Islip Terrace

Islip Terrace, the smallest of “the Islips” is a small hamlet sandwiched between the Southern State Parkway and Sunrise Highway in western Suffolk County. The hamlet is small, occupying 1.4 square miles. Initially called Germantown, the name was changed after World War I due to anti-German sentiment. Islip Terrace is heavily residential, full of well-maintained modest homes. Its population is 5,600.

The hamlet is ideally located near several parks, giving residents access to many activities and facilities. Beaver Dam Park has a playground, baseball field and basketball court. Bohemia Equestrian Center is a county facility with trails and three rings; permits are required. Heckscher State Park, not to be confused with Huntington’s Heckscher Park, features 1,600 acres on the Great South Bay. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail begins here, and ends on the North Shore at Sunken Meadow State Park. It also includes picnic and camping areas. Bayard Cutting Arboretum, located on the grounds of a 19th century estate, is a passive recreation park which offers educational programs. It also includes a farm. Connetquot River State Park Preserve offers hiking and fishing. An ocean beach is the main attraction at Robert Moses State Park, twenty minutes away.

Islip Terrace does not have its own school district. Students who reside in the hamlet attend school in the East Islip School District, which serves five thousand students. Connetquot Elementary and Ruth C. Kinney Elementary, both K-5, are located in Islip Terrace, as are East Islip Middle School and East Islip High School. Scores on state standardized exams have been strong across elementary and middle school. At the high school level, Regents passing rates are high.
The Islip Arts Council serves the greater Islip area. It includes a museum and a school offering art, music and theater classes to adults and children. It also organizes concerts and programs for the community.

With the exception of a few businesses along Carleton Avenue, Islip Terrace does not have much commercial activity. However, obtaining necessities is not difficult. Numerous shopping options can be found along Montauk Highway in neighboring East Islip. Gardiner Manor, a short trip away in Bay Shore, is anchored by Target and King Kullen, along with several other retailers. Mall shopping can also be found at Bay Shore’s South Shore Mall.

Homes in Islip Terrace are well-priced for people with smaller budgets or those seeking to downsize. The majority of inventory is priced below $350,000 and includes mainly capes, ranches and splits. A handful of homes were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s, but as with much of Long Island, building took off during the 1950s. A small selection of larger homes, priced between $350,000 and $500,000, are available. Providence on the Park is the only condo complex, and is restricted to those age 55 and older.