Lainek

Your Guide to the World

Amityville, NY

Amityville is a village on Long Island's South Shore, known globally for "The Amityville Horror" story while offering residents and visitors waterfront parks, a historic downtown, and easy access to NYC.

About the city

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the village is Amityville . It is a village located in the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, on the south coast of Long Island, in the state of New York, United States . It is part of the New York metropolitan area .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area was first visited by settlers from Huntington in 1653, but the town was officially founded in 1658 . The village's current name, derived from the Latin word "amicus" (friend), was adopted in 1846 . As of 2026, the village is 368 years old.

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Amityville is located on the South Shore of Long Island at the geographic coordinates 40.6789° N, -73.4171° W . The village features flat terrain and is situated on the shore of South Oyster Bay (Great South Bay) . It is bordered by several navigable fingertip canals that run inland from the bay . The elevation of the village center is approximately 6 meters (20 feet) above sea level . This is a coastal village, characterized by its waterfront location and peninsulas known locally as "necks" .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Amityville is primarily a suburban residential community and a bedroom community for New York City, located about 40 miles away . Its economy is locally focused, with a charming village center featuring restaurants like the Zagat-rated Vittorio's and the historic Toomey's Tavern on the water, as well as retail shops . A significant part of its identity is also tied to tourism driven by its horror legacy, with establishments like Cornucopia's Noshery capitalizing on the "Amityville Horror" theme .

Population and Demographics

As of the July 1, 2024 estimate, the population of Amityville village was 9,718 . According to 2020-2024 data, the population is diverse, with 73.0% identifying as White alone (not Hispanic or Latino), and 18.1% identifying as Hispanic or Latino . The median household income is $106,285, and the village has a high rate of owner-occupied housing units at 74.4% .

"Visiting Card" of the City

Amityville is globally renowned as the setting for the best-selling book and classic 1979 film "The Amityville Horror," a story based on a 1974 mass murder and subsequent claims of paranormal activity in a Dutch Colonial house on Ocean Avenue . Beyond this haunting fame, it is a quaint waterfront village on Long Island, nicknamed "the friendly bay village," offering a charming downtown, access to the Great South Bay, and a quiet suburban lifestyle just a train ride from New York City .

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Bays)

The village's southern border is defined by the Great South Bay (locally referred to as South Oyster Bay) . The village is also intersected by several navigable fingertip canals that flow into the bay . Within the village, Hartmann's Pond is a key feature in Peterkin Park, surrounded by a walking trail . Avon Lake is also located nearby .

Islands and Archipelagos

Several small islands are located in the Great South Bay near Amityville. These include Goose Island, Seamans Island, Little Goose Island, and Squaw Island, all of which are documented on the local USGS topo map .

Beaches and Coastlines

While Amityville has its own waterfront, it is also considered "somewhat of a beach town" due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean . Residents have access to various beaches less than 15 miles away.

Climate and weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Amityville has a humid subtropical climate, typical of the Long Island South Shore, with hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. The proximity to the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperature extremes compared to inland areas.

Average Temperatures

The warmest month is typically July, with average high temperatures around 28°C (82°F). The coldest month is January, with average lows around -4°C (25°F) .

Precipitation and Humidity

Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. The village sees significant precipitation, with an average of around 1,100 mm of rain and snow melt annually. The humidity levels are generally high in the summer due to the maritime influence.

Seasonal Information and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Amityville is from late spring to early fall.

Landmarks

The Most Famous Site: 112 Ocean Avenue

The single most famous location in Amityville is the site of the former Dutch Colonial house at 112 Ocean Avenue . This was the location of the 1974 DeFeo family murders, which inspired the book and film "The Amityville Horror." The original house has since had its address and appearance changed, but the location remains a point of fascination for visitors interested in the paranormal and true crime history .

Historic Buildings

Parks and Recreation

Cultural Landmarks

Transport

Main Airports in the City and Region

Amityville does not have a commercial airport of its own but is served by several major New York City airports.

Main Railway Stations

The village is served by the Amityville station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) . The station is located on the Babylon Branch, providing direct service to New York Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. The train ride takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes . This makes Amityville a key part of the NYC commuter belt.

Public Transport System

Public transport within the village is supplemented by local bus services that connect to other parts of Long Island. However, the LIRR is the primary artery for travel to and from New York City.

Major Highways and Roads

Amityville is accessible by car via New York State Route 110 (Broadway), which runs north-south through the village. It is also close to major parkways such as the Southern State Parkway, Robert Moses Causeway, and the Ocean Parkway, which provide access to the ocean beaches, Fire Island, and connections to the broader Long Island Expressway (I-495) system .

Water Transport

The village's network of canals and its location on the Great South Bay make boating a significant mode of local transport for recreation. The canals provide direct access to the bay, and Nautical Park offers docking slips for residents . There are no scheduled passenger ferry services from the village itself, but nearby towns offer ferries to Fire Island and other barrier island destinations.

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Amityville, located on Long Island's South Shore, offers a diverse culinary scene that reflects its suburban character and proximity to New York City. From classic Italian-American staples to innovative fusion cuisine, the village has carved out a unique gastronomic identity.

