Fishing and boating in the Western Bays from a South Shore hamlet
Barnum Island, named after Sarah Ann Baldwin Barnum, wife of Peter “P.C.” Barnum, is an easy scapegoat for murky, circus-themed urban legends. The historic Ferris wheel outside of Jordan Lobster Farms, though technically a relic of Nunley’s Carousel and Amusement Park, probably doesn’t help. “People think it’s named after P.T. Barnum, they’ll say he used to store elephants here. That’s wrong, that never happened,” says Frank DeLucia, an associate broker with Coldwell Banker who has lived in Barnum Island for over 45 years. “We’re really just a nice, quiet community. A big fishing town. In just 2 miles, you’re at the beach, but you’re not paying Long Beach prices.” While big top showmanship isn’t a part of daily life in Barnum Island, plenty of classic South Shore suburban pastimes are. Boating or fishing in the West Bays, cheering at Little League games and heading out for a waterfront meal are all on offer on the eastern half of the island between Oceanside and Long Beach.
Many residents of Barnum Island have boats.
Nunley's original ferris wheel, a Long Island landmark is housed Barnum Island.
1/2
Shell Harbor fishing and Shell Creek Park
From private docks, Barnum Island boaters launch into Shell Harbor and Shell Creek to explore the Western Bays. Anglers cast for fluke and porgies from the same docks and watercraft anchored out near salt marshes. Those without backyard water access might store and launch boats at Empire Point Boating Center or rent a kayak from Empire Kayaks. If a beach day is in order, the waves of the Atlantic Ocean and shoreline-hugging boardwalk in Long Beach are about 2 miles from home.
While Shell Creek Park also offers space for fishing, several athletic courts and a tree-shaded playground sprawl along the waterfront. The dolphin-themed splash park gets turned on as temperatures rise. Island Park Little League teams practice and play games on the nearby baseball diamonds.
Calm bay waters around Barnum Island make for great kayaking.
Various canals run through Barnum Island with waterfront homes on them.
1/2
Waterfront single-family homes and townhouses in Barnum Island
With the exception of its serpentine eastern waterfront, Barnum Island is typical of many Long Island suburbs. Long, closely plotted residential streets are lined by classic single-family home styles built from the prewar era through the 1960s, like Cape Cods, colonials, ranch-style homes and split-levels, as well as narrow sidewalks and shady trees. Homes on landlocked plots sell for $520,000 to $750,000. Homes with backyard waterfront views sell for $730,000 to $1.2 million. Townhouses in The Yacht Club, a waterfront gated community, sell for $630,000 to $930,000.
A waterfront condo offers a great alternative for living in Barnum Island.
Many homes in Barnum Island are waterfront Colonial Homes.
1/2
The Island Park Little League Opening Day Parade
As the eastern half of the Island Park landmass, Barnum Island enjoys a close relationship with the neighboring hamlet and its annual traditions. American Legion members, Scout troops, Little League teams, marching bands and engine-riding fire departments line up in Island Park for the annual Memorial Parade, inviting civilians to decorate their bicycles and join in. The Island Park Little League Opening Day Parade proceeds through Barnum Island itself, decked out in the colors of all participating teams and ending at Shell Creek Park for the season’s first pitch.
Shopping and dining on Austin Boulevard
Through-traffic to and from Long Beach helps to maintain commercial strips within Barnum Island, splitting from Long Island Road and traveling up Austin Boulevard. Catty-corner to a Speedway and Dunkin’, Jimmy Hays Steak House has served upscale surf and turf entrees for decades. “People from all over come to Jimmy Hays, it’s packed all the time,” DeLucia says. Down the road, Full Gospel Church holds regular services and ministries for men, women and children. Between a string of chains and locally owned businesses, including a pet supplies shop and garden center, diners can stop into Ananau Peruvian Cuisine or Moo Burger. At the end of the road along Wreck Lead, Jordan Lobster Farms bridges the gap between a fresh fish market and coastal cottage-style restaurant inside and out on the waterfront deck. King Kullen is nearby for groceries, but other big names like Stop & Shop and Costco are nearby in Oceanside.
Jordan Lobster House in Barnum Island, invite guests to enjoy seafood in their outdoor patio.
Jimmy Hays Steakhouse in Barnum Island serves amazing food.
