Bayport, NY

Bayport was part of the William Nicoll Grant of 1697, and the land began to be sold off at the start of the 19th century. Many farmhouses were constructed, some of which stand to this day. The railroad came to Bayport in 1869, hastening activity in the area. Most early Bayport residents made their livings in the oyster business by the bay, though the industry was badly damaged by a 1938 hurricane, and the last of the village oyster houses closed two years later.

One of the last remaining aerodromes on Long Island resides in Bayport, which has an aviation museum on-site with two hangars of antique planes and exhibits. The Bayport School of Music teaches private music lessons in a large studio for a variety of instruments, with students often performing at local festivals. The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Bayport stirs festive enthusiasm in the community.

Bayport residents have the opportunity to indulge in a modern blend of well-regarded restaurants and eateries along Montauk Highway and other local roads. It can prove difficult to find a good French Restaurant on Long Island, and that is why Bayport residents do not take for granted the popular Le Soir in the village. This family-run local eatery has been around for decades, crafting a strong reputation for its exquisitely prepared French cuisine and passionate service. Patrons love the French staples populating the menu, such as the escargot and duck l'orange. On weekdays, entrees come with comprehensive soup, salad and a sweet, flaky fruit pastry for dessert. Perfect for a date or special occasion, a reservation at Le Soir all but guarantees a remarkable dining experience.

Journey to Avocado's on Montauk Highway in Bayport for a more casual affair, with the restaurant specializing in quick, savory Mexican food. The spot is ideal for lunches, with large portions, fair prices and outdoor seating available. Locals enjoy the straight-forward menu that covers all the Mexican cuisine essentials, with the burritos coming with free guacamole. The fish tacos are great, and the homemade sauces and toppings on each item make every bite scrumptious.

Bayport has a nice selection of local bars and pubs, accommodating residents for night time activity. The Parrot Bar & Grill has pub fare, bottled and tap beers, and additional entertainment. Weekends feature live music and dancing, while visitors can flex their vocal chords on Tuesdays for karaoke night. The Grey Horse Tavern supports local farms by serving farm fresh foods, with a cozy bar and weekend music.

Car travel in Bayport is facilitated by the easily accessible local roads and important highways such as Sunrise Highway at the northern border of the village and Montauk Highway passing through the center, moving east to west. Bayport has ample free public parking to accommodate residents as well as local streets that are safe to walk and bike along. Residents can quickly secure a taxi by contacting Colonial Transportation, servicing a large portion of Suffolk County, or by utilizing the increasingly popular Uber ride-share app.

In regards to public transportation, Bayport has two Suffolk County Transit bus routes passing through the village, allowing residents to travel to adjacent neighborhoods for a small fee. Bayport once had a train station that has since been closed, so villagers use nearby stations in Patchogue or Sayville. For air travel, Bayport residents tend to use the suitably close Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.

The parks in Bayport grant residents the opportunity to experience the village's beautiful outdoor offerings by the bay. Bayport Commons Park has a number of baseball fields, seven tennis courts and a running track. The small Captain Merrill H. Masin Island has a quiet memorial park area commemorating the famed fighter pilot. A portion of Sans Souci Park spills into Bayport, a great location for a nature hike with many dog-friendly trails.

Bayport Beach at the end of Paulanna Avenue in Bayport is a compact beach and park destination, home to a fishing dock, a splendid gazebo and a playground. Kids enjoy playing on the swings and climb-on dinosaurs at the park, while parents can fish or simply relax comfortably on or near the beach. A lifeguard stays on duty throughout the season, keeping safe watch over this attractive village treasure.

The community in Bayport has forged a cohesive bond, bolstered by yearly annual events in the village. The unique Annual Holiday Light Show on Lakeview Avenue runs for a week in December and charges $15 per car to drive through the mile-long dazzling light and holiday-themed wooded trail. The event raises money to benefit programs and workshops for important causes such as anti-bullying and health/fitness.

The pretty backdrop along the south shore of Long Island lends itself to an above average cost of living, and Bayport follows this pattern. While Bayport's cost of living sits handily above national averages, it does have a modest 3 percent lower cost when compared to the town of Islip. Bayport's beautiful, calm neighborhoods have an average expense of approximately $1,424 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence.

Catch a ride on one of the Suffolk County Transit buses for a fee of only $2, with a further discount for students with identification. Gas in the village costs about 11 percent more than the national average, while a fun night out to the local bars and pubs sees residents paying about $6 per beer.

While Bayport has a decent selection of stores mostly located along Montauk Highway, clothes shopping is not a particular strong suit of the village. Most Bayport residents travel into adjacent Sayeville to access the wide range of clothing boutiques there, such as Eva's Boutique, which sells high-end women's fashion attire from famed designers. The Paper Doll Boutique has a great reputation with its vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories on sale for reasonable prices.

On Middle Road in Bayport make sure to check out Country Junque, a gem of an antique store that has been in business for decades. The great range of products includes furniture, china, glassware, jewelry and all kinds of little gift items. Bayport Flower Houses on Montauk Highway has reliably served the south shore since all the way back in 1932, assisting customers for flower and gardening purposes.

Supermarkets in the Bayport area include a King Kullen and a Super Stop & Shop on Montauk Highway. While there are no farmers markets in the village, there are specialty food stores such as a family-run fish market called The Fish Store and an old-fashioned Italian Bakery called Mondello Bakery, both located on Montauk Highway in Bayport. The Long Island Growers Market is available in Islip on Saturdays from May through November.