Islip (hamlet), New York facts for kids

This page is about the hamlet within the Town of Islip. For the town encompassing this community, see Islip, New York.

Quick facts for kids Islip, New York
Hamlet and census-designated place

Islip, New York Location in New York
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Suffolk
Town	Islip
Area
• Total	5.40 sq mi (13.98 km²)
• Land	4.75 sq mi (12.30 km²)
• Water	0.65 sq mi (1.68 km²)
Elevation	16 ft (5 m)
Population (2020)
• Total	18,418
• Density	3,878.29/sq mi (1,497.55/km²)
Time zone	UTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code	11751
Area code(s)	631, 934
FIPS code	36-37869
GNIS feature ID	0979097

Islip (pronounced EYE-slip) is a small community in Suffolk County, New York. It is known as a hamlet and a census-designated place (CDP). Islip is located on the south shore of Long Island. In 2010, about 18,869 people lived there.

Exploring Islip's Geography

Islip is found on the South Shore of Long Island. It sits on the northern side of the Great South Bay, which is a large body of water. Across this bay, you can see Fire Island.

The total area of Islip is about 12.7 square kilometers (4.9 square miles). Most of this area is land, with a small part being water. A special place called the Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge is located in the southeastern part of Islip. This refuge helps protect wildlife.

Understanding Islip's Population

Historical population
Census	Pop.	%±
2020	18,418	—
U.S. Decennial Census

In 2000, Islip was home to 20,575 people. The community had 6,868 households. Most households were made up of married couples living together. About 38.4% of households had children under 18 living with them.

The people living in Islip came from different backgrounds. Most residents were White. There were also many Hispanic residents, as well as Black, Asian, and Native American people.

The average age of people in Islip was 36 years old. About 27.4% of the population was under 18.

A Look at Islip's History

Islip's history began in the 1680s when William Nicoll became a major landowner. He bought over 100 square miles of land from the local Native American leader, Winnequaheagh. Nicoll named his large estate "Islip" after his family's home in England. This huge area included many of the communities we know today, like East Islip and Sayville.

The name "Islip" was chosen for the local post office when it opened in 1802. Islip started as a farming community. Over time, it grew into a fancy area for wealthy families in the 1800s and 1900s. Many beautiful old mansions, built in styles like Colonial Revival and Victorian, once lined the streets. Some of these old homes still stand today.

Islip has a strong connection to the Great South Bay. Fishing, clamming, swimming, and boating have always been popular activities. The famous Doxsee Clam Company, which made world-famous clams, started right here in Islip. The community even has its own public beach. Boating is still very popular, especially with the nearby communities on Fire Island.

Discovering Main Street Islip

Islip Hamlet is well-known for its charming shopping area along Main Street (NY 27A). You can find many interesting places here, such as:

Gift shops
Hairdressers
Boutiques
Restaurants and pubs
Natural food stores

Main Street also hosts many fun events throughout the year:

The Main Street Festival in the spring
A Memorial Day Parade
A Sidewalk Sale
Trick or Treat on Main Street for Halloween
A Holiday House Tour
The Town Hall Christmas Tree Lighting
The Santa Comes to Town Parade

Islip in the Media

Islip is home to the radio station WBWD. The local newspaper, The Islip Bulletin, shares news and stories about the community.

Notable People from Islip

Many interesting people have connections to Islip:

Tobias Harris – A professional basketball player
Henry O. Havemeyer – A famous sugar industrialist
Peter Lemongello – A pop singer
Alan Mayer – A retired professional soccer goalkeeper
Mike Mondo – A professional wrestler
William H. Russell – A businessman who helped start the secret Skull and Bones society at Yale University
Larry Saperstein – An actor
Tom Veryzer – A former Major League Baseball shortstop
ZillaKami – A rapper

Exploring Bayberry Point

Bayberry Point is a special area next to the Great South Bay. It has three streets separated by canals. This area is known for having some of Islip's most expensive homes.

Bayberry Point was first developed as an experimental living project by Horace Havemeyer. He was the son of the wealthy sugar magnate Henry O. Havemeyer. Building started in the late 1800s and finished in 1916. Havemeyer built several beautiful mansions along the canals, with views of the bay. Many of these homes are still there today.

Islip's Emergency Services

Islip has important services to keep everyone safe.

Emergency Medical Services

Some parts of Islip get emergency medical help from the Exchange Ambulance of the Islips Volunteer Ambulance Corporation and the Islip Volunteer Fire Department's Rescue Company. Their main ambulance base is in East Islip.

Fire Protection

The Islip Volunteer Fire Department protects parts of Islip from fires. Their main fire station is on Monell Avenue. There is also a smaller station on Commack Road. Other areas are covered by the Islip Terrace Volunteer Fire Department.

Law Enforcement

The Suffolk County Police Department provides police services in Islip. The Town of Islip Department of Public Safety also helps keep the community safe.

Hospitals Near Islip

Islip is close to two hospitals:

Northwell Health Southside Hospital in Bay Shore (about one mile away)
Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip (about three miles away)

Islip's Postal Services

The Islip Post Office is located at 309 Main Street. Its ZIP code is 11751. This post office serves most people living in Islip, and even some people in nearby communities. The Islip Post Office first opened in 1802.

Learning in Islip: Education

The Islip School District has five schools for students of different ages:

Wing Elementary School (Kindergarten to 1st grade)
Sherwood Elementary School (2nd to 5th grade)
Commack Road Elementary School (2nd to 5th grade)
Islip Middle School (6th to 8th grade)
Islip High School (9th to 12th grade)

The school district's mascot is the Buccaneer. The school district also includes some areas from nearby Bay Shore and Central Islip.

Islip Public Library

Islip residents are served by the Islip Public Library. It is located at 71 Monell Avenue.

Getting Around Islip: Transportation

Islip has several ways to get around.

Major Roads

Important roads in Islip include:

NY Route 27, also known as Sunrise Highway
NY Route 27A, also known as Main Street or Montauk Highway
Southern State Parkway
NY Route 111 (Islip Avenue)
Suffolk County Road 50 (Union Boulevard)

Airport Access

Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma is about 10 miles (16 km) from Islip.

Train Service

Islip has had train service since 1868. The Long Island Rail Road serves the Islip Station, which is on the Montauk Branch line.

Ferries to Fire Island

The Fire Island Ferries are about two miles from Islip. They are located in the nearby community of Bay Shore.

Bus Services

Islip has many bus stops on different lines. Buses are run by Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.

Places of Worship in Islip

Islip has several places where people can worship:

St. Mark's Episcopal Church
United Methodist Church of Islip
The Presbyterian Church of Islip
Trinity Lutheran Church
New Bethany Baptist Church
Chabad Jewish Center of Islip