East Hampton Neighborhood Guide

With the waves of the Atlantic on its undeniably stunning white sand beaches, East Hampton holds a reputation for being one of the most pristine and exclusive neighborhoods on New York’s Long Island. The upscale seaside haven also attracts creative minds and houses a vibrant artistic community and lifestyle. The beaches aren’t the only asset that generates the glamorous appeal of the East Hampton neighborhood, there is year-round culture exuberating at every corner. Guild Hall, Mulford Farm, and numerous museums, along with the boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants along Main Street cultivate the perfect combination of affluent, historical charm and chic, artistic creativity of East Hampton.

East Hampton Real Estate Stats

An Abbreviated History of East Hampton

In 1648, East Hampton was founded by a Puritan farming community who sometimes shared their whale hunting and butchering with the Montauk Indians. The land was purchased by the governors of the New Haven and Connecticut colonies to be sold to settlers from Salen, Lynn, and Massachusetts. East Hampton began to be an up and coming destination with the extension of the railway to Bridgehampton in the 19th century, when it became a popular location for summer boarding houses. In the 1910s and 20s, the previously undeveloped agricultural land became home to luxury estates built by extremely wealthy families in the Eastern Plain. The neighborhood remains a popular affluent summer vacation destination today.

What to expect

East Hampton Landmarks and Cultural Institutions

A NEIGHBORHOOD TOUR

The Mulford Farm is one of America’s most intact English Colonial farmsteads. It was originally a fourteen acre family farm and was the home of the Mulford family for more than 10 generations. The Mulford House is considered an artifact representing the American family home and has been left unchanged since 1750. 

The village of East Hampton has preserved the Colonial style Osborn-Jackson House in its original setting on Main Street and has maintained  it as a historical museum for the public to visit and appreciate. The house, named for its original owners, was built in the late 18th century and is significant because of the history it offers through its remarkable conservation of the original structure.

Located between the East Hampton Star and Clinton Academy, the Mimi Meehan Native Plant Garden showcases many indigenous plants of Long Island. The garden was designed by member Abby Jane Brody, and is a beautiful place to learn about native plants, and garner inspiration for your own home garden.

Tomas Moran built the first artist studio in East Hampton in 1884, marking the beginning of the artist colony. Described as a quirky, Queen Anne style-studio cottage, the Thomas & Mary Nimmo Studio is now part of the Historic Artists’ Homes and Studio Program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, celebrating the working studios and homes of artists across America. 

The Mulford Farms hosts the East Hampton Antiques & Design Show featuring mid-century decorative antique items for homes and gardens. The show is widely recognized by Long Island dealers and collectors as the premier antiques and design event on the East End offering a unique variety of textiles, collectibles, furniture accessories, and more. 

The famous windmills of East Hampton not only offer a beautiful addition to the breathtaking views and landscaping of the East End, but also are filled with history of the land. In the early history of the village, people lived off of the land. It is believed that the windmills were built before 1795 and used primarily for two reasons; The power to turn wheels and grind corn and grains, or as water mills along the river to push the water along. These mills are unique because the East End of the island was flat with no rivers so the villagers turned to wind for power. These historical wind mills are now an icon of the East Hamptons and a must-see destination for visitors. Some of the early  famous mills include the Gardiners Island Mill, Hook Mill, Mulford Farm Mill, and the Hayground Windmill.

LongHouse Reserve brings to life 16 acres of land with art in all forms. Filled with a collection of gardens, sculptures, and other artistic artwork, the reserve was founded by Jack Lenor, an international textile designer, as a creative approach to contemporary life for visitors to experience art in living spaces through this unique learning experience. The environment embraces art, imagination, and creativity with the goal to appeal to all ages and all levels of appreciation.

There are five beaches along the coast of the Village of East Hampton – Egypt Beach, Georgica Beach, Main Beach, Two Mile Hollow Beach, and Wilborg beach. Known for their white sand, prestige, and relaxed vibe, the beaches of East Hampton are a favorite daytime activity for locals and summer residents alike.

All Notable New Yorker photos courtesy of Wikipedia via Wikimedia Commons. Photo of Jerry Seinfeld by slgckgc; Photo of Sarah Jessica Parker by Georges Biard; Photo of Betheny Frankel by hayu; Photo of Stella McCartney by Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Photo of Jon Bon Jovi by slgckgc; Photo of Donna Karan by David Shankbone; Photo of Steven Spielberg by Gage Skidmore; Photo of Sean Combs by Reckless Dream Photography; Photo of Russell Simmons by David Shankbone; Photo of Neil Patrick Harris by vagueonthehow; Photo of Martha Stewart by Gage Skidmore; Photo of Ina Garten by Therealbs2002;