New York Southampton

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Moving to Southampton, New York

Southampton, New York, is becoming a top choice for young professionals drawn to its coastal charm, high quality of life, and strong community values. Known for its historic appeal and natural beauty, the town offers excellent schools, walkable neighborhoods, and a focus on sustainability through shoreline conservation and green development.

Residents enjoy access to scenic parks, beaches, and trails—from kayaking in Peconic Bay to hiking the Long Pond Greenbelt—making outdoor living a key part of daily life. While Southampton offers a peaceful, small-town feel, it remains connected to New York City and surrounding areas via the Long Island Rail Road and major highways, making it ideal for remote workers or hybrid commuters.

Local events, farmers markets, and art shows add vibrancy throughout the year, reflecting the town’s creative spirit and welcoming atmosphere. With its balance of nature, culture, and community, Southampton stands out as one of the East End’s most desirable places to live for young professionals and families alike.

Southampton by the numbers

70,646

City population

178% higher

Cost of living vs. national average

$2,600,000

Median home price

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Discover Southampton: Top Attractions and Things to Do

Local Experiences

Local Experiences

Southampton blends timeless coastal charm with cultural richness and natural beauty, offering residents and visitors a distinct East End lifestyle. Nestled in the heart of Long Island’s Hamptons, Southampton is known for its pristine beaches, historic villages, and tree-lined streets that invite leisurely exploration and connection with nature.

Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy access to scenic spots like Coopers Beach—one of the top-ranked beaches in the country—and nature preserves such as the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, ideal for walking, birdwatching, and peaceful waterfront views. The town also boasts a network of parks and trails, perfect for biking or a quiet stroll through the dunes and pines.

History buffs can explore the Southampton History Museum or tour colonial-era estates that reflect the area's deep roots dating back to the 1600s. The local arts scene thrives through venues like the Parrish Art Museum, showcasing contemporary and classic works that celebrate the region’s creative spirit.

Southampton’s vibrant village center offers boutique shopping, farm-to-table dining, and weekly farmers markets that showcase the East End’s agricultural heritage. Seasonal festivals, art walks, and summer concerts on the green add to the town’s welcoming and sophisticated atmosphere.

Whether you're drawn by its cultural heritage, seaside serenity, or tight-knit community spirit, Southampton offers a uniquely enriching and picturesque way of life.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and Recreation

Southampton offers a rich blend of outdoor recreation and coastal leisure, making it an ideal destination for those who enjoy an active and wellness-focused lifestyle. While the town doesn’t host major league sports, its prime East End location provides easy access to golf courses, tennis clubs, and nearby sporting events throughout Long Island and New York City.

Within Southampton, residents and visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational amenities—from sailing and paddleboarding along Shinnecock Bay to swimming and beach volleyball at Coopers Beach. Local marinas and yacht clubs cater to boating enthusiasts, while surfers often flock to the area’s Atlantic-facing beaches for some of the region’s best waves.

For land-based activities, Southampton offers well-kept parks, walking trails, and athletic fields that support soccer, baseball, and other youth and adult leagues. Golf lovers can tee off at premier courses like the Southampton Golf Club and Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country.

Fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness retreats are also woven into the local lifestyle, reflecting Southampton’s blend of relaxation and health-conscious living. Whether you prefer a morning jog along the shore or a weekend round of golf, Southampton invites you to stay active in a setting defined by natural beauty and coastal sophistication.

Adventures

Adventures

Southampton, set along the scenic South Fork of Long Island, offers an exceptional mix of coastal beauty, rich history, and upscale leisure—perfect for those seeking both adventure and tranquility. Nature lovers can explore the vast network of trails in the Long Pond Greenbelt or wander through the quiet woodlands of the Morton National Wildlife Refuge, where birdwatching, photography, and peaceful hikes offer a true connection with the East End’s natural landscape.

