Relocating to the Hamptons? This coastal paradise in New York offers stunning beaches, delicious local cuisine, and a vibrant social scene. Check out these 17 things to know about living in the Hamptons.
What Are the Hamptons?
Located in the South Fork of Long Island, NY, the Hamptons are made up of two major areas—East Hampton and Southhampton—along with a number of hamlets and villages like Montauk, Sagaponack, Sag Harbor, Amagansett, and more. Known as a top destination for luxurious weekend getaways, The Hamptons also boast a rich agricultural history—which is still visible today via several vineyards and local farmstands in the Hamptons. This Long Island region has been a popular resort community since the 1800s, as well as a creative hub drawing famous artists and writers like Jackson Pollock and Truman Capote. The Southhampton area also holds national historical significance, as it was the childhood home of former First Lady Jackie Kennedy. Additionally, the Hamptons have often appeared in films and television shows—for instance, Succession, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, and Jaws all feature the iconic Hamptons setting. While still a weekend getaway for many, a post-COVID-19 Hamptons has seen more residents choosing to stay year-round, along with a broader appeal of the area to people from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
High Quality of Life at a Worthwhile Price Tag
Living in the Hamptons offers a unique blend of luxury, outdoor activities, and proximity to world-class amenities, making it well worth the high cost of living. As the area is well-known for its opulence and wealth, new residents will find Hamptons homes have a median purchase price of around $1.2 million, while rentals are as low as $2,400 depending on location and season. To help mitigate those living costs, residents in the Hamptons also receive an average salary above the national average, with East Hampton boasting a median household income of $86,705 and Southampton reaching $125,054. And with easy access to beautiful beaches, renowned North Fork wineries, and fun hobbies like golfing and equestrianism on the rest of Long Island—plus, all the amazing attractions, amenities, and restaurants in NYC’s nearby boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens—it’s easy to see why more people are moving to the Hamptons.
Explore Job Opportunities
The Hamptons’ status as a vacation spot comes with a population surge in the spring and summer, which drives seasonal demand for service and retail industry roles. However, there are still plenty of employment opportunities in the Hamptons year-round in a variety of industries! Southampton jobs are primarily in management, business and finance, entertainment, and more—while East Hampton jobs are in management, education, sales, and other sectors. The Southampton Hospital Association—part of the Stony Brook Medicine System—is a key Southampton employer in healthcare. And for those in education or public service, East Hampton Union Free School District and East Hampton Library provide stable careers in the community.
Attend School in the Hamptons
Despite the trend of more residents staying year round and the common notion that the Hamptons are just a vacation spot—families have sent their kids to schools in the Hamptons for decades! While individual towns and hamlets often have institutions, some schooling systems offer additional programs and awards. Start young kiddos at play-based learning institution The Country School, where they can participate in monthly themes like science, art, movement, and more. Enroll older kids in Southampton High School for access to cool educational resources like their Marine Science Wet Lab or their Planetarium. Prefer the private school route? Send your kids to Ross School, a Hamptons boarding school featuring an average class size of 12 students. The Hamptons also offer easy access to a few different colleges and universities. Enroll in the School of Health Professions or pursue an MFA in film or creative writing at Stony Brook Southhampton. Get your associate’s degree in accounting, cinema studies, and English at Suffolk County Community College – Eastern Campus. Or take advantage of the SUNY system and commute to Empire State University at Selden to explore degree programs like criminal justice, educational studies, and human development.
Take Advantage of Local Public Transportation
Though most people in the Hamptons rely on their cars, public transportation options are available! The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the busiest commuter railroad in North America and provides service between the Hamptons and New York City, making it easy for commuters or weekenders to travel back and forth. Offering a convenient bus service, the Hampton Jitney has various routes throughout the South Fork, perfect for those without a vehicle or who prefer a greener commuting option. Residents can also travel around the Hamptons by hopping on local buses like the Suffolk County Transit. Want to island-hop? You can easily take a ferry from the North Fork to nearby retreat, Shelter Island, or to Connecticut for a weekend getaway!
Experience Hamptons’ Bike Culture
Though residents largely depend on their cars to get around, many people living in the Hamptons have taken up cycling! Whether you’re a casual rider or an experienced cyclist, there are a variety of options for biking in the Hamptons. Some of the top bike trails in The Hamptons include the 12-mile trail in the Northwest Woods and the 20-mile trail from East Hampton to Montauk Point. Sign up for the Tour of the Hamptons, a bicycle tour that kicks off in Southampton and winds through several historic areas like Wainscott, East Hampton, Amagansett, and more. Join a friend and Cycle The Hamptons, a self-guided tour that sweeps through stunning vineyards, beaches, and breathtaking coastline views. Or take your bike-riding passion to the next level by joining clubs and group rides like Team Hampton Roads Cycling and the Sag Harbor Cycle Company’s group ride.
