The Hamptons are one of the most popular coastal destinations in the country, not just among New Yorkers but with travelers from all over. Who wouldn’t want to escape to those gorgeous beaches along the East End of Long Island? But the Hamptons isn’t made up of one single town — instead, it’s a collection of several towns, villages, and hamlets, each with its own personality and local flavor.
Finding the right hamlet for you depends on what you’re looking for and what you can afford. But a look into the search patterns of prospective Hamptons renters and buyers on Out East reveals that geographic preferences vary quite a bit — no single town or area dominates Hamptons search activity.
Still, we wanted to find out: What were the most popular areas this summer? And interestingly, the same five Hamptons destinations proved the most popular with buyers and summer renters. Geographic preferences remained the same regardless whether searchers were planning to stay stay indefinitely or for just a month or two. Here, then, are the five most popular destinations in the Hamptons, along with their median asking rental and sale prices, and a few words on the atmosphere of each.
1. East Hampton
What You’ll Pay: $65,000 for a full-summer rental; $2 million to buy a home.
What to Expect: East Hampton is a historic community that has worked hard to preserve its past, while becoming one of the most sought-after markets in the country. Here you’ll find a Main Street lined with Madison Avenue-caliber boutiques and designer shops, along with some of the finest dining in the Hamptons. It’s beaches are world-class, but parking and permits make public access challenging.
2. Southampton
What You’ll Pay: $68,000 for a full summer rental; $2.4 million to buy a home.
What to Expect: With miles of white, sandy beaches and a general abundance of natural beauty, some would say Southampton is the epicenter of the Hamptons. The town was founded in 1640, and is now a charming village with modern flair and tons to do, along with some of the most expensive real estate on the South Fork.
3. Sag Harbor
What You’ll Pay:$60,000 for a full summer rental; $2.4 million to buy a home.
What to Expect: You’ll find a slice of Americana on the bay in the Village of Sag Harbor. This old whaling port spans only 2.3 square miles, but is steeped in history. With its landmarks, historic homes, museums and iconic Main Street shops and restaurants, Sag Harbor is a desirable walking village and choice destination for boaters and tourists.
4. Montauk
What You’ll Pay: $60,000 for a full summer rental; $1.9 million to buy a home.
What to Expect: Located on the easternmost tip of Long Island, Montauk is a popular seaside resort community. It is home to the largest commercial fishing fleet in New York state, making it a destination for recreational fishermen and coastal visitors alike. Surfers are also attracted to Montauk, due to its variety of waves, and artists for its remote geography at “The End.”
5. Amagansett
What You’ll Pay: $75,000 for a full summer rental; $3.1 million to buy a home.
What to Expect: Amagansett has something for everyone. While it attracts A-list celebrities, it’s much less flashy than its neighbors to the west, East Hampton, Southampton and Bridgehampton. With access to a generous swath of oceanfront as well as the bay, it has a rich maritime history where local fishermen still bring in the day’s catch. Other draws include its exclusive golf clubs and a vibrant downtown scene.
| Town | Median Asking Rent, Memorial Day to Labor Day (Q2 2018) | Median Asking Price (Q2 2018) | Share of Renter Searches | Share of Buyer Searches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Hampton | $65,000 | $1,995,000 | 22% | 13% |
| Southampton | $68,000 | $2,395,000 | 8% | 9% |
| Sag Harbor | $60,000 | $2,395,000 | 6% | 8% |
| Montauk | $60,000 | $1,879,500 | 6% | 8% |
| Amagansett | $75,000 | $3,095,000 | 6% | 5% |
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