Terryville, NY
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks
- Transport
- Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Terryville is a suburban hamlet on Long Island, offering a quiet residential atmosphere with easy access to the North Shore's attractions and transport links.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Full Official Name: Terryville, New York
- Status: Terryville is a census-designated place (CDP) and hamlet, meaning it is an unincorporated community within a larger town. It does not have its own municipal government.
- Country and Region: It is located in the Town of Brookhaven , in Suffolk County , on Long Island , in the state of **New York **. Suffolk County is known for its extensive parkland, beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches, world-class wineries on the North Fork, and the famous summer resort of The Hamptons.
Founding Date and Age
Terryville was established in 1888 by Thomas Terry, who set up the first post office in his home on Terryville Road . The community was briefly named "Terrytown" but was quickly changed to Terryville to avoid confusion with Tarrytown in upstate New York . As of 2026, Terryville is 138 years old.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 40°54′19″N 73°3′55″W (or approximately 40.9093, -73.0486 as provided).
- Positioning: Terryville is situated on Long Island, several miles inland from the Long Island Sound's North Shore .
- Elevation: The center of Terryville is approximately 46 meters (151 feet) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: It is a suburban residential community and census-designated place (CDP) .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Terryville is primarily a residential suburban community. Its economy is closely tied to that of the greater Long Island area. Many residents commute to jobs in education, healthcare, retail, and professional services, both locally and in neighboring towns like Port Jefferson. While not a commercial hub itself, its population supports nearby shopping centers and businesses.
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 census, the population of Terryville was 11,472 .
- Population Class: With a population under 50,000, Terryville is classified as a small town or a large village. It is one of many suburban communities on Long Island.
- Demographic Features: The community has a mix of families and individuals. In 2000, the racial makeup was predominantly White (91.81%), with growing communities identifying as Hispanic or Latino (7.51%), Asian (2.29%), and African American (1.62%) .
"City's Business Card" (In Brief)
Terryville is a classic suburban Long Island community, offering a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle within the Town of Brookhaven. Its identity is rooted in its residential character, local schools, and convenient access to the shores, parks, and transport corridors of Suffolk County.
Geography
Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)
While there are no major rivers or lakes within the immediate boundaries of Terryville, the area is characterized by several small creeks and ponds typical of the Long Island landscape. For significant water access, the nearby village of Port Jefferson and its harbor on the Long Island Sound are just 4.5 km north of Terryville . The Sound offers opportunities for boating, sailing, and fishing.
Islands and Archipelagos
Terryville is located on Long Island, the longest and largest island in the contiguous United States . The island stretches for 118 miles (190 km) east-northeast from New York Harbor. This geography defines the region, placing it between the Atlantic Ocean to the south and the Long Island Sound to the north.
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Terryville has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, closely bordering on a humid continental climate (Dfa). It is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters . The area experiences moderate precipitation year-round.
Average Temperatures by Month
Temperatures vary significantly between seasons. The table below shows average highs and lows :
| Month | Avg. High (°C / °F) | Avg. Low (°C / °F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 3°C / 37°F | -1°C / 30°F |
| February | 4°C / 39°F | -1°C / 30°F |
| March | 8°C / 46°F | 2°C / 36°F |
| April | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| May | 20°C / 68°F | 12°C / 54°F |
| June | 24°C / 75°F | 17°C / 63°F |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| August | 26°C / 79°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 18°C / 64°F |
| October | 17°C / 63°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| November | 12°C / 54°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| December | 7°C / 45°F | 3°C / 37°F |
- Warmest Month: July, with average highs around 28°C .
- Coolest Month: January, with average lows around -4°C .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Average Annual Precipitation: Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The wettest months are typically April and July, each averaging around 97 mm of rain .
- Snowfall: Snowfall is common in winter, with January and February averaging over 160 mm of snow each .
- Humidity: Humidity levels are highest during the summer months, averaging around 73% in August, which can make the warm weather feel muggy .
Sun Days and UV Index
- Sun Hours: Daylight hours vary from just over 9 hours in December to more than 15 hours in June .
- UV Index: The UV index peaks during the summer months, typically reaching high levels (7+), making sun protection necessary for outdoor activities.
Seasonality and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Terryville for pleasant weather is from mid-June to late September, according to tourism scores .
- Spring (March-May): Temperatures warm up gradually from cool to comfortably mild. This is a beautiful time as trees and flowers begin to bloom.
