Surrounded by Gardiner’s Bay on three sides at the eastern tip of Long Island, Springs has long been recognized for the kind of beauty that inspires great art. Something about the area’s rural charm and the way the light glances across the Accabonac Harbor inspired artists like Jackson Pollock, Lee Krasner and Elaine and Willem de Kooning to live and create there. That influence continues today. “It has a big art scene, and the landscape is why. Because it’s so beautiful, and there are a lot of beautiful bay beaches and little creeks,” says Jennifer Wilson, licensed real estate salesperson at Saunders & Associates who has sold homes in Springs and the rest of East Hampton for 20 years. “When East Hampton Village is crazy, and there’s a lot of traffic, you go to Springs, and you just feel like you’re away. It’s a more relaxed Bohemian type of vibe.” Art shows might be a rare event in other neighborhoods, but in Springs, they’re frequent and beloved.
Stop by the S&S Corner Shop for coffee and fresh pastries in Springs.
Springs is situated on the North Shore of East Hampton, a perfect boaters paradise.
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Bay beaches, kayaking and paddleboarding on the Accobonac Harbor
As is fitting for a neighborhood known for its natural beauty, people spend a lot of time outside here. “People paddleboard, people hike — there’s beautiful hiking trails,” Wilson says. “And the bay beaches are gorgeous to just go and sit on.” With sweeping waterfront views, Maidstone Park features a well-maintained beach and a bluff-side baseball field. Both Maidstone Beach and Flaggy Hole Beach can have rockier coastlines depending on the tide, so it’s wise to have a pair of water shoes ready. The picturesque Accabonac Harbor is a favorite spot for kayakers and paddleboarders. Wilson says boating is another favorite local pastime; marinas line Three Mile Harbor and Hog Creek. Springs Dog Park is an enclosed 20-acre green space with extensive dog-friendly walking paths, while Merill Lake Sanctuary offers hiking trails through marshes where wildlife like ospreys are often spotted. Renowned artists like Elaine de Kooning and famous poets such as Frank O’Hara are buried at the Green River Cemetery.
Right off the harbor, The Pollock-Krasner House is a world-famous home museum featuring an original paint-splattered studio floor that visitors can walk on. The Lieber Collection is a Renaissance-themed gallery with large contemporary sculptures.
Springs neighborhood is perfect for boat owners as there is dozens of marinas around town.
Relax in the sand on a hot day at Maidstone Park.
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Events at Ashawagh Hall
Ashawagh Hall, a nonprofit community center, hosts frequent events for the community, including the Fishermen’s Fair, which features an art show, crafts and food, as well as other art exhibits and events throughout the year. The weekend after the Fourth of July, Wilson says, the community has a fireworks celebration. “People go out on their boats and the fireworks are overhead, or people have watch parties at their harborfront or bayfront homes,” Wilson says. Beach and marina clubs like Clearwater Beach Club add even more events to social calendars. “In the summer, they have yoga on the beach and all sorts of events,” Wilson says.
Homes from just over $1 million
Up until a few years ago, Springs remained relatively undiscovered by seasonal homeowners. “Buyers, especially from New York City, started looking at Springs as a place to get into the Hamptons market at a reasonable level,” says Doug Sabo, head of the Doug Sabo team at Nest Seekers International. “Since then, people have started to realize that it's really its own thing; more secluded and peaceful than other areas.” Even with its recent discovery, the majority of people living in Springs are still year-round homeowners. Most houses sit on at least a third of an acre, though some sit on much more than that. Smaller Cape Cods and ranch-style homes start at just over $1 million, depending on size, condition and proximity to the waterfront. Larger homes are often Hamptons single-style houses, colonials or new traditional. With so many custom-built homes and creative residents, though, other styles like contemporary and saltbox houses also make appearances. Many of these houses have undergone significant renovations in recent years. Inland homes that were recently renovated or built can cost between $1.6 million to $3.8 million. Bay and harborfront houses with more acreage and private docks come in at a premium, capping out at around $10 million. This is still significantly less than in neighboring Amagansett or Northwest Harbor, where comparable properties easily surpass $10 million, though Wilson says that home prices are on the rise. Empty lots are still common throughout the neighborhood, with an acre hovering around the $1.6 million mark. The CAP Index Crime Score is 2 out of 10, which is lower than the national average of 4.
Beautiful beachside homes in Springs.
Gorgeous Colonial style home in Springs.
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Storm surges and flood insurance
Springs sits in storm surge zones and is prone to flooding, though it happens infrequently. Homeowners, especially those living along the water, are required to have flood insurance.
