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Springs, NY

Springs is a waterfront hamlet on Long Island's South Fork, renowned as the cradle of the Abstract Expressionist movement and home to the preserved studio of Jackson Pollock.

About the Springs

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full official name of the community is Springs. It is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located within the Town of East Hampton in Suffolk County, New York . It is not an incorporated village, so it does not have its own municipal government. The Town of East Hampton, of which it is a part, is known for being a world-renowned summer colony on the prestigious South Fork of Long Island, characterized by its affluent communities, pristine beaches, and rich cultural history.

Date of Foundation and Age

Springs has deep roots as a colonial settlement, with its identity solidifying over centuries. The area was originally inhabited by the Montaukett people. European settlers began to establish farms and businesses in the area in the late 17th and 18th centuries. The name "Springs" itself is derived from the numerous freshwater springs found in the area, particularly around Accabonac Harbor. The community's modern character began to take shape in the mid-20th century when it became a haven for artists and writers, transforming it from a quiet, rural fishing and farming community into a globally significant cultural locale .

Geographic Location and Coordinates

Springs is situated on the South Fork of Long Island, approximately 100 miles (160 km) east of New York City . Its precise geographic coordinates are Latitude: 41°1′31″N, Longitude: 72°9′31″W . The hamlet occupies a peninsula on the eastern end of Long Island, bordered by Gardiners Bay to the north and Accabonac Harbor to the south. It is characterized by its coastal setting, with numerous creeks, inlets, and waterfront properties. The elevation of the area is very low, averaging just about 10 feet (3 meters) above sea level .

Type of City and Economic Specialization

Springs is primarily a residential and tourism-oriented community. Its economy is intrinsically linked to its role as a seasonal destination and its status as a historic artists' colony. Key aspects of its character include:

Population and Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of the Springs CDP was 8,086 . By class of population, it is a small town. The community has a unique demographic profile, with a significant portion of its population being Hispanic or Latino (36.6% in 2010) and a large number of residents (28.1% in 2010) being foreign-born . The area is known for its mix of wealthy homeowners, a working-class community with roots in the area ("Bonackers"), and a community of artists and creatives .

"Visiting Card" of the City (In Brief)

Springs is the quiet, artistic heart of the Hamptons, a serene coastal hamlet where the legacy of Abstract Expressionism is preserved in the very landscape. Visitors come to walk the floor of Jackson Pollock's studio, still splattered with paint, to pay respects at the artists' graves in Green River Cemetery, and to experience the unspoiled, rural bayside beauty that first attracted the world's greatest mid-century artists to its shores.

Geography

Water Bodies (Rivers, Lakes, Waterfalls)

The geography of Springs is defined by its intimate connection to the water. The community is nestled along the shores of Gardiners Bay and the Accabonac Harbor . Accabonac Harbor is a tidal estuary that cuts deep into the hamlet, creating a series of smaller coves and inlets. The name "Accabonac" is the source of the local nickname for year-round residents, "Bonackers" . These waters are central to the community's identity, historically supporting a fishing and clamming industry and today providing a serene setting for boating and kayaking.

Beaches and Coastlines

Springs offers a collection of small, quiet beaches that are a contrast to the bustling Atlantic Ocean shores of nearby communities. These bayfront beaches are known for their calm waters and scenic views. Notable beaches in Springs include:

These beaches are primarily town-owned and provide a more local, low-key experience for residents and visitors.

Climate and Weather

Climate Type and General Characteristics

Springs experiences a humid continental climate, which is typical for coastal regions of the northeastern United States . This climate is characterized by warm, sometimes humid summers and cold winters. The proximity to Gardiners Bay and the Atlantic Ocean moderates temperatures, leading to cooler summers and milder winters compared to inland areas.

Average Temperatures by Month

Temperatures in Springs are generally mild. The warmest month is July, with an average high of around 80°F (26.7°C) and an average low of 65°F (18.3°C) . The coldest month is January, with an average low of 25°F (-3.9°C) and a high of 38°F (3.3°C) . There are very few days, only about 2.5 per year, where the temperature exceeds 90°F (32.2°C) .

Month Avg. High (°F) Avg. Low (°F)
January 38 25
February 40 26
March 46 32
April 55 40
May 65 49
June 74 59
July 80 65
August 80 65
September 73 58
October 63 48
November 53 39
December 44 30

Data sourced from weather reports .

Precipitation and Humidity

Springs receives an average of 47 inches of rain per year, which is higher than the U.S. average . Precipitation is spread relatively evenly throughout the year, with March typically being the wettest month . The area also gets an average of 26 inches of snow per year, most of which falls in February . Humidity levels can be noticeable in July and August, the most humid months, but are generally comfortable for the rest of the year .

Sunshine Days and UV Index

The area enjoys approximately 211 sunny days per year, which is close to the U.S. average . The most pleasant months, offering the best combination of comfortable temperatures and sunshine, are typically June, September, and August .

