Babylon

Babylon is the name given to one of Suffolk County’s ten townships, as well as the name of a village within the township. The village, incorporated in 1893, was once a popular summer vacation area for affluent families. Numerous resort hotels provided vacationers with access to beaches and barrier islands; some wealthier guests built waterfront homes. Today, the village is home to 12,000 residents, who enjoy its many canals, proximity to the beach, and quaint shopping and dining district. Babylon has its own stop on the Long Island Rail Road. Travel time to Manhattan is just over an hour, making Babylon a practical choice for rail commuters.

Babylon’s business district attracts residents and visitors, who enjoy the well-kept walkable area with over thirty restaurants and lots of unique shops. Chains are nearly non-existent. The village has largely succeeded in keeping them out, and preserving the village’s charm. The Babylon Beautification Society organizes an annual County Fair each September, which includes crafts for sale, children’s activities, food and live entertainment. The group raises funds year-round to fund the fair and pay for additional beautification projects around the village.

The village’s waterfront location makes water sports and activities a recreational focus. Each year, an updated Recreation Guide is published for all Babylon Town residents, with information about programs, events and facilities. Two beaches, Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach, are located in Babylon. In addition to their beaches, both parks also feature marinas, picnic areas and playgrounds. Argyle Park, located near the village center, has a 25-acre fishing pond. A residents-only pool offers a change of pace from the beach. Belmont Lake State Park, officially located in North Babylon, spills partially across the village’s border. This park includes bridle and hiking trails, fishing, boat rentals and picnic areas.

The Babylon School District is small by Long Island standards, with 2,000 students in three schools. Babylon Elementary houses kindergarten through second grade, Babylon Memorial has third through sixth grades, and all the secondary students attend Babylon Junior-Senior High School. The two elementary schools share a campus. Though ten percent of third graders recently failed to meet standards on state exams, scores in other grades were stronger. At the high school level, Regents passing rates are very strong. Ninety-four percent of students from the Class of 2011 continued their education at two- or four-year colleges.

Home prices in Babylon vary widely. Many of the village’s home back up onto canals, with docks for boats. Waterfront properties have become so desirable that it’s not uncommon for a buyer to purchase a small home in good condition, tear it down, and rebuild a bigger home. The village’s less expensive homes range between $200,000 and $400,000, but are very limited in numbers. Homebuyers who have budgets above $400,000 will have the most choice. Though two-family homes are very limited, co-ops and condos are plentiful. It is not unusual