North Amityville, NY
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Museums and Historical Sites
- Sport and Outdoor Recreation
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
North Amityville is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place on Long Island's South Shore, known as a quiet residential suburb with convenient access to the Amityville Village waterfront and nearby parks.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: North Amityville, New York.
- Status: North Amityville is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located within the Town of Babylon . It is not an incorporated village, so it does not have its own local government.
- Country and Region: It is situated in Suffolk County, on the South Shore of Long Island, in the state of New York, United States. The region is known as a major suburban area of New York City, offering a mix of residential communities, coastal areas, and a high quality of life.
Historical Names and Nicknames
- North Amityville derives its name simply from its geographic position north of the incorporated Village of Amityville. It does not have widely recognized historical names or nicknames separate from the greater Amityville area, which is sometimes referenced in popular culture due to the famous horror story "The Amityville Horror."
Date of Founding and Age
- The area that is now North Amityville began to develop as a residential suburb in the early to mid-20th century, following the expansion of the Long Island Rail Road and the growth of neighboring communities. Its history is tied to the Town of Babylon, which was founded in 1872.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: Approximately 40°42′1″N 73°24′46″W .
- Location: North Amityville is located on the South Shore of Long Island. It is bordered by the hamlet of East Massapequa (in Nassau County) to the west, the hamlet of East Farmingdale to the north, and the Village of Amityville and the hamlet of Copiague to the south .
- Elevation: The area has an elevation of about 33 feet (10 meters) above sea level .
- Type of Settlement: It is a suburban residential community.
City Type and Economic Specialization
- North Amityville is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town. Its economy and character are defined by its role as a bedroom community for people working in New York City and other parts of Long Island. It does not have a significant industrial or commercial core of its own but relies on nearby villages and hamlets for services and employment.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of North Amityville was 18,643 .
- Population Class: It is a small-to-medium sized hamlet and census-designated place.
- Demographic Features: The community is diverse, with a significant demographic shift recorded in recent years. The 2020 census data shows a population that is 47.4% Black or African American, 37.0% Hispanic or Latino, and 9.0% non-Hispanic White . This makes it a multicultural hub on Long Island's South Shore.
"City's Calling Card" (In Short)
- North Amityville is a quiet, residential Long Island hamlet that offers a suburban lifestyle with easy access to the waterfront villages of Amityville and Copiague. Its strength lies in its diverse community, its proximity to parks and the Great South Bay, and its convenience for commuters traveling to New York City.
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
- While North Amityville itself does not have a coastline, it is located less than 2 miles north of the Great South Bay. The bay is a large lagoon situated between Long Island and the barrier beaches of Fire Island, and is central to the region's recreational and ecological identity. The nearby Amityville Village Marina and Amityville's Waterfront in the adjacent village provide direct access to the bay for boating, fishing, and scenic walks .
Beaches and Coastlines
- There are no beaches directly within North Amityville. However, residents have access to the shoreline of the Great South Bay via neighboring communities. A notable spot is Amityville Beach, a scenic spot for unwinding and fun located just to the south in the Village of Amityville .
Parks and Green Spaces
- North Amityville offers several parks and recreational areas for residents and visitors.
- North Amityville Park: A local green space ideal for picnics and outdoor activities .
- Park Avenue Memorial Park: A community park with recreational facilities that also hosts local events .
- Peterkin Park: Another nearby green space in the area, offering outdoor amenities .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
- North Amityville has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, with some sources describing it as having characteristics of a humid continental climate due to its cold winters. It features warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters . It is a generally cloudy area with significant precipitation spread throughout the year.
Average Temperatures by Month
- The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with average daily highs above 23°C (73°F) . The coldest month is January, and the warmest is July .
| Month | Avg. Min Temp | Avg. Max Temp | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | -3°C (27°F) | 4°C (39°F) | |
| April | 6°C (43°F) | 14°C (57°F) | |
| July | 20°C (68°F) | 28°C (82°F) | |
| October | 10°C (50°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Rainfall: The area receives a significant amount of rainfall, with an average of about 1054 mm (41.5 inches) per year . Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with April being a slightly wetter month .
