Perched on the water at the very start of the Hamptons, Westhampton Beach found itself with a unique nickname in the 1800s. Then a farming community, windmills were an essential part of life in the village, providing the power necessary to pump water to farms and mansions. There were so many of them dotting the area that it became known as “Windmill Town.” Today, Westhampton Beach is a village with a vibrant, newly renovated downtown and waterfront lifestyle. “It’s a mixture of old, charming buildings, a variety of restaurants and bakeries, health food, gourmet coffee shops — very trendy little spots to eat, I would say,” says Deborah Pirro, a global real estate advisor at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty who sells homes in the area and has frequented it since she was little. “And then also really great shopping.”
Despite embracing its trendy downtown makeover, Westhampton Village still remembers its time as Windmill Town. Until recently, most traces had faded away, but a new project is restoring and relocating a historic windmill to The Great Lawn, a green space on Main Street in the village’s downtown. “It was built in the mid-1800s by John Adams Dix who was the governor of New York,” says Mayor Ralph Urban, adding that Dix was also a hero during the War of 1812 and is the namesake of Fort Dix in New Jersey. “So we’re very excited about that project. We had it relocated because the property owners were knocking down the existing home and offered to give us the windmill.”
Like many surrounding communities, its population swells in the summer, but it also has a sizeable core of year-round residents. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, about 20.2% of residents work in educational services, health care or social assistance, but careers in professional, science, management, finance and insurance aren’t too far behind. The census also shows 19.6% of residents work from home. That’s much more than the national average of 3.5%, and many of these residents are employed by companies based in New York City.
Shop along the many storefronts on Westhamptons charming Main St.
There is a handful of canals that run into Westhampton.
Westhampton has a beautiful downtown with plenty of shopping and restaurants.
Cowfish restaurant has a water-taxi that can be taken to the rum bar Rumba, just a 5 minute ride down the canal in Westhampton.
1/4
Boating on Moriches Bay, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean
Westhampton Beach has a two-tiered shoreline — a curving coast that looks out onto Moriches Bay and a beachfront on a barrier island that’s connected to the rest of the village by two bridges. Boating is a favorite pastime in the village, which has a small marina where locals without private slips can keep their boats. During the summer, beaches on the barrier island swell with people coming to swim in the Atlantic Ocean, relax on the sand or fish. On land, small green spaces are scattered throughout the village. Ria Del Bene Memorial Playground offers a big play area for young children and The Great Lawn is a 10-acre field that hosts frequent community events. Westhampton Country Club gives members access to amenities like tennis courts and a golf course.
Quogue's main beach offers stunning views and soft fine sand.
Enjoy the beach and water activities at Westhampton Yacht Club.
Hampton Bays is a boating town with many Marinas.
Quogue Village Beach is exclusive to Quogue residents.
1/4
Suburban homes and sprawling waterfront houses
Westhampton Village is known for grand waterfront houses, but there are some average-sized homes on more inland suburban streets as well. The median price of homes here is nearly $2.8 million compared to the national median of $416,700. Waterfront homes on the bay often have private boat slips. On the barrier island, there are homes on the beach — homeowners can literally step outside and bury their toes right in sun-warmed sand. These homes soar well past the village’s median price, though, costing as much as $10 million. Co-ops and condos in the community start as low as $350,000 and can climb to nearly $2 million.
Spectacular ocean front views throughout Westhampton Beach.
Lovely ranch and cape cod style homes in Westhampton.
Many homes have beachside access to the Stillwater bay in Westhampton.
A beautiful 21st Century oceanfront oasis in Westhampton.
1/4
Hurricane season, beach erosion and falling crime rates
Hurricane season impacts Westhampton Beach; flooding is a minor risk here, though it’s a bigger concern for waterfront and beachfront homes. Beachfront homes also deal with the problem of beach erosion. It’s been an ongoing issue in Westhampton Beach since the 1960s, and in the mid-1990s, the Army Corps of Engineers relocated 15 historic houses because of it. For most residents, though, the biggest concern during hurricane season comes from the severe risk of high winds.
Westhampton Beach has its own police department. From 2022 to 2023, violent crime decreased from 11 incidents to 3. Property crime declined from 41 cases to 22 in the same period.
Restaurants, shops and a performing arts center on Main Street
Westhampton Beach’s many local businesses and restaurants are stretched along a walkable section of Main Street. A lot of work has gone into the downtown in recent years. Urban says Westhampton Beach’s trendy downtown finished its extensive renovations in 2020. “We improved all of the stormwater runoff, we installed two traffic circles at each end of the main street, we undergrounded utilities,” he says. “We have new sidewalks, new pavers, wider sidewalks and more parking.” The village then took on anoter project, he says, that switched businesses and multi-family housing south of Main Street to sewage — a move that will make growth easier.
The vibrant downtown’s dining scene, bookended by those new traffic circles, is already a feature for residents. Classic American fare is the most common, but there are also multiple Mexican and Asian options. Bakeries and coffee shops also occupy the street, all alongside salons, home goods stores and an art gallery. Then there’s The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, which Pirro and Urban say is a major focal point for the community. “Our performing arts does attract pretty big names,” Urban says. “The building dates back to the 1930s but has been renovated and upgraded and now is a performing arts center for us.” The theater hosts plays, concerts and special events like slam poetry nights.
The Westhampton Beach Theater has been apart of the town for over three generations.
Flora has great outdoor seating and one of the few places thats open year round in Westhampon.
Shop along the many storefronts on Westhamptons charming Main St.
