Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Brightwaters, NY
Considering a move to Brightwaters, NY? With a close-knit population of just over 3,100, Brightwaters offers a suburban charm, top-rated public schools, and a strong sense of community. Median home prices are around $620,000, and rents average $2,350, reflecting a high cost of living. Residents enjoy low crime rates, excellent healthcare options nearby, and a typical Long Island climate with 53% sunny days. Commuters average a 36-minute trip, and the village’s high educational attainment and family-friendly vibe make it a standout choice for those seeking a quiet, well-resourced community.
Demographics - Brightwaters, NY
Demographics - Brightwaters, NY
Brightwaters is a small, close-knit community of just over 3,150 residents, with a median age of 45.5 years and a population density of 3,700 per square mile. The village is predominantly White (91.2%), with a balanced gender ratio and about 11.5% of residents speaking a language other than English at home. This creates a stable, family-oriented environment with a touch of diversity.
Population:
3,154
Density:
3,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
45.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
91.2%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
1.7%
Others:
5.9%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Brightwaters, NY?
Living in Brightwaters comes with a high cost of living, reflected by a median home value of $620,000 and average rents around $2,350. Groceries, housing, and transportation costs are notably above the national average, making the area best suited for those with higher household incomes. Residents should also budget for moderate state income taxes and typical utility expenses.
Median House Value:
$620,000
Gross Rent:
$2,350
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$155
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$3,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
8.82%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
128.5
Housing:
191.0
Utilities:
104.2
Transportation:
134.0
Health Care:
115.3
Miscellaneous:
112.0
Crime
Is Brightwaters, NY a safe place to live?
Brightwaters boasts very low crime rates, with only 56 violent crimes and 595 property crimes per 100,000 residents reported annually. This translates to a 1 in 1,786 chance of experiencing violent crime, making it a safe choice for families and individuals. The overall crime index remains well below national averages, providing peace of mind to residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
56
Property Crimes Per 100k:
595
Crime Index:
651
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,786
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 168
Weather
What is the weather like in Brightwaters, NY year-round?
The climate in Brightwaters offers four distinct seasons, with mild summers averaging highs in the low 80s and chilly winters dipping into the mid-20s. The area receives about 47 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys 53% sunny days. Residents experience pleasant weather most of the year, perfect for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
24°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
66°F

Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
53%
Neighbors
Households in Brightwaters enjoy a high median income of $142,800 and a low poverty rate of 3.9%. The community is well-educated, with over 97% holding at least a high school diploma and 54.8% having a bachelor’s degree or higher. Most residents commute about 36 minutes, and public transportation is used by over 11% of the population.
Median Income:
$51,000
Household Income:
$142,800
Family Income:
$155,200
Per Capita Income:
$61,500
Income Male:
$82,000
Income Female:
$54,000
Poverty Rate:
3.9%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$2,350
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
11.3%
Commute Time:
36.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
97.2%
Bachelors or More:
54.8%
Education
How are the schools in Brightwaters, NY?
Brightwaters is served by top-rated public schools, including Bay Shore Senior High School and Fifth Avenue Elementary, both known for small class sizes and strong academic performance. Families also have access to private education and nearby colleges such as SUNY Suffolk County Community College and Adelphi University Hauppauge Center. The village’s commitment to education is reflected in its highly educated population.

Public Schools
Name:
Bay Shore Senior High School
Street:
155 Third Ave
Phone:
631-968-1157
Students:
2,050
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Fifth Avenue Elementary School
Street:
217 5th Ave
Phone:
631-968-1236
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Private Schools
Name:
St. Patrick School
Street:
284 E Main St
Phone:
631-665-0569
Students:
320

Colleges
Name:
SUNY Suffolk County Community College
City:
Brentwood
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
26,000
Name:
Adelphi University Hauppauge Center
City:
Hauppauge
State:
NY
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, with two major hospitals nearby and a high physician-to-resident ratio of 3.1 per 1,000 people. Over 95% of residents have health insurance coverage, supporting strong overall community health. Emergency and specialized medical services are readily available within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
South Shore University Hospital
Address:
301 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone:
(631) 968-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Good Samaritan University Hospital
Address:
1000 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, NY 11795
Phone:
(631) 376-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
3.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
95.3%
Health Care Index:
78.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Brightwaters, NY?
Brightwaters features a robust housing market, with a median home price of $620,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 93.2%. The area has seen steady home appreciation of 6.1% over the past year, while rental vacancies remain low at under 3%. This stable market is ideal for buyers seeking long-term investment and community roots.
Median Home Price:
$620,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,350
Owner Occupied Rate:
93.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
2.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
DMV services for Brightwaters residents are provided by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles at the nearby Commack office. Local drivers can access licensing, registration, and other motor vehicle services both in person and online. The DMV is easily reachable and provides essential support for area motorists.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY 11725
Phone:
1-718-477-4820
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.