms or hurricanes in the late summer and autumn.
Landmarks
West Islip Beach
Located along the Great South Bay, West Islip Beach is a local beach and park area for residents . It offers a place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the waterfront. Nearby is the West Islip Marina, providing boat slips and access to the bay for boating and fishing enthusiasts .
Sagtikos Manor
This historic manor, located just north of the hamlet on Montauk Highway, is a prominent landmark. Sagtikos Manor is a historic house that dates back to the 17th century and played a role in the American Revolutionary War. It is now a historic house museum open for tours and events .
Good Samaritan University Hospital
This 537-bed teaching hospital is a major institution and landmark in the community, providing comprehensive healthcare services to the South Shore region .
9/11 Memorial
A memorial dedicated to the victims of the September 11th terrorist attacks, including local resident Kevin Cosgrove, is located in the area, serving as a place of remembrance .
Gardiner Park
A local park offering recreational facilities and green space for residents .
Transport
Major Airports
West Islip does not have its own commercial airport. It is served by the three major airports in the New York City area:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located approximately 45 miles (72 km) west, in Queens . It is a major international hub.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Also in Queens, primarily handling domestic flights.
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP): Located in Ronkonkoma, about 20 miles east, offering a more local alternative with several low-cost carriers.
Major Railway Stations
The hamlet is served by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The nearest station is Babylon Station, which is approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of West Islip . This station provides service on the Babylon Branch, offering frequent trains to New York City (Penn Station) and other points on Long Island. The Bay Shore station on the Montauk Branch is also nearby .
Public Transportation System
- Bus Service: Public bus service is provided by Suffolk County Transit. Route 2 runs along Montauk Highway, connecting West Islip to Babylon, Amityville, and Patchogue .
Major Highways
- Montauk Highway (NY-27A): The primary east-west thoroughfare through the hamlet, running parallel to the South Shore .
- Sunrise Highway (NY-27): A major divided highway located just north of the community, providing high-speed access to western Long Island and New York City.
- Robert Moses Causeway / Southern State Parkway: Major parkways located to the west, providing access to the beaches and other parts of Long Island. West Islip is located 45 miles east of Manhattan .
Sport and Sports Legends
West Islip has a deep-rooted culture of athletics, particularly in high school sports, with a legacy of legendary coaches and athletes who have left an indelible mark on the community.
Local Sports Legends and Coaching Icons
The most prominent sports figures from West Islip are not necessarily professional athletes, but legendary high school coaches who built the foundation for a "Lions for life" culture . A key figure is Jack Braddish, who joined the West Islip school district in 1961. He became the high school football coach in 1969, a position he held for 11 years, amassing a record of 62-29-4 and winning four league titles . Braddish is credited with formulating the "procedures, processes, policies and culture of excellence in West Islip" that are still in existence today . He later served as the school's athletic director from 1980 until his retirement in 1996. His legacy includes founding the West Islip High School Hall of Fame, which he led in its first induction ceremony in 1995 .
Another significant coaching figure connected to the area is Walter Reese. While he lived in West Babylon and West Bay Shore, his legacy as a coach is deeply felt on Long Island. A graduate of Syracuse University where he was the 1964 MVP of the lacrosse team, he went on to have an illustrious 32-year career as a teacher and coach at Copiague Schools . He was the most successful football coach in the school's history and started its lacrosse program in 1970. His success was such that the Copiague School System named its Football/Lacrosse Stadium after him in 2004 .
The community also remembers figures like Rudy M. Fiorvanti. Although he lived in East Northport, he was a 1970 Massapequa HS alumnus and a legendary South Shore lifeguard for 37 years at Tobay Beach, where he led teams to numerous championships and helped create a family atmosphere .
High School Athletics and Facilities
The heart of West Islip's sports culture is West Islip High School. The school's athletic program is a source of immense community pride, fostering rivalries and traditions within Suffolk County. A key part of this legacy is the West Islip High School Hall of Fame, established by Jack Braddish and Wayne Shierant. It features pictures and hand-carved quotes from the best athletes in the school's history .