Grandma Pizza (Grandma Pizza)

Amityville is particularly known for its Grandma pizza, a style that originated on Long Island . This pizza pays homage to the traditional homemade pizzas prepared by Italian immigrant housewives in their makeshift ovens. True to its origins, a classic Grandma pizza is typically topped with just cheese and tomato sauce, though modern variations allow for additional toppings based on personal preference . Baked in a rectangular sheet pan and cut into small squares, this pizza evokes a sense of nostalgia and is a local favorite. For an authentic taste, locals recommend Raimo's Brick Oven Pizzeria and Blue T Pizza, both known for their excellent renditions of this Long Island classic, along with other Italian specialties like Sicilian pizza and calzones .

Whiting and Grits

A contemporary culinary standout in Amityville is the whiting and grits at Bayview Kitchen . This dish exemplifies the restaurant's unique blend of soul food and Caribbean fusion. It features tender, flaky fillets of whiting fried to a golden hue, served atop a bed of gloriously chunky, cheesy grits . The kitchen's skill with a fryer elevates this comforting classic into a memorable dish, making it a must-try for visitors.

Baba Jerk Chicken Sandwich

Another signature creation from Bayview Kitchen is the baba jerk chicken sandwich . This sandwich packs a flavorful punch with a jerk-rubbed chicken thigh that is notably spicier than most. The heat is expertly balanced by a sweet sorrel BBQ sauce and a thick, grilled slice of pineapple, all nestled in a soft brioche bun . For an even more unique experience, the coco crispy chicken sandwich swaps the brioche for a sweet and doughy Jamaican coco bread, a creation lauded as one of the most original fried chicken sandwiches on Long Island .

American Diner Classics

For those seeking traditional American breakfast and lunch fare, Cornucopia's Noshery is a beloved family-owned spot . Known for its cozy, eclectic atmosphere, it offers an extensive menu of creative breakfast dishes, including various pancake flavors, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast, alongside hearty lunch options like sandwiches, burgers, and salads . It is also noted for offering good gluten-free and vegan options .

Museums

The Lauder Museum

The Amityville Historical Society Lauder Museum is the primary institution dedicated to preserving the local heritage . Housed in a historic building constructed in 1909 for the Lauder family, the museum features a wide array of exhibits showcasing the history of Amityville and the surrounding areas . Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents spanning from Native American life and the colonial period through the American Revolution and the industrial growth of the 19th century . A particular highlight is its collection of historic clothing and accessories from the 18th to the 20th century, offering a unique perspective on American fashion history . The museum is open to the public on weekends and is located at 170 Broadway .

Nearby Attractions

For those interested in natural history, Tackapausha Museum & Preserve is located within a short drive (about 4.2 miles) in Seaford, offering educational exhibits and preserved trails .

Sport and Sports Legends

Local Recreation

While Amityville may not be home to major professional sports franchises, it offers ample opportunities for recreational sports. The village features Mike James Courts, a local point of interest for basketball enthusiasts . For a day by the water, residents and visitors can enjoy Amityville Beach, which provides a setting for swimming, sunbathing, and other beach activities . The adjacent Tobay Beach offers additional oceanfront recreational space .

Nearby, the Town of Oyster Bay and other Long Island communities host events like the NY Best Wings Festival, adding to the region's active lifestyle scene .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Amityville serves as a convenient location for higher education, hosting a specialized technical institute and a satellite campus of a major university.

Island Drafting and Technical Institute

The Island Drafting and Technical Institute (IDTI) is a private, for-profit two-year college located at 128 Broadway . It is a specialized institution focused on technical professions, offering associate's degrees that prepare students for careers in fields like drafting and design . The institute provides career and academic counseling, as well as placement services for graduates, underlining its mission to provide students with the skills needed to meet employer expectations . With a small student body, IDTI offers a focused, hands-on educational experience.

Molloy University Suffolk Center

The Molloy University Suffolk Center is an off-campus site located at 1100 N. Broadway . This center brings the resources of Molloy University to southern Nassau and Suffolk County residents. It primarily offers undergraduate courses in Nursing, along with Continuing Education programs in Nursing and Home Inspection . The facility includes classroom space, a student lounge, library resources, and computer access for students, making higher education more accessible to the Amityville community .

Nearby Universities

Amityville's location also places it within a short driving distance of several larger universities. These include Farmingdale State College (about 6 miles), Hofstra University (about 14 miles), and Molloy University's main campus in Rockville Centre (about 14 miles) .

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Amityville is served by specialized medical institutions and community health centers, providing essential services to residents.

Brunswick Hospital Center

Brunswick Hospital Center, Inc. is a key healthcare facility located at 366 Broadway . It is registered as a psychiatric hospital, specializing in mental health services for the community . The facility is a for-profit institution and provides specialized inpatient care. It is important to note that this hospital does not offer emergency services .

South Oaks Hospital

Also located in Amityville, at 400 Sunrise Highway, is South Oaks Hospital . Like Brunswick, South Oaks is another psychiatric facility in the village, contributing to Amityville's role as a center for specialized mental health care on Long Island .

Tri Community Health Center

For comprehensive outpatient and primary care, the Tri Community Health Center serves the area from its location at 1080 Sunrise Highway . This practice offers a wide range of medical services with a team of 24 physicians covering 12 specialties . These specialties include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Podiatry, and General Dentistry, providing a broad spectrum of care for families and individuals in Amityville .

Discover new destinations