The Three Villages, New York
Located in the geographic midpoint of Long Island, the Three Villages—Setauket, Old Field, and Stony Brook—are situated approximately 60 miles east of Manhattan and 60 miles west of Montauk. The area’s charm and natural beauty is intertwined with a rich history that is evident from the moment one steps foot in the community.
Originally founded in 1655, the village of Setauket was the first settlement in what is now the Town of Brookhaven. Purchased directly from the Setalcott Indians (wherefrom the area derives its name), the land is lavish with engaging historical sites, including The Long Island Museum of American Art, History & Carriages, Stony Brook Village Center, Old Field Lighthouse, and more. Housing in the area is dated anywhere from 300 to 5 years old, giving home buyers varying degrees of price and diversity. The township is rife with history, allowing residents a small-town feel with a strong close-knit community while still providing ample avenues for cultural recreation and relaxation.
The scenic district is host to many seasonal community and family events. Fall activities include the annual Scarecrow Competition and Halloween Celebration as well as Gallery North Outdoor Art Show. The winter calendar includes the Electric Light Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Festival, and summer brings with it a village-wide Summer Beach BBQ.
Dozens of beautiful and pristine parks, walking trails, and beaches comprise the Three Village area, including the Avalon Park Nature Preserve, Setauket Mill Pond & Frank Melville Memorial Park overlooking the Conscience Bay marshlands, and West Meadow Beach.
The Three Village Central School District is celebrated for its excellence in education and is composed of five elementary schools, two junior highs, and Ward Melville High School. Between 1956 and 1968, local philanthropist Ward Melville donated 600 acres of land to New York State, which is now the center of the main campus of State University of New York (SUNY) at Stony Brook. As the university expanded, additional land was taken by the state for the university hospital and medical school. The campus now includes 123 buildings stretching across 1,100 acres with annexes in nearby Southampton as well as Manhattan.
