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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Raj Jaggi,
an experienced agent in this area.
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