Welcome to the Hamptons
The year-round summer colony
Ever popular, ever exclusive, ever beautiful—the Hamptons. This is an area made up of small hamlets and villages that are part of the towns of Southampton and East Hampton on the eastern end of Long Island. It is, without a doubt, the most exclusive, upscale suburb of New York City. The area is rural and known for its small farms, beach activities, sunbathing, fishing, and yachting. It is the fashionable playground of who’s who in NYC. The rich and famous come here to spend lazy, fun-filled summer days, soak up the sun, and enjoy nature and the ocean—all just 80 or so miles away from the massive metropolis of “the city.”
The Hamptons started as a farming and fishing community with close ties to New England, and much of its older architecture still reflects that. Once rail lines to NYC were set down, the Hamptons became a summer colony and seaside resort, and they have remained so. Artists began to flock to the area in the 1800s, and today the art community is vibrant and strong, with many galleries and museums. The housing includes historic homes in Colonial Revival, Georgian, and Cape Cod styles. There are also many gorgeous mansions, exclusive estates, and more modern, spacious single-family dwellings.
What to Love
- All the amenities of shore living—fishing, boating, swimming
- Relatively close to NYC for a quick getaway
- Small-town living with a quiet, rural pace
- Arts and culture abound with many museums and galleries
- A plethora of fine-dining restaurants and boutiques
- Beautiful historic architecture and luxury homes
Local Lifestyle
Locals really do have the best of both worlds with all the excitement, entertainment, and shopping NYC has to offer, balanced by coastal living, boating, open green space, and scenic drives in the countryside. Many maintain two residences they hop between, with the Hamptons offering the necessary rest and relaxation from big city living. Residents enjoy fresh food from local farms and the latest in arts and culture in a New England-like atmosphere with quiet, tree-lined streets and friendly neighbors.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The 1770 House is a luxury inn and restaurant serving hospitality for more than 250 years, and their zaatar spiced swordfish is sincerely delicious. Bostwick’s Chowder House offers indoor and outdoor dining. Try their famous lobster roll, and you’ll find out why it’s a favorite of the locals. For outrageous American and Caribbean food, head over to Rumba, and make sure you try the Dominican ribs. If you crave excellent Italian cuisine, you’ll love the Edgewater Restaurant with its fabulous ocean views and equally fabulous veal Milanese.
You’ll love the Good Ground Antique Center with multiple dealers selling jewelry, furniture, and collectibles if you're an antique lover. You cannot beat the fabulous collections at the Shoe-Inn for high-fashion, upscale, designer, boutique-style shoes. The J. Mackey Gallery and its fine exhibits and collections create an immediate sense of calm and culture for original contemporary artwork. The Southampton History Museum offers exhibitions, tours, lectures, and programs to help preserve the history of Southampton.
Things to Do
The private Shinnecock Hills Golf Club offers several golf courses with breathtaking views and a fabulous clubhouse with fine dining and excellent cocktails. The Southampton Cultural Center is the place to be for arts and culture. They offer art, theater, music, and dance classes, along with festivals, lectures, and silent auctions.
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