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Brookhaven, NY

Frequently asked questions

Brookhaven, NY

Brookhaven, formally the Town of Brookhaven, is a large suburban town in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. With a population of 488,497 as of 2022, it is the second most populous town in the United States and New York (after Hempstead, in the adjacent Nassau County) and the third most populous community in the state.

The first settlement in what is now Brookhaven was known as Setauket. Founded as a group of agricultural hamlets in the mid-17th century, Brookhaven first expanded as a major center of shipbuilding in the 19th century. Its proximity to New York City facilitated the establishment of resort communities, followed by a post-war population boom. In the 2020 census record, Brookhaven contained 485,773 people.

The township is home to two renowned research centers, Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Combined these two research centers are approximately 50% of the Town's top ten employer's employee count. Tourism is also a major part of the local economy. The largest traditional downtowns are located in Port Jefferson, a regional transportation hub for the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry, and Patchogue. The area has long been serviced by the Long Island Rail Road.

The first known inhabitants were Algonquian-speaking Native Americans, of the Setauket and Unkechaug tribes. The first English settlers arrived around 1640, and in 1655, several purchased Brookhaven's land from its tribal inhabitants. The latter founding year was recognized in 1976, when the Brookhaven Town Bicentennial Commission proposed setting the date on the seal to 1655 in line with this first deed of settlement of the town of Brookhaven at Setauket on April 14, 1655. Considering this founding year of 1655, Brookhaven is the fifth English township on Long Island following Southampton, Southold, Huntington, and East Hampton.

Brookhaven is located centrally on the geographic Long Island and extends from the North Shore to the South Shore. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 532.0 square miles (1,378 km²), of which 259.6 square miles (672 km²) is land and 272.4 square miles (706 km²) (51.20%) is water. It is the largest town in New York in terms of total area, excluding water. However, there are four towns in the state with more land area: Arietta in Hamilton County, Long Lake in Hamilton County, Ohio in Herkimer County, and Webb in Herkimer County. 

Brookhaven is bounded by Long Island Sound to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Riverhead to the northeast, Southampton to the southeast, Smithtown to the northwest, and Islip to the southwest. A large part of Fire Island (accessible by a bridge at Smith Point) and the Great South Bay are in the town. Bald Hill, a large hill in the hamlet of Farmingville, marks where the glacier that formed Long Island stopped. At the top of Bald Hill is a Vietnam veterans memorial. Telescope Hill, to the west of Bald Hill Cultural Park, is slightly taller at 334 feet (102 m) above sea level and the highest point in the town.

Brookhaven, NY, nestled on Long Island's south shore, offers a plethora of health and wellness activities to its residents and visitors. Harmony Day Spa provides a peaceful retreat with services such as massages, facials, and holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Brookhaven Roe YMCA Center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment, personal training sessions, and group fitness classes like Zumba and Pilates, ensuring a comprehensive workout experience. Pure Life Movement Studio offers a range of yoga classes focusing on flexibility, strength, and mindfulness, suitable for all levels. Total Chiropractic Care focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with a variety of chiropractic adjustments and therapeutic services. Pilates Fit Life specializes in Pilates classes aimed at improving core strength and overall body conditioning. Brookhaven Recreation Department offers outdoor activities, walking trails, and community sports programs, encouraging residents to stay active and engaged. Equinox Brookhaven provides a premium fitness experience with upscale amenities, expert trainers, and a variety of group classes for a well-rounded fitness regime. These diverse facilities and activities make Brookhaven a hub for wellness and active living, enriching the lives of its residents.

Top Sites in Brookhaven, NY: Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum, Long Island Aquarium, Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium.

Population: 3,408 (2022). Elevation: 79ft (24m). ZIP Code: 11719. Area code(s): 631, 934. Town: Brookhaven. Area: 531.54 sq mi (1,376.68 km sq).

FAQs

What is Brookhaven, NY known for?

The township is home to two renowned research centers, Stony Brook University and Brookhaven National Laboratory. Combined these two research centers are approximately 50% of the Town's top ten employer's employee count. Tourism is also a major part of the local economy. The largest traditional downtowns are located in Port Jefferson, a regional transportation hub for the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry, and Patchogue. The area has long been serviced by the Long Island Rail Road.

What are the demographics of Brookhaven, NY?

In 2022, there were 11.9 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (2.78k people) in Brookhaven, NY than any other race or ethnicity. There were 234 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) and 160 White (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups. Brookhaven, NY is home to a population of 3.41k people, of which 98.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 3.73% of Brookhaven, NY residents were born outside of the country (127 people).

What is the crime rate in Brookhaven, NY?

The rate of crime in Brookhaven is 8.827 per 1,000 residents during a standard year. People who live in Brookhaven generally consider the northwest part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of crime in Brookhaven may be as high as 1 in 105 in the western neighborhoods, or as low as 1 in 129 in the northwest part of the city.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Brookhaven

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Brookhaven

Spa Week

The YMCA

Pure Life Movement Studio

Total Chiropractic Care

Pilates Fit Life 

Equinox

Data USA

Crime Grade

Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum

Long Island Aquarium

Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium

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