Island Surf in Westhampton is a solid surf shop for all of the essentials.
1/4
Summer concerts, art shows and a farmers market
Even beyond the performing art center’s rotating roster of events, Westhampton Beach has tons of little events throughout the year. “We have events on our Great Lawn, including the ballet and art shows, and we have smaller concerts on our Village Green, which is a smaller park area with a gazebo,” says Urban. “We have afternoon concerts during the summer.” There’s also an indoor farmer’s market every Saturday from December through April, plus a holiday market from the end of November to the end of December.
Welcome to the Westhampton Beach Farmers Market
The Great Lawn on Main St is fantastic place to play fetch with your dogs in Westhampton.
Many vendors setup on the green off Main St. for the Westhampton Beach Farmers Market.
Walk along The Great Lawn right in the center of Westhampton Beach.
1/4
A-rated Westhampton schools
Westhampton Beach is served by the Westhampton Union Free School District, which gets an A from Niche. The district has only one elementary school, one middle school and one high school, and its student-to-teacher ratio is 10-to-1.
Westhampton Beach Middle School boasts beautiful architectural columns at its main entrance.
Westhampton Beach Elementary School educates children in Kindergarten-5th grade in Westhampton.
Westhampton Beach Senior High School serves students from 9th through 12th grade.
Hamptons Elementary School provides academic excellence in a supportive environment.
1/4
Nearby highways, LIRR to Montauk or NYC
Montauk Highway runs through Westhampton Beach, providing an easy way to drive east or west across the island. It takes a few minutes to hop on the nearby Sunrise Highway. The Long Island Rail Road’s Westhampton Station is also at the edge of the village, providing an easy route for those who would prefer not to commute by car. From the station, the train reaches Montauk in just over an hour and Manhattan’s Penn Station in as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes. “It’s really easy to get to from New York City,” Pirro says. “It’s sort of the beginning of the Hamptons, so you don’t hit a lot of traffic. It’s just easy to get to, the location is great.” Francis S. Gabreski is the nearest airport, but no commercials leave from it — only private jets, which residents can charter, and military aircraft. The airport is where the U.S. Air Force’s 106th Rescue Wing, which goes on rescue missions across the world, is based. For commercial flights, Long Island MacArthur Airport is 27 miles away. Peconic Bay Medical Center is about 9 miles away.
Written By
Christina Norwood
Photography Contributed By
Anthony Costa
Video By
Victoria York
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Frank Mistretta,
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 Westhampton Beach, NY sell after 170 days on the market compared to the national average of 50 days. The median sale price for homes in Westhampton Beach, NY over the last 12 months is $1,825,500, up 16% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This exquisite new construction designer model home, crafted by the award-winning Beechwood Homes, offers an unparalleled blend of luxury and comfort. Located just one mile from the vibrant shopping and dining scene of Main Street and a mere two miles from the serene Rogers and Lashley Beaches, with beach rights included, it promises the perfect balance of convenience and coastal charm. Only 90
Welcome to 538 Dune Rd, a stunning bay front property situated within the exclusive Baypointe Yacht Club, a gated community of just 10 units. As you step inside this move-in ready unit, you are greeted by an open concept living area on the first floor including a chef’s kitchen, dining area, living room, and deck, all overlooking the bay. The second floor includes a primary suite and deck with
You won't want to miss this one level, newly renovated contemporary home with an inviting open floor plan. Deceiving from its exterior, it boasts a spacious and lofty floor plan across ~ 2250 sf. Currently designed as 3 bedrooms with a home office, it's ideal location on the edge of Westhampton Beach's Village is most attractive with proximity to all that matters in the bustling Village. This
Welcome to 19 Carwin Lane, a stunning 6-bedroom, 7.5-bath residence nestled near the Village of Westhampton Beach. This approximately 6,000 sq. ft. home, across three levels, was built in 2021. The residence offers a harmonious blend of contemporary design and luxurious amenities, providing the perfect sanctuary for discerning homeowners.Situated in a new luxury development, the home offers the
Turn-key, impeccably maintained gem in Westhampton Beach Village is less than a mile from vibrant Main Street, offering the perfect blend of seaside charm and modern convenience. Inside, you’ll be greeted by an inviting open-concept living space, complete with a cozy wood-burning fireplace and a chef’s kitchen outfitted with top-of-the-line appliances and a spacious center island—perfect for
Residential lot .37 acres in Quiogue South of Montauk Hwy. Come build your dream home right outside the Village of Westhampton Beach. Close proximity to the village and beaches.
Charming Westhampton Beach Summer Rental – Prime Location!Escape to your perfect summer retreat in the heart of Westhampton Beach, just 0.5 miles from Main Street and moments from Long Island’s most sought-after beaches.This immaculate 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom cottage offers the ultimate getaway, featuring a heated in-ground pool, outdoor shower, and a private pickleball/basketball
Your summer vacation awaits in the heart of Westhampton Beach Village. 59 Oak Street is an expansive & renovated ranch, offering just shy of 2,000 square feet of living space. The home features living room with wood-burning fireplace, eat-in kitchen with quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, and breakfast nook, yoga / flex space, and spacious great room overlooking the backyard. Enjoy
Soak in stunning sunsets and sweeping bay views from this open and airy one-bedroom, two-bath condo of the coveted Yardarm on the Bay. Thoughtfully renovated, the baths blend style and functionality, with a spacious living room.Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, ample storage, and elevator access. Whether you're unwinding by one of the two lifeguarded pools—Bayfront or
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.
