Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Cherry Grove, NY
Thinking about a move to Cherry Grove, NY? This iconic Fire Island hamlet boasts a small year-round population but swells to around 300 in the summer, offering a vibrant beach lifestyle and strong sense of community. Expect premium housing costs, with median prices near $950,000 and high seasonal rents, but enjoy low crime rates, abundant sunshine, and car-free living. Local schools are intimate, and outdoor lovers will appreciate the mild coastal climate—perfect for beachgoers and those seeking a unique, LGBTQ+-friendly enclave.
Demographics - Cherry Grove, NY
Demographics - Cherry Grove, NY
Cherry Grove is a close-knit community with a year-round population of about 20 residents, expanding to around 300 during peak season. The median age is 52, reflecting a mature population, and most residents identify as White, with a small percentage of non-English speakers. This seasonal beach town offers a laid-back atmosphere and a welcoming environment for newcomers.
Population:
~300 (in season), ~20 (year-round)
Density:
1,200 per sq mi (in season)
Median Age:
52
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85%
Black:
3%
Asian:
2%
Others:
10%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Cherry Grove, NY?
Living in Cherry Grove comes with a high cost of living index of 185, largely due to premium housing, with median home values at $950,000 and peak season rents around $3,200 per month. Utility and insurance costs are above national averages, and residents should be prepared for higher grocery and transportation expenses. State income tax rates range from 4% to 10.9%, making budgeting important for prospective movers.
Median House Value:
$950,000
Gross Rent:
$3,200 (peak season, monthly)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$180
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,100
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,050
State Taxes:
Low:
4%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
185
Grocery:
129
Housing:
235
Utilities:
118
Transportation:
140
Health Care:
120
Miscellaneous:
115
Crime
Is Cherry Grove, NY a safe place to live?
Cherry Grove boasts very low crime rates, with violent crime being rare and property crime infrequent, making it a safe choice for residents and seasonal visitors. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is just 1 in 1,667, contributing to the community's secure and peaceful atmosphere. Residents can enjoy a high quality of life with minimal safety concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
60
Property Crimes Per 100k:
480
Crime Index:
540
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,667
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 208
Weather
What is the weather like in Cherry Grove, NY year-round?
The climate in Cherry Grove features mild summers with highs near 80°F and cool winters averaging in the high 30s, ideal for those who prefer moderate temperatures. The area receives about 44 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine roughly 56% of the year. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the pleasant conditions perfect for beach activities and coastal living.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
41°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
80°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
44 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Neighbors in Cherry Grove typically enjoy a relaxed, island lifestyle with median household incomes around $86,000 and a poverty rate of 9.6%. The community is well-educated, with over 93% holding at least a high school diploma, and public transportation is not used since the area is car-free. With no regular commute and a strong sense of community, residents value the close connections and unique environment.
Median Income:
$39,000
Household Income:
$86,000
Family Income:
$98,000
Per Capita Income:
$42,000
Income Male:
$47,000
Income Female:
$38,000
Poverty Rate:
9.6%
Non English Speakers:
7%
Rent:
$3,200 (seasonal, monthly)
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
N/A (island, no cars)
Education
High School or Higher:
93%
Bachelors or More:
41%
Education
How are the schools in Cherry Grove, NY?
Cherry Grove offers intimate educational settings, with the local Woodhull School serving elementary grades and maintaining a low student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1. Older students have access to nearby private schools and higher education institutions such as Stony Brook University and Suffolk County Community College, located within a short distance on the mainland. The community values education, with a majority of residents holding high school diplomas or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Woodhull School (PreK-6)
Street:
Bay Walk, Fire Island, NY 11770
Phone:
631-583-5626
Students:
55
Student Teacher Ratio:
6:1
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Assumption School
Street:
115 Leonardo Da Vinci St, Copiague, NY 11726
Phone:
631-226-2116
Students:
290
Colleges
Name:
Stony Brook University
City:
Stony Brook
State:
NY
Distance:
20 miles
Students:
26,800
Name:
Suffolk County Community College
City:
Selden
State:
NY
Distance:
27 miles
Students:
20,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to quality healthcare services, with major hospitals like Long Island Community Hospital and Stony Brook University Hospital located nearby. The area boasts a high health insurance coverage rate of 91% and a strong physician presence, ensuring timely medical care. Healthcare resources are robust for a small, seasonal community.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Long Island Community Hospital
Address:
101 Hospital Rd, Patchogue, NY 11772
Phone:
(631) 654-7100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Stony Brook University Hospital
Address:
101 Nicolls Rd, Stony Brook, NY 11794
Phone:
(631) 689-8333
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91%
Health Care Index:
78
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Cherry Grove, NY?
The Cherry Grove housing market is competitive, with median home prices around $950,000 and most properties owner-occupied. Seasonal rentals are common, with average rents for a two-bedroom at $3,200 per month during peak times. Home values have appreciated by about 4.1% in the past year, reflecting the area’s desirability and limited availability.
Median Home Price:
$950,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,200 (seasonal, monthly)
Owner Occupied Rate:
76%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
18% (off-season)
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Residents of Cherry Grove utilize the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, with the nearest office located in Commack, NY. Services can be accessed both in person and online, catering to the unique needs of this car-free island community. For more information, residents can visit the DMV website or call the main office for assistance.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
250 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Commack, NY 11725
Phone:
1-518-486-9786
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.