Overview

Amityville is a village on the south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County, New York, United States. It is a suburban community on the Great South Bay with a mix of residential neighborhoods, small commercial districts and marinas. The population was 9,523 at the 2010 census. The village functions as an incorporated municipality within the Town of Babylon and retains a compact downtown near the waterfront.

History

European settlement in the area began in the 17th century, and the village grew around maritime activities and local agriculture. Over time Amityville developed as a residential enclave and boating center on Long Island's south shore. Its modern identity reflects both its coastal setting and its role as a commuter community for the New York metropolitan region.

Geography and transportation

Amityville lies on the Great South Bay, with shoreline parks and private docks that support recreational boating. The village is served by the Montauk Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, providing direct rail access to Brooklyn and Manhattan, and by regional roads and local bus routes. Proximity to the bay shapes local recreation and real estate patterns.

Culture and notable facts

Amityville is widely known beyond the region because of the 1970s DeFeo family murders and the subsequent claims of a haunting at a house on Ocean Avenue. Those events inspired a best-selling book and numerous film adaptations collectively referred to as the "Amityville Horror." While the alleged supernatural claims remain a matter of public fascination and debate, they have had a lasting effect on the village's cultural profile.

Government, education and community life

The village is governed by a local board and mayor under New York State village law. Public education is provided by the Amityville Union Free School District, which operates the community's elementary, middle and high schools. Local life centers on schools, parks, waterfront activities and small businesses, with seasonal events and a mix of long-term residents and newer commuters.

Distinctions and visitors

  • Coastal village character with marinas and bay access.
  • Commuter rail connections to New York City via the Long Island Rail Road.
  • Notable place in popular culture because of the "Amityville Horror" book and films.