Local markets and meals on the harbor
Springs Tavern and Grill is a year-round mainstay in the neighborhood, while Bostwick’s on the Harbor is a go-to seafood spot open from May to October. “You can see out to Gardener’s Bay, and it has the best sunsets and excellent food,” Wilson says. “It has a great bar scene and they have a happy hour, so it’s a really nice place.” Located in the iconic Art Building, S&S Corner Shop is the go-to for a caffeine fix or sweet pastry, but it also offers a general store and a shop that sells vinyl, art and books about art. Maidstone Market & Deli, One Stop Market and Damark’s Market are unfussy go-tos for deli sandwiches and other essentials. Springs Farmers Market offers fresh local produce, cheese, beer and live music every Saturday at Ashawagh Hall from the end of April through October. East Hampton Village's Stop & Shop and the IGA in Amagansett have wide selections of groceries.
Maidstone Market & Deli is a go-to lunch spot for local residents in Springs.
Springs Tavern and Grill serves up a great happy hour which is located right in Springs.
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Springs School for younger children
From pre-kindergarten through eighth grade, children attend Springs School, which earns a B-plus from Niche. They then move on to East Hampton High School, which has an A, emphasizes college prep and offers architecture, model UN and robotics clubs. With state-of-the-art campuses in nearby East Hampton North and Bridgehampton, the Ross School is a private alternative with a progressive curriculum. Niche gives it an A-plus and lists it as the third-best private school in Suffolk County.
Springs Elementary School is situated off of School St in East Hampton.
East Hampton High School is located off of Long Lang in East Hampton.
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LIRR to NYC, driving to Montauk
Though Springs is primarily accessed by car and has no major highways running through it, adding to its peacefully rural atmosphere, residents can catch the Long Island Railroad in both Amagansett and East Hampton. A trip to Penn Station in New York City takes three hours. Frequency and the need to transfer along the way changes depending on the season. Montauk is just under 15 miles away — a trip that takes about 25 minutes by car.
Written By
Lia Jones
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Costa
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Darius Narizzano,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Springs, NY sell after 106 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Springs, NY over the last 12 months is $1,425,000, down 19% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Introducing this custom-built transitional-style home, set on 3 bucolic acres in the historic heart of Springs. Beautifully landscaped and featuring a pool and room for pickle ball, the property offers a serene and sophisticated lifestyle in an exceptional setting. Spanning 3,400 +/- sq. ft., this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence offers a seamless flow, generous ceiling heights, and carefully
Newest project by Eminate Development | Situated on just under an acre in a serene private bay beach enclave, this bucolic retreat combines a charming, storybook cottage entry with the expansive elegance of a luxury beach house. As you follow the meandering drive, you're greeted by a classic cedar-shingled home with a cedar shake roof and copper gutters. Step inside to discover the sun drenched
Traditional new construction with a blend of modern luxury and timeless sophistication from renowned builder, Forst & Silverblank. Located in the private beachfront community of Barnes Landing. 5 bedrooms and 4-and one-half baths. It boasts high-end finishes and custom design touches. There are 9-foot plus ceilings on the first level, 4-inch-wide white oak floors throughout, high-end custom
Introducing this custom-built transitional-style home, set on 3 bucolic acres in the historic heart of Springs. Beautifully landscaped and featuring a pool and room for pickle ball, the property offers a serene and sophisticated lifestyle in an exceptional setting. Spanning 3,400 +/- sq. ft., this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath residence offers a seamless flow, generous ceiling heights, and carefully
East Hampton without the crowds. Where the beach is widest, on the coveted south end of Gerard Drive, this secluded private flag lot is your opportunity to own one of the largest, most prized spots in East Hampton. With over 100 feet of beachfront, the waterfront views overlook Cartwright Island, and seem to go on forever. Here the only difficult decision is among kayaking, paddle boarding,
Enjoy Hamptons living in this well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with pool set on a spacious .92-acre property in the desirable Springs area of East Hampton. Nestled on a private cul-de-sac, the home offers incredible potential - move right in or take your time exploring expansion and redevelopment opportunities. The first floor serves as the sleeping and recreation level, featuring three
Water View Red Barn in East Hampton -This unique and charming property combines the rustic charm of a barn with the coastal beauty of The HAMPTONS!!!! Panoramic Harbor views instantly captivate you. The spacious interior holds soaring ceilings throughout with 2 living rooms, 6 bedrooms, 5 1/2 baths, professional chef's kitchen, central outdoor atrium, 2 fireplaces, and water view balconies.
Beautiful contemporary in elegant wooded setting. Features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, sunny kitchen, central air, large deck and 2-car garage. New landscaping and lovely heated pool outside, nicely decorated and furnished on the inside. Must see... [[Rental Registration # 24-316]]
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