Enjoy All Four Seasons in the Hamptons
The climate in the Hamptons offers temperatures that range from 23 to 81 degrees throughout the year on average. In particular, the warm season lasts from June through September, with daily highs above 72 degrees—perfect for beach days. While the transition seasons are cooler than summer, winter in the Hamptons brings pretty mild temps in the 40s and light snowfalls transform the landscape into a cozy retreat. Explore the “walking dunes,” go camping and fishing, or try snowshoeing at Hither Hills State Park—just 15 minutes away from East Hampton. Bundle up in a scarf and coat before lacing up your skates or renting an igloo at the Southampton Ice Rink. Stroll through the public garden to smell what’s in bloom at Sagaponack’s Madoo Conservancy. Or explore 607 acres of the outdoors and pitch your tent in one of the group camping areas, hike the nature trails, or try surfcasting for bass at Cedar Point County Park.
Perfect Your Golf Game in The Hamptons
Golfing in the Hamptons is a favorite pastime of many residents, with access to great courses that can accommodate any skill level from beginner to expert. Hop in a golf cart and ride hole to hole at the Sag Harbor State Golf Course, which spans over 48 acres. Appreciate the natural landscape of Shinnecock Hills while you sink a putt at the private Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, the oldest incorporated golf club in the country. Drive your ball to victory on a 9-hole or 18-hole golf course bordering the Atlantic Ocean at The Maidstone Club. Challenge yourself to a diverse and challenging set of 18 holes at the East Hampton Golf Club. Take in the beautiful rolling hills as you try for a birdie at the Atlantic Golf Club. Or schedule your tee time and enjoy the scenic vistas at the Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club.
Enjoy Water Recreation in South Fork
The beaches in Hampton offer year-round fun and beautiful sunset views for residents of all ages. Keep cool by swimming, surfing, and exploring the hiking trails at Ditch Plains Beach. Run along the shoreline, have a picnic with the family, and work on your tan at Cooper’s Beach. Cast a line for striped bass and other fish—or spike your way to victory in sand volleyball at Sagg Main Beach. Host a beach party, support your child through the junior lifeguard program, marvel at the fireworks show at Main Beach, and more at the Village Beaches in East Hampton Village. Try your hand at sailing across Sag Harbor with lessons from Sag Harbor Sailing. Go windsurfing, hiking, or riding on the equestrian trails at Montauk Point State Park.
Immerse Yourself in the Arts
If you love the arts, you’ll find plenty of activities in the Hamptons! Attend artist talks, visit rotating exhibits from artists like Audrey Flack and Ralph Gibson, or sign up for Art Workshops at Parrish Art Museum. Book a museum tour, buy tickets to films, or experience an opera performance at Guild Hall. Don’t miss spectacular seasonal performances of shows like A Christmas Carol, Boeing Boeing, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, and more at the Hampton Theatre Company. Sign up for a Paint + Sip class, try your hand at a figure drawing workshop, or walk through rotating exhibitions at the Southampton Arts Center. Enjoy the 16-acre outdoor sculpture garden, stretch and relax during Gentle Yoga on Sundays, or go on docent-led public tours at the LongHouse Reserve.
Get Involved in the Hamptons’ Festival Scene
The Hamptons aren’t just a summer escape—they’re a year-round destination for incredible music festivals and cultural events. Immerse yourself in the sounds of The Hamptons Festival of Music, where classical performances take place in beautiful indoor venues. Experience a mix of jazz, blues, rock, and folk filling the streets of Sag Harbor at the Sag Harbor American Music Festival. Head to the shore for an eclectic lineup of music including everything from indie rock and folk to blues and hip-hop at at the laid-back Montauk Music Festival. For those who crave smooth jazz under the stars, don’t miss the coliseum setting of the Hampton Jazz Festival, a mainstay of the area for the past 50 years. Watch a unique slate of films and hear from celebrity guests like Andrew Garfield at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
Have Fun in the Hamptons with Your Family
The Hamptons have a ton of family-friendly activities that everyone can enjoy! Visit exhibits like the Legacy Tree Gallery, Rainbow Music Garden, or the 9-hole miniature golf course at The Children’s Museum of the East End. Learn about erosion, stop by the desk of the first light keeper, or enjoy a panoramic view of the ocean at the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Glimpse white-tailed deer up close, take the self-guided Wild Birds Nature Trail, or visit the beach along Jessup’s Neck Peninsula at the Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about local ecosystems, attend events like the Young Birder’s Club, or sign your kids up for the Young Environmentalist Society at the South Fork Natural History Museum & Nature Center. Or grab your sunscreen, pack a lunch, and build sandcastles at beaches like Flying Point Beach.