- Average Annual Snowfall: North Amityville experiences measurable snowfall each year, with an average of 107 mm (4.2 inches) . Snowfall is primarily concentrated from late November through early April, with February typically seeing the most snow .
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit North Amityville for general outdoor activities is from mid-June through late September, based on tourist scores .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures gradually warm up, with increasing rainfall. This is a time of renewal, with parks becoming green.
- Summer (June-August): Warm and humid, with the highest temperatures in July. This is the peak season for enjoying waterfront activities in nearby Amityville.
- Fall (September-November): Comfortable temperatures, especially in September and October, with decreasing humidity. Fall foliage adds to the scenic beauty.
- Winter (December-February): Cold with frequent cloudy skies and a chance of snow or rain. It's the least favorable time for outdoor exploration.
Landmarks
Amityville Historical Society
- For those interested in the local heritage, the Amityville Historical Society is a key institution. Located at 170 Broadway in the adjacent Village of Amityville, it preserves the regional history and artifacts of the greater Amityville area, including North Amityville . It offers exhibits and historical tours that shed light on the area's cultural development .
North Amityville Fire Department Museum
- A unique local point of interest is the North Amityville Fire Department Museum . This museum showcases the history of firefighting in the immediate area, providing insight into a vital part of the community's heritage and civic life.
Park Avenue Memorial Park
- This is a central community park in North Amityville, known for its recreational facilities and as a gathering place for seasonal festivals and community events . It's a hub for local activities and sports.
Amityville Village Marina and Waterfront
- Located just south in the Village of Amityville, the Amityville Village Marina and the surrounding Amityville's Waterfront are major attractions for residents of North Amityville . It's a scenic spot for boating, fishing, and enjoying walks along the water, directly connecting the inland community to the Great South Bay.
Transport
Nearest Airports
- While North Amityville does not have a commercial airport, Republic Airport (IATA: FRG) is located just 4 km (2.5 miles) north in East Farmingdale . This is a regional airport and general aviation reliever airport, used primarily for private and corporate aviation, not for scheduled commercial flights.
- For commercial air travel, residents use the major New York City airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport (IATA: JFK) is approximately 30 miles west, and LaGuardia Airport (IATA: LGA) is about the same distance northwest.
Nearest Railway Stations
- The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) does not have a station within North Amityville itself. However, the Amityville station and the Copiague station are located just to the south on the LIRR's Babylon Branch . These stations provide direct commuter rail service to New York City (Penn Station) and other points on Long Island.
Public Transportation System
- Bus Service: The primary public transportation option within North Amityville is provided by Suffolk County Transit. Several bus routes, including the 1 and 10, serve the area . These routes connect North Amityville to neighboring communities like Amityville, Copiague, and Lindenhurst.
- Commuting Patterns: Despite available transit, the vast majority of residents commute by car. The average one-way commute time is 25.8 minutes . Approximately 78% of residents drive alone to work, while only about 5.7% use mass transit .
Major Highways and Roads
- North Amityville is well-connected by a network of major roads and highways typical of Long Island. Key routes include New York State Route 110 (Broadway), which is a major north-south commercial artery, and New York State Route 27 (Sunrise Highway), a limited-access highway located just south of the hamlet providing access to points east and west. The area is also easily accessible to the Southern State Parkway and the Belt Parkway system for travel to New York City.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
Dining and Sweet Treats in Nearby Communities
While North Amityville itself is primarily a residential hamlet without a centralized downtown dining scene, its surrounding areas offer a variety of culinary experiences. For a vibrant mix of shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes, the downtown area of the nearby Village of Amityville is a delightful destination. Here, visitors can spend an afternoon browsing unique stores and savoring delectable treats .
Just a short drive away, the town of Farmingdale is home to a beloved local institution, Adventureland. This family-friendly amusement park is not only known for its rides and games but also offers a classic American carnival food experience. Visitors can enjoy sweet and savory treats like funnel cakes, cotton candy, and hot dogs, which are a staple of the park's nostalgic charm .
