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Riverhead, NY

Frequently asked questions

Riverhead, NY

Riverhead is a town in Suffolk County, New York, United States, on the north shore of Long Island. Since 1727, Riverhead has been the county seat of Suffolk County, though most county offices are in Hauppauge. As of the 2020 census, the population was 35,902. The town rests on the mouth of the Peconic River, from which it derives its name. The smaller hamlet of Riverhead lies within it and is the town's principal economic center. The town is 166 miles (267 km) southwest of Boston via the Orient Point-New London Ferry and is 76 miles (123 km) northeast of New York City.

At the beginning of the 20th century, the town saw an influx of Polish immigrants. This led to the creation of Polish Town, a section of the Town and County seat where the popular Polish Town Fair is held annually. Riverhead is the agricultural apex of Long Island, with 20,000 of the 35,000 acres of the island's farmland located within the town. The town is also home to four separate beaches which are open year-round. Iron Pier, Wading River, and Reeves Beach each offer boating access for residents and visitors alike.

European colonists purchased the "Southold land" from the local Algonquian-speaking Native Americans and Shinnecock Indian Nation in 1649. An additional portion was purchased from Col. William Smith and divided among settlers in 1742. The town of Riverhead was created in 1792 as part of new jurisdictions after the American Revolution. The New York State Legislature divided it from the town of Southold, New York, which lies to the north and east. Riverhead was separated at the behest of its inhabitants, who "represented to the Legislature that their town is so long that it is very inconvenient for them [people of western regions of Southold] to attend at [sic] town meetings, and also to transact the other necessary business of the said town, and have prayed that the same may be divided into two towns". 

The poor western sections of Southold, with no harbor and little commerce, were thus divided. On March 13, 1792, the Legislature passed a bill splitting off this section under the name River Head. The new enclave's first town meeting was scheduled to be held on April 3, 1792. River Head was named the county seat of Suffolk County (called a "county town" at the time), and its name was later combined with Riverhead. By 1902, its approximate population was 2,500.

Riverhead is bounded by Long Island Sound to the north, Southold to the east, Southampton to the southeast, and Brookhaven to the southwest and west. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 201.3 square miles (521 km2), of which 67.4 square miles (175 km2) is land and 133.9 square miles (347 km2) (66.53%) is water. The town is partly on the North Fork of the county. The eastern terminus of the Long Island Expressway is in Riverhead.

The town's tourism sector benefits from its proximity to popular destinations like the Hamptons and the North Fork. Visitors can explore the Long Island Aquarium, a family-friendly attraction featuring marine life and interactive exhibits. For those seeking retail therapy, the Tanger Outlets provide a shopping haven with a wide range of retail brands. History enthusiasts can delve into Riverhead's maritime and transportation heritage at the East End Seaport Museum and the Long Island Railroad Museum.

Riverhead, NY offers a variety of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities that cater to the health and fitness needs of its residents. Blue Sage Day Spa provides a serene environment with massages, facials, and holistic therapies aimed at rejuvenating the mind and body. Atlantis Personal Training offers state-of-the-art equipment, personal training, and a range of fitness classes to suit all levels. Yoga Shanti hosts yoga classes focusing on mindfulness, flexibility, and core strength. Riverhead Chiropractic Wellness specializes in spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness through comprehensive chiropractic care. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with an extensive array of exercise equipment and group fitness classes. Riverhead Recreation Department offers outdoor activities, walking trails, sports programs, and community events to encourage active living. Balance Health & Wellness Center provides acupuncture, nutritional counseling, and holistic health workshops. These diverse facilities and activities make Riverhead a vibrant hub for wellness and active living, enriching the lives of its residents.

Top Sites in Riverhead, New York: Long Island Aquarium, Hallockville Museum Farm, The Suffolk.

Population: 33,539 (2018). Elevation:10 feet. ZIP Code: 11901. Area Code 631. Founded: 1792. Area of 67.25 square miles (174.19 km²).

FAQs

Is Riverhead, NY wealthy?

The per capita income in Riverhead in 2018 was $38,691, which is middle income relative to New York, and upper-middle income relative to the rest of the US. This equates to an annual income of $154,764 for a family of four. However, Riverhead contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

What is the ethnicity of Riverhead, NY?

White: 56.54% Other race: 16.44% Black or African American: 13.32% Two or more races: 10.8%.  The average household income in Riverhead is $101,577 with a poverty rate of 11.3%. The median age in Riverhead is 44.8 years: 41.2 years for males, and 51.1 years for females.

What is the tax rate in Riverhead, NY?

The minimum combined 2024 sales tax rate for Riverhead, New York is 8.63%. This is the total of state, county, and city sales tax rates. The New York sales tax rate is currently 4%. The County sales tax rate is 4.25%. The Riverhead sales tax rate is 0%.
 

Sources

Wikipedia - Riverhead, New York

Town of Riverhead 

Neighborhood Scout

World Population Review

Peconic Bay Medical Center

Blue Sage Day Spa

Atlantis Personal Training

Yoga Shanti 

Riverhead Chiropractic Wellness

Planet Fitness

Riverhead Recreation Department

Balance Health & Wellness Center

Long Island Aquarium

Hallockville Museum Farm

The Suffolk
 

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