A “mini version of the Hamptons” on the Great South Bay
Over a dozen little canals stud the coast of West Islip, serving as vital arteries that lead to the community’s heart: the water. On the South Shore of Long Island just off Babylon Cove, West Islip is ideally located for activities like sailing, boating, fishing and more. “West Islip is very much like our own mini version of the Hamptons, but more affordable and more accessible,” says Edmond Ryan, a licensed real estate broker and the owner of Ed Ryan Real Estate Group. “It’s corny, but kind of true. We’ve got the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, and I can’t stress that enough. That’s what it’s all about here.”
Community involvement is also a big deal. “Everyone just seems to show up for each other,” says Larry “Love” Gardner, an associate broker at Exit Realty All Pro who grew up in West Islip and has sold homes here for 20 years. It’s in West Islip, Gardner adds, that the suicide prevention nonprofit, P.S. I Love You, got its start.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 31.3% of residents work in education, health care and social assistance. Good Samaritan University Hospital is located right in West Islip, serving as a major employer. The hospital’s new 300,000-square-foot Patient Care Pavillion is expected to complete construction in 2025.
Most homes on the canal have plenty of dock space for all your watercraft needs.
West Islip has a few marinas to dock your boat at for the season.
Cast a line off the dock into the Great South Bay in West Islip.
The West Islip Beach is situated right on the Great South Bay.
1/4
West Islip Beach, nearby state parks
Yacht clubs and marinas dot West Islip’s coast, including the West Islip Marina and Beach, where locals can relax in the sand or swim in the bay. The park’s many baseball fields are also home to the West Islip Little League. “There’s plenty of activities for kids — youth sports, organizations, school organizations and clubs,” Ryan says. “There’s definitely a strong community contingent with youth sports and there’s an organization called the Women of West Islip, the acronym is WOWI, and they’re very active in raising awareness for different charities.” Gardiner County Park is another popular spot in neighboring Bay Shore, while Captree State Park and Robert Moses State Park are about 7 miles away. Just 4 miles away, Bay Shore’s ferry brings passengers to Fire Island. “And if you have your own boat, you can zoom over there and have dinner or lunch and then come back,” says Susan Lombardi, a licensed real estate salesperson at Douglas Elliman Real Estate who grew up nearby and has been selling homes here for nearly 30 years. “You don’t have to worry about the ferry.”
Go for a walk on the boardwalk at Robert Moses State Park.
Enjoy the gorgeous beaches of Robert Moses State Park.
There's a great walking trail from Robert Moses State Park to the Fire Island Lighthouse.
Bring your kids to Parkway Lawns Park and enjoy the big playground.
1/4
Inland homes and houses along the canal or bay
West Islip’s hi-ranches, colonial-inspired houses, Cape Cods and new traditional homes stretch along quiet, tree-lined streets. Waterfront homes are abundant, backing right up to canals or the bay itself; these homes tend to be larger and often have amenities like swimming pools. The median home price in West Islip is $725,000, which is higher than the national median of $418,700. Waterfront homes can soar far past the median, though, maxing out at nearly $5 million.
There are dozens of elegant waterfront homes in West Islip.
West Islip has beautiful waterfront properties overlooking the Great South Bay.
Most homes on the canal have their own boat slips in West Islip.
This is a lovely Ranch style home in West Islip.
1/4
Flooding risks during hurricane season, below average crime
As a waterfront community, storms can be a concern here — especially during hurricane season. There’s a moderate risk of flooding and a major risk of high winds.
West Islip’s CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
West Islip County Fair, yacht clubs
The West Islip County Fair kicks off every September. “It draws hundreds of vendors from all over Long Island and it draws a big crowd down in our parade grounds, which is commonly referred to by the people as the Library Field,” Ryan says, adding that it’s right behind the West Islip Public Library. In addition to local vendors, the fair features live music, bouncy houses, face painting and more. The annual Italian Family Feast is hosted by Our Lady of Lourde’s Church, featuring tons of food, carnival rides and games. Local yacht clubs also host events for members throughout the year.
Friends gather and enter the West Islip County Fair.
West Islip County Fair offers bounce tents for the kids.
The Babylon Yacht Club in West Islip is a community favorite, especially in the summer.
Babylon Yacht Club features a pool overlooking the bay in West Islip.
1/4
Local shops and restaurants along Union Boulevard, Higbie Lane
Most of West Islip’s shops are found along Union Boulevard or Higbie Lane. Along the same streets, its many local restaurants offer everything from a simple pizza dinner to an upscale steakhouse, and there’s even a local brewery. A few major retailers provide essentials like groceries. There are even more shopping and dining options in Babylon and Bay Shore, which have bigger, more concentrated downtowns than West Islip.
