Living in Huntington, NY – COMPLETE Guide to 🏡 Moving to the Town of Huntington, Long Island
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Thinking about moving to Long Island? The Town of Huntington, located on the Gold Coast of the North Shore, is one of the best places to live if you love the beach and spending time in nature. Settled in 1653, Huntington has a rich maritime history with five beautiful harbors and more than one dozen charming hamlets and villages.
Huntington is known for its amazing North Shore Long Island beaches, state parks, and some of the most famous Gold Coast Long Island mansions like the Vanderbilt mansion. It also boasts great schools, shopping, and entertainment.
Here’s everything you want to know to decide if living in Huntington, NY is right for you!
Table of Contents
Where Is Huntington New York?
The Town of Huntington is on the Long Island north shore in Suffolk County. Bordered to the west by Nassau County and the Long Island Sound to the north, Huntington is one of ten towns in Suffolk County, NY. It’s adjacent to the Town of Smithtown and the Town of Babylon.
Huntington, NY Information
- County: Suffolk County, New York
- Area: 137.1 square miles
- Huntington zip codes: 11721, 11724, 11731, 11740, 11743, 11746, 11747, 11750, 11768
- Area code: 631 & 934
- Elevation: 135 feet
- Time zone: UTC-5 (EST)
- Closest airports: Long Island MacArthur Airport – ISP (18 miles)
Town of Huntington Population & Demographics
The Huntington, NY population is 204,127 according to the 2020 Census, up slightly from 203,264 in 2010. It’s part of Long Island with a population of 8 million and the New York City metro area with a population of 20.1 million.
The racial and ethnic composition of the Town of Huntington is 82.5% white (76.6% non-Hispanic), 11.7% Hispanic, 5.5% Asian, 4% Black or African American, 0.4% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 3.6% two or more races.
There are several communities in Huntington, Long Island including incorporated villages and unincorporated hamlets.
| Population of Town of Huntington Villages & Hamlets | |
| Community | Population |
| Northport Village | 7,300 |
| Lloyd Harbor Village | 3,700 |
| Huntington Bay Village | 1,500 |
| Asharoken Village | 650 |
| Commack* | 36,500 |
| Huntington Station | 34,900 |
| Dix Hills | 26,200 |
| East Northport | 20,000 |
| Huntington | 19,600 |
| Melville | 19,300 |
| Greenlawn | 13,700 |
| Elwood | 11,400 |
| Fort Salonga* | 9,700 |
| South Huntington | 9,600 |
| Centerport | 5,800 |
| West Hills | 5,400 |
| Cold Spring Harbor | 5,100 |
| Halesite | 2,500 |
| Eaton’s Neck | 1,400 |
| *partially located in the Town of Smithtown | |
The Town of Huntington is an affluent and highly educated town on Long Island. Overall Town of Huntington demographics:
- Median age: 46
- Median household income: $131,519
- Homeownership rate: 87%
- Educational attainment: 54% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 13.5%
- Sex ratio: 51 females to 49 males over 18
Demographics vary significantly across Huntington communities. West Hills and Fort Salonga are the richest areas of Huntington, Long Island with median household income of $153,000 and $160,000, respectively, and more than 60% of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher.
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There have been many famous people from Huntington, NY. Famous residents include actors Jason Alexander and Melissa Joan Hart, model Christie Brinkley, singer Billy Joel, and personality Sean Hannity. The hamlet of West Hills is best known as the Walt Whitman birthplace.
Huntington, NY Transportation
While living in Huntington, NY, you will be served by the Huntington Area Rapid Transit bus system and some Suffolk County Transit routes. The area is also served by the Port Jefferson Branch or Huntington Branch of the Long Island Rail Road with four stations in the town: Cold Spring Harbor Station in West Hills, Huntington Station, Greenlawn Station, and Northport Station in East Northport.
The Town of Huntington, like most of Long Island, is largely car-dependent. Major roads serving Huntington, NY include Interstate 495 or the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, and New York State Routes 25, 108, 110, and 231.
