The Hamptons may refer to about 24 affluent villages and hamlets in the towns of Southampton and East Hampton on the far east end of Long Island, New York.These townships occupy the South Fork of Long Island, stretching into the Atlantic Ocean. The Hamptons form a popular seaside resort, one of the historical Summer Colonies of the American Northeast. They have some of the most-expensive residential property in the U.S., with three in the Top 10 most expensive ZIP codes.
The Montauk Branch of the Long Island Railroad, Montauk Highway, and the Hampton Jitney provide connections to the rest of Long Island and to New York City, while ferries connect North Haven and Montauk to Shelter Island and Connecticut. The Summer Colony's residents include a high portion of affluent New York City residents, as well as a number of affluent people from other nearby states, executives, and increasingly, foreigners from Europe and South America.
Villages and the hamlets of the Summer Colony are distinguished by their significant population increases during the summers, a large number of retail shops and restaurants and extensive arts community. Residential real estate prices in the Hamptons rank among the highest in the nation. In particular, Sagaponack, Water Mill and Bridgehampton were cited by Business Week magazine as being the 1st, 6th and 8th most expensive zip codes in the nation, respectively.
Other amenities in the area include Sebonack Golf Club, the Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, National Golf Links in Southampton and the Maidstone Club in East Hampton. Exclusive private clubs provide additional recreational resources to the very affluent in the area. These clubs include The Bathing Corporation of Southampton, the Southampton Bath and Tennis Club, and the Meadow Club in Southampton Village.
