Amityville means “friendly village” and it is a great place in which to live and raise a family or to establish and grow a business. Amityville is known for its charming Victorian houses, picturesque downtown and waterfront amenities. It was first settled in the 1600’s but it was not until March 3rd 1894 that it became the Incorporated Village of Amityville. Located on Long Island's south shore,
bordered by the Great South Bay, it has come to be known as the “friendly bay village”. Amityville is one of three villages located within the Town of Babylon. Census (2002) has estimated Amityville’s population at 9,411. Local businesses and residents alike work together and take pride in the fact that Amityville (an early settlement) is one of the few remaining villages to boast a healthy downtown Central Business District with its own police, fire, and public works departments as well as an independent court and justice system. The Village is home to many quaint shops and merchants most of which line Broadway and Merrick Road. Being ideally located at the southern tip of Route 110, a major north/south corridor across Long Island, and on the border of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Amityville is equally attractive to larger retail, service and hi-tech industries. More than 200 retail and service businesses, along with three major banks, a large industrial district and several nearby shopping malls and the only bona fide sail boat builder on Long Island—The Dinghy Shop– provide Amityville and neighboring community residents with myriad goods and services. The Village offers businesses, through the Town of Babylon Community
Development program, a 50/50 matching materials grant for refurbishing storefronts. There are many marine-oriented businesses and recreational activities related to the water which infuse the life of the community. Boat building has been an important part of Amityville's history. Amityville native Wilbur Ketcham designed and built the Narrasketuck sailboat in the Village, and Paul Ketcham,
member of one of Amityville's oldest families, refined the Seaford skiff. Throughout the year the community enjoys many events such as the July 3rd Family Celebration Day, the Mayor’s Spring Social, the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, the Junior League’s Tour of Homes, the Rotary’s Apple Festival and the Historical Society’s Heritage Fair. Most of these activities are located at
the center of Amityville, within walking distance to the L.I.R.R. train station. During the summer months, the Village Beach hosts a multitude of activities for children at the Caples Beach Complex. Come explore the friendly bay village and experience the pleasures and opportunities that abound.