There are three airports near Huntington:
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) is 18 miles away in Ronkonkoma, Long Island
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is 24 miles away in Queens, NY
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is 24 miles away in Queens, NY
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Cost of Living in Huntington Long Island
The Long Island, NY cost of living is notoriously high, but it varies significantly depending on where you live. Overall, the cost of living on Long Island is 47% above the national average, but Nassau County is more expensive than Suffolk County due to higher home prices and property taxes.
Of the ten largest towns and cities on Long Island, Huntington is the 4th most affordable. The cost of living in Huntington, NY is 46% above the national average, typical for Long Island.
You can expect to pay more than average for virtually everything after moving to Huntington from outside the NYC area. Housing is the biggest factor influencing high living expenses.
The median home price is $686,000, more than double the U.S. median home price. The median Suffolk County property tax bill is $9,472. Town of Huntington taxes include school district taxes, library district taxes, and village taxes. Homes are assessed at 0.73% of market value, but villages have separate assessment ratios. You can see the Huntington tax rate schedule here or learn more about Suffolk County, NY property taxes.
Huntington NY Real Estate | Average Rent & Home Prices in Huntington, Long Island
Thinking about buying a house after moving to Huntington, NY? Be prepared for high home prices and a lot of competition with bidding wars and homes selling well above asking price.
The median price of homes for sale in Huntington NY is $686,000. About 56% of homes sell over asking price.
The Long Island housing market is hot with Suffolk County home prices recently hitting a new high of $540,000. That’s a 12.6% year-over-year increase from summer 2021. Home prices show no signs of dropping as the number of homes sold keeps dropping due to extremely low inventory and high demand. In one recent month, there were 1,200 homes sold in Suffolk County, down 14.5% year-over-year.
| Huntington NY Real Estate Prices by Community | |
| Community | Median home price |
| Town of Huntington | $686,000 |
| Lloyd Harbor | $2.8 million |
| Huntington Bay | $1.08 million |
| Dix Hills | $1 million |
| Northport | $998,000 |
| Huntington (hamlet) | $930,000 |
| Melville | $850,000 |
| Greenlawn | $659,000 |
| East Northport | $640,000 |
| Commack | $632,000 |
| Huntington Station | $570,000 |
Make sure you read our guide to buying a house on Long Island if you’re planning to buy!
If you’re going to rent while living in Huntington, Long Island, you’ll still face high housing costs. The Long Island fair market rent is $2,035 according to the 2021 Out of Reach report. A typical household would need to earn $39.13 per hour or $81,400 per year to afford a two-bedroom apartment at the fair market price.
Average rent in Huntington ranges from $2,500 in areas like Commack to $3,250 or higher in Dix Hills and Huntington Station.
Huntington Villages & Hamlets – Where to Live in Huntington New York
Ready to explore the best places to live in Huntington? The town has some of the best 55+ communities on Long Island plus family-friendly neighborhoods, exclusive waterfront communities, and much more. Here are some of the best Huntington, NY neighborhoods.
Dix Hills – Family-Friendly Community with Good Schools
If you’re looking for a good school district and a suburban environment with plenty of space, you’ll love living in Dix Hills! Many areas are part of the desirable Half Hollow Hills school district, one of the best in Suffolk County. You’ll get larger lots than many areas, although it’s one of the most expensive areas to buy a house.
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Melville – Great Place to Live Close to Jobs, Shopping & Entertainment
Want to live close to work with plenty to do? Melville is a great place to live! Many areas are served by the desirable Half Hollow Hills school district and there are many commercial centers. Many of the largest employers in the Town of Huntington are based in Melville! You’ll be right next to Five Towns College and shopping centers, served by NY 110 and I-495 bisecting the hamlet, and top attractions like the Adventure Park at Long Island and Adventureland in Farmingdale.
Kensington Estates – 55+ Gated Luxury Townhomes in West Hills
For retirees, it’s hard to beat the appeal of Kensington Estates in Huntington. This new community of 80 units offers maintenance-free living. It’s an age-restricted, gated community on 18 acres of wooded property surrounded by golf courses, beaches, dining options, and shopping.