For water enthusiasts, Southampton’s pristine beaches and bays are a playground for outdoor fun. From sailing in Shinnecock Bay and paddleboarding along calm inlets to surfing at Coopers Beach or catching a sunset cruise, the area offers endless ways to enjoy the shoreline. Fishing charters, kayaking routes, and scenic bike rides along country roads add to the appeal.

The town’s cultural calendar complements its natural offerings with events like outdoor art shows, local farm and seafood festivals, and seasonal celebrations that highlight Southampton’s maritime charm and tight-knit community. Whether you're spending the day beachcombing, wine tasting at a nearby vineyard, or exploring historic estates, Southampton invites you to savor life at your own pace—where every season brings a new kind of adventure.

Seasonal Events

Seasonal Events

Southampton’s calendar of events captures the charm of the East End with year-round celebrations rooted in coastal living, historic tradition, and a vibrant arts and culture scene. Each season brings its own distinctive rhythm, with festivals, fairs, and community gatherings that highlight the town’s deep local pride and scenic backdrop.

Winter
Winter in Southampton is cozy and festive, marked by holiday strolls through the decorated village and the annual Tree Lighting at Agawam Park. Local shops and galleries offer holiday markets and special events, while nearby vineyards and inns host seasonal tastings and intimate concerts. Even as snow dusts the beaches, the community comes together to celebrate warmth and tradition.

Spring
As the South Fork blooms, spring brings a burst of energy. The return of outdoor farmers markets, garden tours, and Earth Day events invites residents to embrace the changing season. Art openings, seasonal restaurant menus, and heritage walks through the village’s historic district mark a fresh start, blending cultural appreciation with natural renewal.

Summer
Summer is Southampton’s signature season, with long beach days and a full slate of events. From the Southampton Fresh Air Home’s annual American Picnic and fireworks display to outdoor concerts at Agawam Park and weekly farm stands, the town buzzes with life. Polo matches, art fairs, and wine tastings offer elegant entertainment, while family-friendly festivals and beach bonfires keep things relaxed and fun.

Fall
Fall transforms Southampton into a blend of harvest charm and coastal calm. Pumpkin patches, apple picking, and fall festivals celebrate the East End’s agricultural roots. Events like the Hamptons International Film Festival bring global culture to local screens, and scenic drives through foliage-lined backroads offer a peaceful way to take in the season.

Whether it’s winter magic in the village or summer sunsets by the shore, Southampton’s seasonal events reflect the town’s beauty, heritage, and strong sense of community.

Agawam Park Events
Hamptons Film Festival
Seasonal Markets & Village Celebration

Community Resources

Healthcare
Hospitals and Medical Centers

Southampton offers residents and visitors access to a well-regarded network of healthcare providers that blends personalized care with advanced medical services. Whether you’re in need of routine checkups, specialized treatments, or emergency care, the region supports a broad spectrum of health and wellness needs.

Stony Brook Southampton Hospital
At the heart of local healthcare is Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, a full-service facility known for its patient-centered approach and deep roots in the East End community. The hospital offers emergency services, surgical care, women’s health, cardiology, radiology, orthopedics, and more. As part of the Stony Brook Medicine network, it also connects patients to specialized care and research-based treatments across Long Island.

Specialty Services & Outpatient Care
In addition to its main campus, Stony Brook Southampton provides access to a variety of satellite offices and clinics offering outpatient services such as physical therapy, diagnostic imaging, women’s health, and chronic disease management. Many local practices specialize in areas like dermatology, gastroenterology, endocrinology, and integrative medicine.

Mental Health & Wellness Resources
Mental health care is supported through both private practices and regional services such as Family Service League. These organizations offer therapy, substance abuse support, psychiatric services, and wellness counseling for children, teens, and adults.

Urgent Care Centers & Walk-In Clinics
Southampton is also home to multiple urgent care centers offering same-day treatment for minor injuries, illness, and preventive services like vaccinations and physicals. These walk-in clinics ensure residents and seasonal visitors have convenient access to non-emergency care.