Seasonality and Best Time to Visit

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

Landmarks

Pollock-Krasner House and Studio

This is the most significant landmark in Springs and a mecca for art lovers worldwide. Located at 830 Springs-Fireplace Road, it was the home and workplace of abstract expressionist pioneers Jackson Pollock (1912-1956) and his wife, Lee Krasner (1908-1984) . The property, now owned by Stony Brook University, is a National Historic Landmark and is open for guided tours by appointment. The main attraction is the separate studio building, where the floor is famously covered in the drips and splatters of paint from Pollock's creative process, allowing visitors to feel the energy of his artistic genius .

Green River Cemetery

This historic cemetery on Springs-Fireplace Road is the final resting place for many of the artists and writers who put Springs on the map. The most famous grave is that of Jackson Pollock, marked by a large, dramatic glacial erratic boulder placed on top of a hill . His wife, Lee Krasner, is also buried here, with a smaller stone lower on the same hill. The cemetery is the burial site for numerous other cultural figures, including writer Joseph Heller .

Ashawagh Hall

Located at 780 Springs-Fireplace Road, Ashawagh Hall is a historic building that serves as a vital community and cultural center. It hosts art exhibitions, local events, and town meetings, continuing the area's legacy of artistic expression .

Springs General Store and Other Historic Sites

The Springs General Store is a beloved local institution, serving as a gathering place and a step back in time. Other historic landmarks in the area, listed by the community, include Barnes's Country Store, the Charles Parsons Blacksmith Building, and the Springs Historical Society (Springs Library) .

Merrill Lake Sanctuary

For nature lovers, the Merrill Lake Sanctuary, owned by The Nature Conservancy, offers trails and a peaceful setting to observe the local flora and fauna, protecting a significant freshwater wetland in the heart of the hamlet .

Transport

Major Highways and Roads

The main road connecting Springs to the rest of the South Fork is Springs-Fireplace Road . This road runs south from the hamlet and connects with Montauk Highway (NY-27) in the neighboring village of East Hampton, which is the primary artery for the entire South Fork. Three Mile Harbor Road is another key route providing access to the southwestern part of Springs and the harbor area . Given its rural, residential nature, getting around Springs is almost entirely dependent on a personal vehicle, as reflected by a very low Walk Score ® of 20 (Car-Dependent) .

Public Transportation System

Public transportation in Springs is limited but available. The primary mode of public transit is the Suffolk County Transit bus route 10B, which provides service along the main roads, connecting Springs with East Hampton and other surrounding communities . The data shows that a small but notable percentage of residents (around 5-10%) use public transportation or carpools for their commute . The nearest Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station is in East Hampton, about a 5-7 minute drive away, providing passenger rail service to New York City . Interestingly, a very small fraction of residents (1.8%) use a ferry to get to work, a rate significantly higher than in most U.S. neighborhoods, likely for commuting to nearby Shelter Island or other points across the bay .

Museums

The Fireplace Project

Located in the heart of the community at 851 Springs Fireplace Road, The Fireplace Project is a contemporary art gallery that serves as a cultural hub for Springs and the wider East Hampton area . Highly recommended by locals, it hosts rotating exhibitions and lectures throughout the season, typically open on Saturdays and Sundays . Described as the "best art gallery in Hamptons" by visitors, it offers an accessible and engaging art experience within walking distance for many residents .

Universities and Educational Institutions

Colleges and Universities Nearby

While Springs itself is a small hamlet, it is within a reasonable driving distance of a vast number of higher education institutions. There are over 230 colleges within 100 miles of Springs, enrolling more than a million students, offering a wide array of choices for higher education .

The nearest college to Springs is the University of Connecticut Avery Point in Groton, CT, located approximately 20.9 miles away . For those seeking a top-tier national university, Yale University in New Haven, CT, ranked #6 in the nation, is also within driving distance . A range of community colleges, such as Three Rivers Community College (33.7 miles away), provide more affordable options with open admission policies .

Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs

It is important to note that several search results reference Saratoga Springs, NY, which is a different city in upstate New York and not near the Springs in East Hampton. However, one notable institution from those results is Skidmore College, a private liberal arts college located in Saratoga Springs . This highlights the diversity of educational options available within the broader New York State region.

Healthcare Facilities and Services

Hospitals and Medical Centers Nearby

Springs does not have its own hospital, but residents have access to comprehensive healthcare facilities in the surrounding area. A full-service hospital, Saratoga Hospital, is a leading healthcare facility serving the region . It is part of the Albany Med Health System, a strong network of healthcare providers, and offers a wide range of medical specialties including surgical procedures, diagnostic testing, and emergency care .

The hospital is committed to community wellness, offering programs in obesity prevention, mental health support, and childbirth education . With a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, including specialists like Zachary Novakovic, DO, the facility is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and patient-centered approach .

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