- Summer (June-August): The weather is warm and humid, perfect for exploring the nearby beaches and harbors of the North Shore .
- Autumn (September-November): Mild and often sunny weather continues into September. October and November bring crisp air and spectacular fall foliage colors to the region.
- Winter (December-February): Cold and windy with frequent snowfalls. This season is ideal for those who enjoy winter scenery and quiet, off-season charm .
Landmarks
The Site of the First Terryville Post Office
While the original building is no longer standing, the site of the first post office holds historical significance for the community. It was established in 1888 by Thomas Terry in his home on Terryville Road and was the reason the community got its name . The first postmaster was Preston Terry, Thomas's son . Today, the location is the site of the Mevlana Mosque .
Nearby: Port Jefferson Village and Harbor
Just 4.5 km north of Terryville is the historic village of Port Jefferson . This charming waterfront community serves as the primary destination for culture and recreation for Terryville residents. Its landmark features include a bustling harbor with ferries to Connecticut, a vibrant main street (East Main Street) with unique shops and restaurants, and the Port Jefferson station of the Long Island Rail Road .
Transport
Main Railway Stations
Terryville does not have its own train station. The nearest Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is Port Jefferson station, located approximately 3 km north of Terryville in the adjacent hamlet of Port Jefferson Station . This station is the terminus of the Port Jefferson Branch, providing direct service to Jamaica Station in Queens and Hunterspoint Avenue in Manhattan, with connections to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal .
Major Highways and Roads
The main road through Terryville is Terryville Road. The community is also in proximity to several major arteries of Long Island:
- New York State Route 347 (Port Jefferson Highway / Nesconset Highway): A major east-west thoroughfare that provides access to surrounding towns and connects to Interstate 495, the Long Island Expressway (LIE).
- New York State Route 25A (North Country Road): A scenic north shore route that runs through nearby Port Jefferson.
- Interstate 495 (Long Island Expressway - LIE): The primary highway for Long Island, connecting the East End to New York City, is accessible a short drive south of Terryville.
System of Public Transport (Buses)
Public bus service in the area is provided by Suffolk County Transit (SCT) . Several bus routes travel through or near Terryville, connecting it to Port Jefferson, the Smith Haven Mall, and other major commercial and residential centers on Long Island.
Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions
While Terryville itself is a small hamlet and may not have centuries-old culinary traditions of its own, its dining scene reflects the broader tastes of the region, offering familiar and comforting American fare alongside classic take-out options.
Local Dining Spots
For a taste of classic American comfort food, a popular local spot is a restaurant located at 311 Main St. It is known for its generous portions and friendly service. A recent visitor described it as a "great place" where you "get a lot of food for the price" . The same reviewer highly recommends the pizza, noting that it typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes to prepare, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal .
A Taste of Take-Out
Like many American towns, Terryville has its beloved take-out spots. Wing Wah Kitchen, situated in the Terryville Plaza on Old Town Road, offers classic Chinese-American cuisine . It is primarily a take-out restaurant, perfect for a convenient and casual dinner. They are known for their daily lunch specials, available until 3:00 pm, and offer coupons for additional discounts . This type of restaurant is a staple of the local dining landscape, providing residents with familiar and accessible options.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Terryville, NY, while a small town, is well-served by local healthcare facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality medical care without needing to travel far. The town has a favorable physician-to-population ratio, with 246 physicians per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 210 .
Local Hospitals and Medical Centers
The community is served by key local hospitals that provide comprehensive care. These include:
- Terryville Memorial Hospital: This facility offers a range of services to meet the general medical needs of the community .
- Central Valley Medical Center: Another vital healthcare institution providing comprehensive patient care in the region .
In addition to these hospitals, residents have access to a network of local medical facilities, including family practice centers for primary care, urgent care clinics for immediate but non-emergency needs, and various specialty clinics for more specific medical treatments . This network ensures that timely and quality healthcare is readily available.
Health and Environment
The overall health environment in Terryville is positive. The BestPlaces Health Cost Index for the area is 98.7, which is slightly better (lower) than the U.S. average of 100, indicating that healthcare costs are competitive . The air quality is also a strong point, with an Air Quality Index of 70, notably better than the national average of 58 . The water quality in the watershed is rated above average as well, with an index of 61 compared to the U.S. average of 55 . These factors contribute to a healthy living environment for Terryville's residents.