Long Island
Southampton, New York
Town and village in Suffolk County
A South Fork town of ocean beaches and historic villages
Southampton is a town covering the western South Fork, including the Village of Southampton, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Water Mill and Hampton Bays. It is known for ocean beaches, shingle-style estates and a summer economy that draws visitors from New York City.
History & Local Character
Southampton was settled in 1640 and is one of the oldest English towns in New York. Farming and fishing sustained it for centuries before the railroad and summer colony era turned it into a resort destination.
Housing & Real Estate
The town includes large oceanfront and bayfront estates, historic village houses and more modest homes in Hampton Bays and Riverside, with the highest prices in the estate areas south of the highway.
Restaurants & Shopping
Jobs Lane and Main Street in Southampton village, Sag Harbor's Main Street and Bridgehampton's Montauk Highway hold restaurants, bakeries and cafes that range from casual to high-end.
Schools & Education
Southampton Union Free School District serves the village, with separate districts in Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton and Hampton Bays.
Parks & Recreation
Coopers Beach, Flying Point Beach, Shinnecock Hills and the town's bay beaches provide shoreline recreation, with nearby state parks at Hither Hills and Montauk.
Transportation & Accessibility
The LIRR's Montauk branch stops at Southampton, Hampton Bays and Bridgehampton, with Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway carrying summer traffic.
Local Businesses
Restaurants, galleries, boutiques, farm stands, builders and landscape firms serve both year-round residents and the summer population.
No businesses are listed in Southampton yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Coopers Beach
- Shinnecock Hills
- Sag Harbor
- Parrish Art Museum
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Ocean and bay beaches within the town
- Historic villages with strong retail and dining
- Established summer economy
Considerations
- Among the highest housing costs in the state
- Severe summer traffic
- Seasonal business patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Southampton a town or a village?
Southampton is a town in Suffolk County, and the Village of Southampton is one of several incorporated villages within it.
Are Southampton beaches public?
Some town and village beaches allow non-resident access with parking fees, while others are restricted to residents; confirm rules with the town or village before visiting.