Commack – One of the Best Places to Buy a House in Suffolk County
Living on Long Island is expensive, but Commack offers a great value! It’s one of the most affordable places to buy a house in Huntington with a great, central location that’s still close to jobs, shopping, entertainment, and beaches. Because it’s further south than most Huntington hamlets, you’re close to South Shore beaches and attractions!
Huntington, New York Climate – What’s the Weather Like on North Shore Long Island?
While living on the Long Island North Shore, you’ll enjoy a humid subtropical to humid continental climate. Summers are hot and humid with thunderstorms and winters are cold with snow and rain. Winters are milder than most of New York, but the North Shore is a bit colder than the South Shore. The average July high is 82 degrees while the average January low is 24 degrees.
Before moving to Huntington, Long Island, brace yourself for lots of rain by investing in good boots and a raincoat. You’ll get about 46” of annual rainfall versus the U.S. average of 38” plus 25” of annual snowfall.
The best time to visit Huntington, Long Island is June or August to September to avoid the most intense summer heat and humidity in July.
Top Huntington NY Restaurants
After moving to Huntington, New York, you’ll enjoy everything from fantastic pizza and Italian food to world-class seafood. Here are the most exciting restaurants in Huntington, NY you’ll want to try for yourself.
- The Shed Restaurant. The Shed Huntington restaurant is one of the most popular Huntington village restaurants for American comfort food and a casual environment. The Shed Restaurant, 54 New St, Huntington, NY 11743 (631) 385-7433
- The Ivy Huntington. One of the newest trendy restaurants on Long Island, the Ivy Kitchen and Bar in Huntington, NY boasts a sleek, modern design with a lavender backlit bar, picture-worthy dishes, and a fun atmosphere. The Ivy Kitchen and Bar, 65 Wall St, Huntington, NY 11743 (631) 900-9489
- Prime. This upscale restaurant is one of the top Huntington restaurants for a special occasion. It’s right on the water with excellent surf and turf, a romantic atmosphere, and fantastic brunch. Prime, 117 North New York Ave, Huntington, NY 11743 (631) 385-1515
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Things to Do in Huntington NY
Explore the amazing activities and attractions that will fill up your time after moving to Huntington Long Island!
Huntington Attractions
- Oheka Castle Long Island is a famous wedding venue and historic hotel on the Gold Coast. This West Hills Long Island mansion has 32 guest suites with a bar, restaurant, and mansion tours.
- Cold Spring Country Club (Huntington) is one of the best private country clubs on the Long Island gold coast.
- Eaton’s Neck Lighthouse is one of just two 18th century lighthouses remaining in New York.
- Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery & Aquarium is a kid-friendly attraction with outdoor ponds for fishing and trout feeding and freshwater aquariums.
- Cinema Arts Centre (Huntington) is a community theater that plays current releases, special features, and restored classic films.
- The Paramount (Huntington) is the town’s top live music venue with performances by well-known artists.
Huntington Beaches
One of the best reasons to visit or live in Huntington, NY is it’s home to some of the best North Shore Long Island beaches! Residents pay a discounted $30 per day for a Huntington, NY beach pass or $40 for a seasonal beach permit. Seniors get free seasonal beach passes. Here are just a few of the best beaches in Huntington, Long Island.
- Crab Meadow Beach (Fort Salonga) is an iconic North Shore beach with a boardwalk, playground, kayak launch, and night fishing. There’s also a restaurant and snack bar at the beach!
- Hobart Beach Park (Eaton’s Neck) is one of the best Northport beaches with a boat ramp, playground, beach volleyball, and swimming.
- Gold Star Beach Park (Huntington) is a popular spot for fishing and paddling.
- Lloyd Neck Beach (Lloyd Harbor) is one of the most peaceful Huntington beaches with plenty of space and parking.