Farrell's Of Brooklyn Bar & Grill is a place to pass some free time in West Islip.
Stop by Crispino's Pizza for a delicious slice in West Islip.
Enjoy a great breakfast or lunch here at Brownstones Coffee in West Islip.
Captree Village is one of the main shopping centers in West Islip.
1/4
Highly-rated West Islip schools, private high school
Niche gives the West Islip Union Free School District a B-plus. West Islip High School, the district’s only high school, was designated a National Blue Ribbon School in 2020. Its athletic programs also have great reputations, especially when it comes to lacrosse. In 2024, its girls’ lacrosse team won both the Suffolk County and Long Island championships. Alternatively, St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School earns an A on Niche.
West Islip High School Is close to Union Boulevard.
Catch a great football game at St. John The Baptist Diocesan High School football stadium.
The Bridges Academy is a private elementary and middle school in West Islip.
Welcome to Bayview Elementary School in West Islip.
1/4
Major highways, nearby LIRR station
West Islip is surrounded by major highways, including the Babylon Northport Expressway, Robert Moses Causeway, Sunrise Highway and Southern State Parkway. Commuting the 48 miles to Midtown Manhattan takes about an hour and 15 minutes by car in light traffic. The Long Island Rail Road’s Babylon Station is just over a mile away and reaches Manhattan’s Penn Station in about an hour. Long Island MacArthur Airport is 15 miles away and John F. Kennedy International Airport is 30 miles away.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Costa
Video By
GL Moses
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
JoAnn Cilla,
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
On average, homes in West Islip, NY sell after 51 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in West Islip, NY over the last 12 months is $770,000, up 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this stunning 5,400 sq. ft. waterfront home offering panoramic views of the Great South Bay, exceptional privacy, and a seamless blend of comfort and elegance. Located in West Islip, this unique property sits on 240 feet of bulkhead and includes its own private pier—perfect for boating and enjoying the coastal lifestyle.The home features 4 spacious bedrooms and 3.5 beautifully
Totally renovated WATERFRONT home in 2020, this incredible expanded ranch includes a 140-foot bulkhead with a cut-in yacht slip and a small private beach. This home offers an exceptional open-concept layout that combines both luxury and functionality. Situated on over an acre, this expansive home features 3, potentially 4 bedrooms (currently configured as an office) and 3 full bathrooms. The
Featured In THE PRESTIGIOUS MAYFAIR MAGAZINE PAGE 42.Please use following link or click o VIRTUAL TOUR ON TOP OF PAGE .QUINTESSENTIAL MASTERPIECE, EQUISITE IN EVERY DETAIL,LOCATED ON ONE OF THE MOST DESIRED AREAS OF WEST ISLIP, OAKNECK ESTATES. THIS BAYFRONT BEAUTY OFFERS ESPANSIVE WINDOWS FOR VIEWING THE GREAT SOUTH BAY AND ROBERT MOSES BRIDGE. FEATURING AN OPULENT KITCHEN WITH 9' ISLAND,
Location, Location, Location! Grab your bags and unpack into this newly renovated End Unit Townhouse with 5 rooms 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Spacious living room with separate den, new carpeting and freshly painted throughout. Sliders from the den onto a large deck overlooking yard. Close to shopping, transportation and major roadways. Photos have been digitally enhanced/virtually staged
Cape Cod House Located South of Sunrise Highway in West Islip with 1,360 Square Feet Plus 240 Square Foot Attached Garage with Interior Access. Enter onto Front Porch with Trex Deck and Into the Living Room with Coat Closet and Carpeting with Oak Floor Underneath into the Eat-in-Kitchen with Island, Gas Stove (Propane), Refrigerator, Dishwasher & Sliding Doors onto Backyard Deck. Formal Dining
Primely positioned in the heart of Bay Shore, Shoregate offers dynamic apartment living with unparalleled access to seamless commuting, a lively waterside neighborhood, and an engaging community awaiting its next neighbor. Living just steps away from the buzzy and vibrant Main Street means elevating your morning coffee run to your new favorite cafe and meeting new friends at the neighborhood
Recently Updated Large One Bedroom Apt on Lower Level of Hi Ranch with Private Access. Large Living/Dining Area and new Kitchen with Stainless Steel Stove and Refrigerator and White Wood Cabinets. New Bathroom with Shower, Bedroom with Double Closet and Use of Rear Patio off Living Room. Heat, Electric & Water Included in Rent. Available 7/20/25.
Property Id: 2000035* Small dogs and cats allowed*This 2 bedroom 1 bath was completely renovated 2 years ago ready for you to call home. This is a private second floor apartment. Enter from either the front door of the house, or private stairway from the outside—you choose! Open concept living, new kitchen countertop, stainless steel appliances, new waterproof wood floors, private
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the 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.