The school continues to produce athletes who compete at the collegiate level. An example is Rose Ruopoli, a West Islip native who went on to play tennis for St. Joseph's University (New York) - Long Island .
Nearby Parks and Outdoor Recreation
For residents and visitors, several state parks offer extensive recreational opportunities just a short drive from West Islip :
- Belmont Lake State Park: Located about 2.5 to 4 miles away, this park offers fishing, hiking trails, bridle paths, and paddleboat rentals.
- Gardiner County Park: Approximately 1.8 to 3.9 miles away, this bayfront park is ideal for birdwatching, walking, and enjoying scenic views of the Great South Bay.
- Captree State Park: About 6 to 8 miles away, it is a major hub for recreational and commercial fishing boats, offering charters and stunning views of the bay and the Robert Moses Causeway.
- Robert Moses State Park: Roughly 6.7 to 8.5 miles away, this park provides access to miles of pristine Atlantic Ocean beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
West Islip is home to a major hospital and several specialized medical facilities, serving as a healthcare hub for the surrounding communities.
Major Hospitals
The primary medical center in West Islip is Good Samaritan University Hospital. Located at 1000 Montauk Highway, it is a full-service, not-for-profit hospital offering a comprehensive range of services . It is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as "High Performing" in two procedures and conditions . Key services include:
- Emergency Department
- Maternity services
- Cardiac Care: Including adult diagnostic and interventional cardiac catheterization (PCI) and adult cardiac surgery .
- Surgical Services: Such as ambulatory surgery and lithotripsy .
- Diagnostic Imaging: Including Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and therapeutic radiology .
- Renal Dialysis (acute) .
Just 3.2 miles away in Bay Shore is South Shore University Hospital at Northwell Health. This hospital is even more highly rated, recognized as "High Performing" in 1 specialty and 18 procedures and conditions, with a patient experience score of 3 out of 5 .
Specialized Clinics and Centers
Good Samaritan operates several specialized clinics and centers in and around West Islip, expanding its reach into specific areas of care :
- GSH Cancer Center at 111 Beach Drive, West Islip, providing oncology services .
- Good Samaritan Hospital Women's Imaging Center at 735 Montauk Highway, West Islip, dedicated to women's diagnostic health .
- Physical Therapy & Rehab Center at 560 Union Blvd, West Islip, offering occupational, physical, and speech-language pathology services .
- GSH Pet/Ct Scanner at 1245 Montauk Highway, West Islip, providing advanced imaging .
Many physicians and multi-specialty practices are also based in West Islip, such as the offices of Aneeqa Lone, MD, who practices hospital medicine at Good Samaritan and at Long Island Comprehensive Medical Care locations, including one at 111 Beach Drive .
Universities and Educational Institutions
While West Islip itself is a suburban community, it is within close proximity to several institutions of higher education and is home to a notable private high school.
Nearby Colleges and Universities
For higher education, residents of West Islip have several options within a short driving distance :
- SUNY Suffolk County Community College - Grant Campus: Located in nearby Brentwood, this campus is about an 11 to 15-minute drive from West Islip, making it a primary destination for local students seeking associate degrees and certificate programs .
- Touro University: With a location on Long Island, it is also within a reasonable commute .
- Farmingdale State College: Part of the SUNY system, this college is approximately a 20-25 minute drive from West Islip .
Local Private High School
West Islip is home to Saint John's High School, a private Catholic high school. It offers students an education on Long Island with proximity to New York City and its top-tier universities like Columbia University and New York University . The school boasts updated classrooms and expansive athletic facilities .
West Islip Public Schools
The community is served by the West Islip Union Free School District. The district includes several elementary schools and a middle school, with West Islip High School serving students in grades 9-12. The high school, with an enrollment of over 1,300 students, receives a GreatSchools rating of 8 out of 10, indicating it is above average . It is a central point of community life, particularly known for its strong athletic programs and its Hall of Fame .