1/2
Award-winning choir at Long Beach High School
Francis X. Hegarty Elementary School and Lincoln Orens Middle School both earn a B-plus from Niche. Long Beach High School earns an A and stands across the water on the neighboring barrier island. While high schoolers enjoy academic support, they also get to shine during extracurriculars. In 2024, members of the Long Beach High School Select Choir earned the Best Modern Music Performance Award following a competitive recital staged at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Island Park Lincoln Orens Middle School in Barnum Island has a lot of school spirit.
Children enjoy attending Hagerty Elementary school in Island Park, NY.
1/2
Island Park LIRR Station and commuting to the mainland
From the nearby Island Park Long Island Rail Road Station, train riders have a 50-minute trip into Penn Station. Those driving into New York City start north on Long Beach Road on the 30-mile ride to Manhattan, experiencing traffic during peak hours. “Living this far south from the major highways, driving to the city can be a little bit of a hassle. We’re probably 20 minutes from the Southern State Parkway,” DeLucia says. John F. Kennedy International Airport is around 11 miles away for more distant travel, and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital is almost 4 miles away for medical care.
Living in a Western Bay flood zone
Enjoying life on the bayfront comes with falling into a flood zone. Although catastrophic coastal storms like Hurricane Sandy don’t happen often, the risk of experiencing storm surge means that almost everyone living in Barnum Island needs flood insurance. Rates and risk can both be mitigated by implementing prevention measures like raising a home or checking FEMA maps for pockets of higher elevation within the hamlet.
Written By
Hannah Rainey
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Siegel
Video By
Emma Hadley
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Patrick Lynch,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Don't miss this extremely unique, freshly painted 2 bedroom/ 2 full bath apartment in desirable Park Place Condo. This unit has a huge patio deck approximately 33' X 12'. There are partial views of both the Ocean and Bay from the deck. Nothing will compare to the size and view of this patio. The building is located close to the LIRR, restaurants, shopping and minutes to the iconic Long Beach
Move right into this updated, waterfront, FEMA compliant, Colonial style home w/ 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, full basement/garage, new designer kitchen with quartz counters, stainless steel appliances, remodeled bathrooms, refurbished wood floors, fresh paint, etc., with 60 feet of bulkhead (As-Is) on wide canal with beautiful water views. Close to local shopping, transportation and ocean beaches.
This Bright and Airy Studio Is In One Of The Most Desirable Co-ops In Long Beach! The Breathtaking View Of Long Beach Town Can Be Seen From The Windows Looking Out. Everyday Can Feel Like A Vacation, Walking On The Beach Boardwalk and Listening To The Beautiful Sounds Of The Waves Rolling In. This Studio Features Eat-In-Kitchen Area w/ Granite Countertops, and Stainless Steel Appliances. Totally
Spectacular Oceanfront 5th Floor Spacious South facing Junior 4 Unit at 522 Shore Road. This open-concept home features a bright living and dining area with the potential to create a second bedroom. The generous queen-size primary bedroom overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, providing breathtaking views to wake up to each day.Unit comes with Stove Dishwasher , Microwave and RefrigeratorThe
Come live in the Long Beach Canals this residence is one of the most desirable to live and enjoy. This house offers a modern flair with a country style decor crown moldings and wains coating throughout with marble floors on main level. upper has beautiful ash wood wild plank floors. a designer kitchen open to a dining and living room area this community is designed with little bridges parks
PRIME INDUSTRIAL LAND OPPORTUNITY - 5 VACANT LOTS, Exceptional Opportunity to Purchase 5 Contiguous Vacant Lots Located in an Established Industrial/Commercial Zone, The Property Consists of 5 Lots Covering Approximately 1.03 Acres of Land, This Expansive Property Offers Flexible Development Potential For Warehouse, Manufacturing, Distribution, Storage or Owner-User Build-To-Suit Projects
Enjoy coastal living at the Parker Deauville, an oceanfront coop. This Junior 4 apartment has a terrace with beautiful sunset and skyline views, plus a dedicated indoor garage parking space. With ample closet space, and open layout, the apartment awaits your finishing touches to make it your own. This oceanfront building with resort style amenities include direct access to the boardwalk and
A Barnum Island beauty. This 3 Bdrm 2 Full Bath dormered raised ranch shows true pride in ownership. A stately brick stoop leads you to a cozy living room with wood burning fire place. The kitchen contains stainless steel appliances plenty of Cherrywood cabinets and tiled flooring. First floor primary and updated hall bath. Laundry room and a utility room with a Navien water heater finish off the