Museums and Historical Sites
Living History Museum
For a deep dive into 19th-century life on Long Island, a visit to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration is a must . Located a short drive from North Amityville, this expansive living history museum allows visitors to step back in time. They can wander through meticulously restored buildings, interact with costumed interpreters portraying period characters, and gain a fascinating insight into the region's rich heritage from the 1800s. The village frequently hosts special events and exhibits, making each visit a unique and immersive experience .
Sites of Local Historical Significance
North Amityville itself is home to several profound historical landmarks that speak to its deep roots. The area was originally inhabited by the Montaukett Indian Nation, and this heritage is preserved in several locations .
Key historical sites include the Brewster Burial Grounds and the Bunn-Green Burial Grounds, both located on Bethpage Road. These cemeteries, designated as Town of Babylon historic landmarks in 1995, serve as the final resting place for many Native American families and Civil War veterans, with burial dates ranging from the early 1800s to the mid-1900s . Another significant site is the Miller Cemetery, believed to be the largest of the hamlet's Native American burial grounds, where at least two veterans of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT) from the Civil War are buried . The Brewster-Carr Cemetery, also on Bethpage Road, is another protected Native American burial ground .
The original site of the Bethel A.M.E. Church on Albany Avenue is marked by a historical marker. Organized in 1815 by Black and Native Americans of Amityville, it was the oldest Black church on Long Island. Though the original structure was destroyed by fire in 1989, its historical significance is commemorated .
Another architectural landmark is the Chapel and Motherhouse built by the Sisters of St. Dominic in 1867 on Albany Avenue. Having served as both a convent and an orphanage, these majestic buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007 .
Finally, a marker on Albany Avenue at Croydon Road honors Ronek Park. This post-World War II housing development, started in 1950, is commemorated for being a non-discriminatory community, in contrast to the "Caucasian-only" policies of many other developments at the time .
Unique Historical Markers
In 2021, the Town of Babylon installed heritage designation markers on six streets in North Amityville to formally acknowledge the history of the Montaukett Indian Nation . The markers, which display the Montaukett seal with the words "We are still here!", are located at the intersections of Albany Avenue with Hunter Court, Devine Place, Brewster Lane, and Steele Place, as well as at "Historic Fowler Lane" and at Great Neck Road and Miller Avenue. These streets bear the names of Montaukett families—Fowler, Hunter, Devine, Brewster, Steele, and Miller—who have called this area home for generations .
Sport and Outdoor Recreation
Local Parks and Outdoor Activities
North Amityville and its surrounding areas offer ample opportunities for sports and outdoor recreation. The beautiful Argyle Park provides a serene escape with its lush greenery, peaceful walking trails, and a picturesque lake, perfect for picnics and relaxation .
Nature lovers and sports enthusiasts can head to the nearby Captree State Park. This beautiful coastal park offers stunning views of the Great South Bay and the Fire Island Lighthouse. It is a prime location for boating, fishing, and simply relaxing on the sandy beaches, making it an ideal spot for a day of outdoor adventure .
The Town of Babylon also operates the North Amityville Pool, where residents can get a summer pass for swimming and family fun .
Amusement and Family Fun
For thrill-seekers, Adventureland in nearby Farmingdale is a major attraction. This family-friendly amusement park features a wide variety of rides, games, and attractions, from roller coasters to bumper cars, providing entertainment for all ages .
Universities and Educational Institutions
School Districts
North Amityville is unique in that it is split between two school districts, following divisions that date back to the mid-1800s. The western half of the hamlet is within the Amityville School District, while the eastern half is served by the Copiague School District . This means that for public education, children in North Amityville attend schools in either Amityville or Copiague.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Nearby Medical Facilities
Information on specific medical institutions located directly within the small hamlet of North Amityville is not detailed in the available sources. Residents and visitors typically access a range of medical services in the surrounding larger towns and villages, such as Amityville, Babylon, and Copiague, which are part of the broader healthcare network of Suffolk County, Long Island.
For emergency services, the community is served by several fire departments. Depending on the specific address within North Amityville, a 911 call for an ambulance may be responded to by the North Amityville Fire Department, or the fire departments from Amityville, East Farmingdale, and North Lindenhurst . This highlights the interconnected nature of local emergency services.