Fair Harbor, New York facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fair Harbor
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 Fair Harbor, New York
Location in New York
Fair Harbor, New York
Location in Fire Island
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| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| County | Suffolk |
| Township | Islip |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
11706
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| Area code(s) | 631 |
Fair Harbor is a small, charming community located on the western part of Fire Island in New York. It's part of the Town of Islip on Long Island.
This lovely town has about 350 homes and covers 13 blocks. It offers a few shops and services, giving it an old-fashioned feel. Fair Harbor also has a modern Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to keep everyone safe. The town is very close to the beach, and the bay area is a busy spot during the summer.
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History of Fair Harbor
Fair Harbor was first started in the late 1800s. While some of its 350 houses date back to the 1920s, most were built in the 1970s. Many new homes have also been built more recently.
Life in Fair Harbor
Fair Harbor is mostly a summer community, like many other places on Fire Island. However, some families live there all year round. Many homes have been passed down through generations.
During the summer, many houses are rented out for the whole season or by the month. In the off-season (fall, winter, spring), cars can reach Fire Island in a limited way. But in the summer, cars are not allowed in Fair Harbor. You can only get there by ferry or private boat. People mainly get around by biking and walking.
Safety and Services
The Suffolk County Marine Bureau police look after Fair Harbor. The town also has its own volunteer fire department, the Fair Harbor Fire Department, which started in 1931. In the summer, lifeguards keep watch at both the bay beach and the ocean beach.
The nearby communities of Dunewood and Lonelyville don't have their own stores or services. So, they often use Fair Harbor's services. This includes the Fire Department, EMS, the grocery store, hardware store, liquor store, and restaurant. In the summer, Fair Harbor's population grows to about 1,500 people.
Education for Kids
Children who live in Fair Harbor all year attend the Fire Island School District in Corneille Estates until 6th grade. After that, they take a bus to public or private schools in Bay Shore or Islip for grades 7–12.
Fun Events and Getting Around
Fair Harbor is known for its yearly Pine Walk Arts and Crafts Fair. This event started in 1972 and was a favorite on Fire Island. However, it didn't happen in 2023, and its future is not yet decided. This event added to the town's relaxed, artistic beach vibe. It's a close-knit community where neighbors gather at the bay to watch beautiful sunsets.
There are about 400 lovely beach houses along the narrow walking paths. Fair Harbor does not have hotels or bed and breakfasts. However, short-term rentals like AirBnBs are common. There are also real estate agents who help with longer rentals and sales. Fair Harbor has its own direct ferry line from Bay Shore and a private community marina.
Shops and Economy
Since Fair Harbor is a seasonal community, it only has a few services and shops. These stores are open seven days a week during the summer season. They close during the off-season, from October through May.
Where is Fair Harbor?
Fair Harbor is located on the western part of Fire Island. It sits between the Great South Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. To get to the ferry dock in Bay Shore, New York, it's about 47 miles by car. From there, it's a six-mile ferry ride across the water to Fair Harbor.
The village of Saltaire is just west of Fair Harbor. To the east are the communities of Dunewood and Lonelyville.
Medical Care in Fair Harbor
Fair Harbor does not have hospitals or clinics. However, during the summer months, the Fair Harbor Medical District provides medical services. This district hires doctors for one-week periods, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
The district offers a walk-in doctor's office and a place for the doctor to stay. The doctors are not paid a salary but get a free week at the beach. They can also keep small fees from patients. Their office hours are two hours a day: from 11 AM to Noon and from 5 PM to 6 PM.
For medical emergencies, the Fair Harbor Fire Department provides emergency medical services (EMS). They can take patients by ambulance or by Suffolk County Police boat to hospitals on the mainland, like Good Samaritan or Southside hospitals. In some cases, a police helicopter might be used.
