Oyster Bay, New York — town in eastern Nassau County

Oyster Bay is the easternmost of Nassau County's three towns on Long Island. A largely suburban municipality, it includes many villages and hamlets and is home to Sagamore Hill, Theodore Roosevelt's estate.

Oyster Bay is the easternmost of the three towns that make up Nassau County in the U.S. state of New York. Largely suburban in character, the town had a population of 293,214 at the 2010 census and encompasses a mix of residential neighborhoods, small business centers and coastal harbors along Long Island Sound and South Shore bays.

Geography and communities

Oyster Bay covers a broad area of north-central Long Island and includes many incorporated villages and unincorporated hamlets. The town’s shoreline, parks and preserves contribute to its recreational character. Notable communities include Oyster Bay (the hamlet), Bayville, Massapequa, Hicksville, Syosset, Locust Valley and parts of Levittown; the City of Glen Cove lies geographically within the town’s bounds as an independent municipality.

History and origins

The area was originally home to Algonquian-speaking peoples of the Long Island region, including the Matinecock. European settlement began in the 17th century and the town developed through colonial, 19th-century and suburban expansion phases that shaped its mix of villages, farms and later commuter suburbs.

Government, economy and transport

Oyster Bay is governed by a town board and supervisor and contains numerous village governments within its borders. Its economy is largely residential with local commerce, professional services and tourism. Many residents commute to New York City; the Long Island Rail Road serves the town via the Main Line and Oyster Bay Branch, and regional parkways and state routes provide road connections.

Landmarks and recreation

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site — the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt and a major cultural attraction.
Working harbors, marinas and waterfront parks along Long Island Sound.
Historic downtown districts, nature preserves and community recreation facilities.

Oyster Bay combines coastal landscapes, suburban neighborhoods and historic sites, making it a notable part of Long Island’s north shore and the wider New York metropolitan region.