Wellness & Holistic Health
True to the Hamptons’ focus on balanced living, the area supports a wide array of holistic wellness options—from acupuncture and chiropractic care to yoga studios and nutrition counseling—blending traditional and alternative approaches to health.

Whether you’re seeking immediate care, ongoing treatment, or proactive wellness support, Southampton’s healthcare landscape is built to provide high-quality, compassionate service with a local touch.

Education
Schools and Learning Institutes

Southampton provides a strong educational foundation for students at every stage, with a variety of highly regarded public, private, and alternative schools that reflect the community’s dedication to academic achievement, creativity, and student growth.

Public Schools
The Southampton School District serves the town and surrounding areas, offering a range of elementary, middle, and high schools known for rigorous academics, dedicated staff, and rich extracurricular programs. Many schools provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses, arts education, STEM initiatives, and career readiness programs. In addition, families can explore charter and specialized programs designed to meet diverse learning needs.

Private & Faith-Based Schools
Southampton hosts several private and faith-based schools that emphasize smaller class sizes, individualized attention, and values-driven education. These options give families the opportunity to choose environments that best suit their children’s academic and personal development.

Higher Education & Community Colleges
Though primarily residential, Southampton benefits from its proximity to respected higher education institutions on Long Island and nearby regions:

  • Stony Brook University: Located about 40 minutes away, Stony Brook is a premier research university offering a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs across fields such as health sciences, engineering, business, and the humanities.

  • Suffolk County Community College: With campuses within an easy commute, Suffolk County Community College provides accessible associate degrees, certificate programs, and transfer pathways, supporting a variety of academic and career goals.

  • Adelphi University – Hauppauge Campus: A private university nearby offering undergraduate and graduate programs focused on professional development, health sciences, and education.

Whether you’re nurturing young learners or advancing your own education, Southampton offers a nurturing academic community supported by excellent schools and access to top-tier higher education institutions.

Public Resources
Regional Services and Agencies

Southampton, New York, provides residents with a well-coordinated network of public services, utilities, and community resources designed to maintain a high quality of life. Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here for years, the town ensures essential services are accessible and efficiently managed.

Town of Southampton Government & Public Services

Government & Safety
Southampton is known for its safe, well-maintained neighborhoods and strong community focus. Law enforcement services are primarily provided by the Southampton Town Police Department, which emphasizes responsive policing, neighborhood patrols, and community outreach programs. Fire protection and emergency medical services are delivered by the Southampton Volunteer Fire Department along with nearby professional fire districts, ensuring quick and reliable response times.

Public Works and Utilities
The Town of Southampton manages critical infrastructure including water supply, sewer systems, road maintenance, and stormwater management. Trash collection and recycling services are handled through local contractors, with ongoing initiatives to encourage waste reduction and environmental stewardship. The town supports water conservation efforts through public education, rebate programs, and regulations to protect local water resources. 

Weather
Southampton enjoys a coastal temperate climate, characterized by mild winters and warm, pleasant summers. Average summer temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-80s °F, while winter lows typically stay above freezing. The town’s seaside location brings refreshing ocean breezes and supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Transportation
Southampton benefits from convenient access to major roadways such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495) and Sunrise Highway (NY-27), providing connections to New York City, neighboring towns, and ferry terminals. Public transit options include Suffolk County Transit buses and nearby Long Island Rail Road stations in neighboring communities, offering rail access to Manhattan and beyond.

The town promotes alternative transportation through bike-friendly routes and pedestrian pathways, particularly in village centers and near beaches. For air travel, residents are served by:

Vehicle Registration and Licensing

In Southampton, vehicle registration and driver licensing are handled by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV). Residents can renew vehicle registrations, titles, and driver’s licenses online, by mail, or in person at nearby DMV offices in Suffolk County. New York requires periodic vehicle safety inspections and emissions testing, which must be completed before registration renewal.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (NYSDMV)
Vehicle Registration

Whether focused on public safety, environmental preservation, or regional connectivity, Southampton delivers reliable services and modern infrastructure to support its vibrant, coastal community.

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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.