Holtsville, NY

Algonquian-speaking Native Americans were the first to live in the area, and Europeans settled it in the late 1600s. This settlement developed into a small farming community by the late 18th century. With the village originally named Waverly, 1843 saw the construction of the Waverly Train Station. Due to another post office using this name, the village switched to the name Holtsville in 1860. The 20th century brought about suburban growth and development, and the IRS established a large processing center in the village in 1972.

Holtsville's convenient location abounds with close attractions by car, such as the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook, which exhibits the art and history of the island's intricate past. The Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Society rewinds time by preserving and displaying artifacts and remnants of early life in town. Island 16 Cinema in Holtsville offers a modern multiscreen cinema with fair prices and a food court.

The restaurants in Holtsville feature a comfortable blend of well-known chains, hidden gems and a heavy emphasis on Italian restaurants. La Capannina Ristorante in Holtsville may seem out of sight, but those who discover this Italian restaurant behind the local cinema are treated to one of the best eateries in the village. The beautiful decor and friendly service immediately stand out, and the food emerges as a cut above other local spots. The house special pizza begs to be ordered by pizza lovers, with a heaping of your favorite fresh vegetable and meat toppings. Locals also adore the crisp salads and baked pastas at this oft-recommended Italian restaurant.

While there are many additional pizzerias for a nice dinner in the village, those looking for a quick, tasty breakfast or lunch should check out Firehouse Bagels on Waverly Avenue in Holtsville. Two friendly brothers own the place, and they're always willing to strike up a good-natured conversation while delivering excellent service. The breakfasts are hearty, with meals such as omelettes with ham, bacon, sausage and more on the side. Lunch sandwiches come stacked with meats, cheeses and vegetables, making this locally popular bagel store much more than meets the eye.

The nightlife in Holtsville is mostly quiet, with only a few local bars and establishments in the immediate area. Sonoma Grill serves good wraps and burgers, with a $7 burger special on Tuesdays. At the large bar, a refreshing selection of beers on tap accompany the many televisions and the frequent live music. From Holtsville, a quick car ride expands your nightlife options to include the famed bars and clubs in adjacent Patchogue.

Getting around in Holtsville is expedient due to its position near major roadways. For example, the village encircles New York State Route 495 Long Island Expressway, the most important commuter highway in the vicinity. Around the smaller local roads in the village, ample free public parking benefits denizens, and the residential areas make great spaces for outdoor walking or biking.

Hailing a cab in Holtsville is as simple as contacting services such as Eco Taxi or Uber. Public transportation in the village includes Suffolk County Transit bus routes and the nearby Medford or Ronkonkoma Stations of the Long Island Railroad. Residents in Holtsville typically fly out of the reliable Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma, which is a mere five-minute car ride away.

Holtsville encourages outdoor recreation, with numerous parks and natural attractions. Around the residential areas, locals can take their kids and dogs to one of the many playgrounds. A small jungle gym within the Victorian Gardens apartment complex lets children play and parents sit, relax and watch from the benches. The western portion of the village features many baseball fields and a football field with large public parking lots.

The most famous park destination in the village, the Wildlife and Ecology Center on Buckley Road is a multipurpose complex with a zoo, park and ecology site. The wildlife section has a surprising variety of animals such as bears, eagles, owls and bobcats, and there's even a picnic and playground area for families. Best of all, the park remains free for the public, with the only hope you enjoy yourself enough to leave a small donation in one of the boxes scattered throughout.

Holtsville has a small number of annual events held throughout the year, including the Tread on Trafficking event, which spreads awareness and aid to victims of human trafficking. The family event includes a 5K walk/run, organized bike rides and fun children's activities for a small fee.

Holtsville's cost of living measures up similarly to the surrounding villages in central Long Island and in the town of Brookhaven. Holtsville enjoys slightly more affordable housing, diminishing its overall cost of living to about 4 percent less in comparison to the rest of town. Individuals seeking residence in Holtsville can expect to pay on average about $1,617.50 a month for rent.

Most of the daily living expenses in Holtsville are very reasonable and comparable to state and town averages. Suffolk County Transit buses charge only $2 for most routes through Holtsville and surrounding villages. Gas prices in Holtsville are a modest 8 percent higher than the national average and slightly less expensive than the average on Long Island. Swinging by the local bars in the neighborhood will have you paying about $6 for a beer.

Stores in Holtsville converge around local roads and in shopping centers, such as the Waverly Shopping Center. While Holtsville lacks many clothing stores or boutiques, residents often travel into bordering Patchogue to visit the suite of apparel businesses, including a Dressbarn, Bob's Store and Catherine's location.

Check out the local retail garden shop, Flowerfield Gardens. The garden and nursery fills all your planting needs and even doubles as a work and developmental setting for those with intellectual disabilities.

Tor Comics on Waverly Avenue is a throwback comic book store operating in Holtsville since 1995, with thousands of comics, hobby shop items, and a welcoming atmosphere of employees and frequenters.

Holtsville residents do their grocery shopping in the village and in neighboring locations, such as the nearby Super Stop & Shop in Farmingville. 161 LI Ave Food Store is an excellent independent bodega open year-round in Holtsville. Nearby in Patchogue, Long Island Growers Market brings a summer farmer's market to Montauk Highway, just west of Route 112, where residents can purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, breads and additional farm-produced goods.