Welcome to this bright and airy two-bedroom, one-bath home which has beautiful hardwood floors throughout and a cozy wood-burning fireplace. The open-concept layout flows into a beautifully appointed kitchen, creating an ideal space for everyday living and entertaining. Abundant natural light enhances the home’s spacious feel, while the unfinished basement offers excellent storage and future
Love the Beach? Get the Most out of Summer in this Oceanview 1-Bedroom, 1-Bath Co-op. Dogs and Cats are Welcome in this Coastal Gem, Located Seconds From the Iconic Long Beach Boardwalk. The Unit is Move-in Ready and Features Acacia Hardwood Floors, a Private Terrace, Custom Bedroom Closets and Many Updated Appliances. The Building has a Top-Floor Gym and Community Room, Surfboard and Bike Racks
This completely renovated Mint condition 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Colonial style home is nestled away in Pristine Barnum Isle. Situated on a quiet dead end street with amazing water views.There is a NEW kitchen fully updated with new appliances.. There are 3 NEW bathrooms & new flooring through out the enitre home. NEW Roof, NEW Egress Windows, NEW LED high hat lighting, Central Air and a Brick
Welcome to The Yacht Club, Island Park's premier 24-hour gated waterfront community, where coastal living and resort-style amenities come together. Ideally situated in one of the community's most desirable locations, just moments from the pool, marina, tennis courts, and playground, this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhouse offers over 1,600 square feet of comfortable living space
Year-Round Beachside Living! Bright and beautifully updated 1-bedroom condo in a desirable beachside building with a private terrace. Features include hardwood floors, abundant closet space with all-new closet doors, a dishwasher, and a separate thermostat for individual comfort. Laundry rooms are conveniently located on every floor. Well-maintained building offers an in-ground pool with rare
Watch The Full House Tour Video * * 12K for August , $10. for September , $9k October, make offer!Bring your Boat! Long Island Long Beach Waterfront furnished Beach Home Summer Rental directly on Reynolds Channel, bring your boat,4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, 2 Living Rooms, Kitchen, Dining Room, Extra Large Outdoor Deck, Private Boat Slip, Balcony, 2 Car Driveway, Central Air. Waterfront
The advertised rate of $3,028/month is the lowest available price, based on a 1 month(s) stay with a move-in date of November 21, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can
Property Id: 2330828 This bright and welcoming apartment offers the perfect setting for comfortable family living. Filled with natural sunlight, the home features stainless steel appliances and a practical kitchen designed for daily meals and family gatherings. Enjoy multiple outdoor spaces including a cozy front porch, a large back deck, and an expansive, fully fenced backyard—ideal for
"Welcome to your new home at 124 Nassau Lane in Island Park. This first-floor 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers the convenience and comfort that renters are looking for. The in-unit laundry and access to your own backyard make daily life easier. The spacious living room, separate kitchen, and easy-to-maintain layout give you room to breathe. Conveniently located near Island Park's shops and
This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers modern finishes and a spacious layout, perfect for comfortable living. Recently updated with stylish, contemporary finishes throughout, the apartment features an open-style kitchen that flows seamlessly into the living room. The kitchen is equipped with a large island, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances, ideal for both
Beautiful, fully renovated home featuring a comfortable living room, formal dining room, and an updated eat-in kitchen equipped with granite countertops and brand-new stainless steel appliances. This property offers 4 spacious bedrooms, 2 new full bathrooms, and a warm, inviting den/family room. Perfectly situated in a highly convenient location close to shopping and public transportation!"
Welcome to The Yacht Club In Island Park. A 24 Hour Gated Community with All the Resort Style Amenities you need on property! Includes a Saltwater Pool, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Playground and Meticulous Grounds to enjoy. This unit is move in ready! It has 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths and 1 half Bath. Open Concept Layout that flows out to a Beautiful Patio, Perfect for entertaining! The
Large penthouse apartment located in desirable Park Place Condo. Unique decorative windows with high ceilings and central a/c and heat. The building is located close to the LIRR, restaurants, shopping and minutes to the iconic Long Beach boardwalk and the ocean. This is a unique unit, freshly painted, tastefully updated with 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths. *The second bedroom has a sleeping/office
Stunning 3BR Whole House! Experience modern living in this gorgeously renovated three-bedroom home. Bathed in natural light, the open-concept layout enhances the beauty of every room. Revel in the perfect blend of style and comfort in your private oasis. Welcome home to sophistication and spacious living! Close to many shops, great restaurants, all major forms of transportation, and the BEACH!
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