Gallop into the Equestrian Scene
The equestrian scene in the Hamptons offers horse enthusiasts various activities—from scenic trail rides to world-class polo matches and prestigious horse shows. Spectate children exercising their ponies, shop the vendors, and experience a premier jumping event at the Hampton Classic—”one of the largest outdoor horse shows in the United States.” Ride a horse or pony along the trail or beach at Montauk’s Deep Hollow Ranch, the oldest working ranch in the U.S. Learn the basics of riding or go beyond and hone your skills in dressage, jumping, and more at Stony Hills Stables. Travel across miles of trails and practice your jumps in one of the riding rings at Wolffer Estate Stables. Practice your equestrian skills indoors and outdoors or take your kids to Pony Camp at Silver Tide Stable. Enjoy top-notch horseback riding in the Hamptons at local horse farms like Gray Horse Farm Hamptons and the nearby Topping Riding Club. Or join the Hamptons Polo Club to learn the sport of polo, play on five different fields, and more.
Find Fresh Produce at the Farmers Market
Farmers markets in the Hamptons offer a wide selection of fresh produce and handmade goods, sourced directly from local farms and crafted with the area’s best ingredients. Find everything from organic vegetables and homemade jams to fruits and cheese from the Amagansett Market at Amber Waves Farm. For a lively shopping experience featuring local seafood, baked goods, pasture-raised meats, and fresh juices, visit the East End Farmers Market. Shop vendors like Goodness Dairy, The Hampton Grocer, or Newlight Breadworks at the Montauk Farmers Market. Find goods from local vendors such as Chowderhead Soup, The Biscotti Company, Hampton Soaptique, and more at the Southampton Farmers & Artisans Market. Or buy flowers, spice rubs, local wine, and more at the Westhampton Beach Farmers’ Market.
Indulge in the Hamptons’ Culinary Scene
When looking for the best food in the Hamptons, there’s no shortage of options—from fresh seafood and gourmet burgers to creative fusion dishes and locally-sourced farm-to-table dishes! Order the Macheesmo Burrito, Acme Breakfast, or the Suzy Q at Estia’s Little Kitchen, a great place for brunch in the Hamptons. Sample dishes like the Cilantro Chutney Tuna, Classic Masala, or Thali Platter at Hampton Chutney Co. Satisfy your appetite with Local Fluke Milanese, a Bostwick’s Famous Hot Buttered Lobster Roll, or Cherrystone Clams 1/2 Shell at Bostwick’s Chowder House. Reserve a table and order Seared Ahi Tuna, Nola Shrimp, Danish Baby Back Ribs, and more at Cowfish. Sink your teeth into Soy and Sugar Cane Salmon, Luau Pork Tenderloin, or Seared Diver Scallops at Rumba. Or start with Crispy Calamari before digging into Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes, Ding’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich, or a Bone-In Rutherford Ribeye at East Hampton Grill.
Visit Breweries & Wineries in the Hamptons
The Hamptons boast a vibrant craft beer and wine scene, offering a diverse range of options for discerning taste buds! If you’re interested in visiting breweries in the Hamptons, sip an Easy Riser Belgian White, Juicy IPA, Watermelon Session Ale, or an Eastern Haze IPA at Montauk Brewing Company. Enjoy a refreshing Strawberry Blonde, Jetty 4 Lager, Riptide DIPA, or Sea Side at WHB Brewing Co. Find delicious and unique beers such as the Colossal Squid, Whalers’ Pilsner, Little Squid, or Longfin at Kidd Squid Brewing Co. Looking to explore the Long Island Wine Region? Choose from wines like The Grapes of Roth Virgin Berry Riesling, Finca Wölffer Rosé, or Lambardo Merlot at the Wolffer Estate Vineyard. Or select wines such as the Ribolla Gialla, Rosato di Lagrein, or Petit Verdot at Channing Daughters. Or travel to nearby North Fork wineries like Macari Vineyards to taste a variety of wines, from chardonnay to Syrah, and more.
Enjoy Nightlife in the Hamptons
Looking to experience the best of Hamptons nightlife? There are plenty of things to do both seasonally and year-round! Sing your heart out during karaoke, attend game night, or try for a strike in the bowling lanes at The Clubhouse. Catch iconic live performances from traveling musical acts, show off your moves on the dance floor, or grab a drink of your choice at the Stephen Talkhouse. Have a low-key evening and grab a burger and a beer while playing trivia or compete during Bingo Night at the Union Burger Bar. Start with a night of dancing and cocktails at the sophisticated Southampton Social Club, known for its lively parties and DJ sets in the summer months. And for a laid-back, beachy vibe, listen to live music and eat local dishes while enjoying views of the waterfront at The Surf Lodge.
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