Which Hamptons Neighborhood is Right for You?

When people mention the Hamptons, the image that usually comes to mind is of the rich and famous living in fabulous mansions and enjoying the beach, fine dining, and shopping while on summer vacation. While this is certainly true, there’s a lot more to the Hamptons than celebrities and the well-to-do.

 

Yes, Southampton and East Hampton are considered the most glamorous and luxurious communities in the Hamptons. But there are actually nearly 20 towns, hamlets, and villages that stretch for several miles along the Atlantic Ocean and into the rural areas inland on Long Island’s South Fork, some two hours from Manhattan.

 

Among these other communities are Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, West Hampton, Quogue, East Quogue, Amagansett, and Montauk. The Hamptons are full of stately mansions and estates as well as more traditional single-family homes and condos. There are modern homes as well as residences that date back to the 19th century. Each of these villages has its own personality and charm as well as favorite restaurants, upscale shops, and attractions.

So, how do you go about buying homes for sale in the Hamptons? The surest way to find your ideal home in one of these wonderful towns is to work with a licensed real estate agent who has extensive experience in the area. The Hamptons really are unique, which is why you need a specialized agent who can help you narrow down your search to a specific community and type of home.

 

Your agent will help you narrow down the choices available and you can view many of these homes online. However, you should still set aside plenty of time in order to tour homes in the towns you’d like to live in. It’s best to start looking at homes in the spring or early autumn to avoid the busy summer months. You may also have to temper your expectations based on your budget and the available inventory of homes.

To get an idea of the pricing landscape, take a look at homes for sale in the Hamptons. How you plan to use your home will help shape your search. If this will be your primary residence, pick a community that best suits your personal and professional needs. If it’s a vacation home that you will be using in the summer or for a few weeks here and there, choose a popular location so that you can recoup some of your costs by renting it when you are not using it.

Here’s a look at some of the best Hamptons neighborhoods for homebuyers to consider:

Southampton is considered by many to be the crown jewel of the Hamptons, favored by celebrities and other movers and shakers. The Village of Southampton is best known for mansions and estates right on the Atlantic Ocean as well as fine dining and luxury shops. The larger Town of Southampton, which includes a number of enclaves and neighborhoods, has a population of about 58,000 and is considered South Fork’s main commercial hub. Among the many popular white sand beaches in Southampton is Coopers Beach. Among the many great golf courses in Southampton is Shinnecock Hills, which has hosted the U.S. Open several times.

Westhampton is technically part of Southampton and is home to about 2,600 residents. Those who have the means to live in Westhampton spend the hot summer months on a beautiful sand beach while enjoy fine dining and upscale shopping in their comfortable community. Westhampton is right next to other popular hamlets such as Westhampton Beach, Remsenburg Quogue, and East Quogue.

Bridgehampton is a hamlet of about 1,300 just east of Southampton. Although it is technically part of Southampton, residents of Bridgehampton real estate enjoy a unique rural lifestyle that is centered around equestrian activities. The highlight of the social calendar is the elite Hamptons Classic Horse Show during the Labor Day weekend, which attracts riders and fans from around the world. There are also plenty of outdoor activities ranging from beaches to several wildlife preserves in the area.

 

Sag Harbor is one of the most unique communities in the Hamptons, a former whaling port with a rich maritime history that continues today. Residents of Sag Harbor enjoy a wonderful lifestyle surrounded by many historic buildings and sites. Sag Harbor has a thriving cultural scene and is an outdoor recreation wonderland with boating, swimming, and other activities along the waterfront.

Amagansett is a smaller hamlet located farther up the east side of the South Fork. With a population of just over 700, it offers a peaceful, relaxing small-town feel. Besides Amagansett Beach, residents enjoy the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge and the Atlantic Double Dunes Preserve right along the Atlantic Ocean. There are also golf courses in this semi-rural community.

 

These are the major neighborhoods in the Hamptons that many buyers find to be excellent fits. There are several other towns and hamlets that homebuyers can also consider during their home search. If now’s the right time to begin shopping for homes for sale in Southampton, contact Deborah Srb, one of the leading real estate agents in the Hamptons.