North Babylon

North Babylon, an unincorporated hamlet within the Town of Babylon, sits north of the Village of Babylon and west of the unincorporated hamlet of West Babylon. Its population is approximately 18,000. Founded in 1803, the area was first called South Deer Park.

The area’s location along Sunrise Highway, with the Southern State Parkway forming its northern border, makes it convenient for car travel. Though there is no direct LIRR service, residents have two nearby alternatives, both which make the trip to Penn Station in about an hour. To the south, Babylon has privately operated parking lots for non-village residents. Wyandanch, slightly north and west, has lots maintained by the Town of Babylon, though permits are not required.

Recreation is overseen by the Town of Babylon, which publishes an annual guide with details on its many programs and events. Phelps Lane Memorial Park is a town facility with a pool, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields and a playground. New York State’s Parks Department runs Belmont Lake State Park, where visitors can boat, fish, picnic, ride horses, and hike. Three residents-only beaches, Gilgo, Overlook and Cedar, are all nearby, as well as Robert Moses State Park, a larger public beach.

Residents can meet most of their shopping needs locally, mainly along Sunrise Highway and Deer Park Avenue. Several strip malls and shopping centers offer casual dining, grocery and drug stores, as well as some locally-based independent shops. To the north, Tanger Outlets at the Arches offers a mix of discount and designer retailers.

Approximately 5,000 students attend the North Babylon School District, which is comprised of five elementary schools, Robert Moses Middle School and North Babylon High School. Scores on state exams at the five elementary schools are solid overall, with the majority of students meeting standards. At the middle school level, between four and six percent of students failed to meet standards. Two Regents classes, in Living Environment and Integrated Algebra, allow qualified middle school students to get an early start on high school diplomas. The high school takes a comprehensive approach to educating its students, which extends beyond academics to include citizenship, communications, wellness, and technological literacy. Students can earn college credits at a reduced rate through collaboration with SUNY Farmingdale, and Advanced Placement courses are also available.

Homes in North Babylon are affordable, with a handful of smaller homes currently available for under $200,000. Virtually none of the current inventory for sale was built before 1940; the bulk of homes were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. The majority of homes on the market now are priced between $300,000 and $400,000, with only a few homes above that range. Many co-ops are available, with the most affordable ones located in the Fairfield Gardens complex, though other options in this category are available.