- Centerport Beach Park (Centerport) features outdoor showers, a picnic and pavilion area, and playground plus night fishing.
Parks in Huntington NY
- Cold Spring Harbor State Park is a gorgeous waterfront park with steep hills, harbor views, and a hardwood forest.
- Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is one of the top Long Island parks with nature trails and a gorgeous English-style estate that offers recreation and sports.
- West Hills Country Park (West Hills) is a popular wooded park with a dog run, horseback riding, picnic spots, and maintained hiking trails.
Huntington Museums
- The Heckscher Museum of Art is a striking Beaux Arts building with over 2,500 pieces in its collection mostly focused on modernist and landscape art.
- Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is the 43-acre former estate of William Vanderbilt II. Tour the opulent Vanderbilt Mansion, Long Island’s most beautiful historic mansion, and visit during the summer when the museum hosts “living history tours” with actors in period costumes playing the part of Gold Coast elites based on information from archives and Vanderbilt’s journal.
- The Whaling Museum & Education Center of Cold Spring Harbor is one of the top things to do on Long Island for maritime and historic buffs. It explores marine biology, the history of whaling, the Long Island maritime history, and whale conservation.
Shopping in Huntington
- Walt Whitman Shops is a high-end mall in Huntington Station with restaurants and upscale department stores like Macy’s.
- Commack South Shopping Center is anchored by major retailers like Guitar Center, Marshalls, and ShopRite.
Map of Huntington, Long Island Things to Do
Is Huntington, NY Safe? – Town of Huntington Crime Rate
Crime in Huntington is low like most areas of Long Island. The Huntington, NY crime rate is 69% below the national average with mostly property crime and only 149 violent crimes per 100,000 people. That’s less than half the New York crime rate which is already lower than the U.S. average.
You can learn more about crime on Long Island with our complete guide.
Jobs in Huntington NY – Top Employers & Average Salary
The Town of Huntington offers diverse employment opportunities in major industries like healthcare, maritime, leisure, financial services, hospitality, leisure, education, and government. Healthcare alone accounts for almost 17% of private sectors jobs on Long Island and it’s the largest private sector employer.
Here are major employers offering Huntington employment opportunities.
- Town of Huntington
- Suffolk County
- Half Hollow Hills School District (careers)
- Commack School District (careers)
- Huntington Hospital at Northwell Health (careers)
- Northport Veterans Administration Hospital
- Canon (U.S. headquarters in Melville, NY)
- Estée Lauder (manufacturing plant in Melville since 1967)
- Henry Schein (distributor of healthcare products)
- Western Suffolk Boards of Cooperative Educational Services
- Newsday (Long Island daily newspaper)
You can see Town of Huntington jobs or visit the Suffolk County jobs board for government openings.
About one out of five people living on Long Island work in NYC. The Long Island Rail Road plays a crucial role in commutes, although the average commute to NYC on the LIRR for Suffolk County residents is 97 minutes.
The average salary in Huntington is $75,000 or $20.81 per hour according to Payscale.
Huntington Schools – Public & Private Schools + Higher Education
While living in Huntington, you will be served by one of eight different Long Island school districts depending on where you live.
Huntington school districts include:
- Cold Spring Harbor
- Commack
- Half Hollow Hills (Dix Hills, Melville, and parts of East Northport and West Hills)
- Harborfields (Greenlawn)
- Huntington
- Northport-East Northport
- South Huntington
- Elwood (Elwood and parts of Huntington, southwestern East Northport, and Greenlawn)
There are many private schools in Huntington Station, Centerport, Northport, and other hamlets including the Gersh Academy for Students on the Autism Spectrum, Mahanaim for a music education, St. Anthony’s High School, and West Hills Academy.
For higher education, Five Towns College in Dix Hills is a private college with degrees in business, music, performing arts, and mass communication.
Does living in Huntington, NY sound like a dream come true? Give the friendly Huntington movers at Zippboxx a call today for a free moving estimate and the superior customer experience you deserve. We’ll have you settled into your new Long Island home in no time!