Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Fair Harbor, NY
Considering a move to Fair Harbor, NY? This charming Fire Island hamlet features a small, close-knit population of around 350 in the summer and only a handful of year-round residents. Expect a high cost of living and median home prices around $1.25M, but enjoy a low crime rate, 60% sunny days, and quick access to beautiful beaches. With a unique seasonal lifestyle, top-rated elementary school, and ferry-based commutes to NYC, Fair Harbor offers a peaceful, upscale retreat for those seeking coastal living and natural beauty.
Demographics - Fair Harbor, NY
Demographics - Fair Harbor, NY
Fair Harbor is a small, close-knit community with a summer population of around 350 and only about 20 residents year-round. The median age is 47, and the town is predominantly White, with a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers. This tranquil hamlet offers a quiet, friendly environment ideal for those seeking a peaceful coastal lifestyle.
Population:
350 (summer), ~20 (winter)
Density:
1,750 per sq mi (seasonal estimate)
Median Age:
47
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
91.0%
Black:
2.5%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
5.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Fair Harbor, NY?
Living in Fair Harbor comes with a high price tag, as the median home value is about $1.25 million and monthly peak-season rents average $3,400. The overall cost of living index is 170, reflecting expensive housing, groceries, and utilities compared to national averages. Residents should be prepared for higher expenses, particularly during the busy summer months.
Median House Value:
$1,250,000
Gross Rent:
$3,400 (monthly, peak season)
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$175
Auto Insurance:
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$4,800
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$1,580
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
170.0
Grocery:
145.0
Housing:
270.0
Utilities:
122.0
Transportation:
148.0
Health Care:
116.0
Miscellaneous:
119.0
Crime
Is Fair Harbor, NY a safe place to live?
Fair Harbor boasts a low crime rate, with only 75 violent crimes and 600 property crimes per 100,000 people, making it a safe option for families and retirees. The chance of experiencing violent crime is just 1 in 1,333, contributing to the area's reputation as a secure, peaceful beach community. Residents can enjoy peace of mind in this tight-knit hamlet.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
75
Property Crimes Per 100k:
600
Crime Index:
675
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 1,333
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 167
Weather
What is the weather like in Fair Harbor, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy a moderate coastal climate with summer highs reaching 81°F and winter lows averaging 27°F. The area receives about 46 inches of rainfall annually and experiences sunshine approximately 60% of the year. This pleasant weather makes Fair Harbor ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the island's natural beauty.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
81°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
46 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Fair Harbor's residents are generally well-educated and financially comfortable, with a median household income of $128,000 and a poverty rate of just 4.2%. Most neighbors have at least a high school diploma, and over half possess a bachelor's degree or higher. The community offers a friendly, affluent atmosphere and a relaxed pace, with many residents commuting to NYC via ferry and train.
Median Income:
$68,000
Household Income:
$128,000
Family Income:
$144,000
Per Capita Income:
$56,000
Income Male:
$70,000
Income Female:
$55,000
Poverty Rate:
4.2%
Non English Speakers:
7.0%
Rent:
$3,400
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
1.0%
Commute Time:
40 minutes (to NYC, ferry + train)
Education
High School or Higher:
95.5%
Bachelors or More:
56.2%
Education
How are the schools in Fair Harbor, NY?
Fair Harbor families benefit from a small, well-rated public elementary school—Woodhull School—with a low student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. Private and higher education options are accessible nearby, including reputable institutions like Stony Brook University within 30 miles. This setup offers families quality educational opportunities from kindergarten through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Woodhull School (K-6, Fire Island UFSD)
Street:
99 Maple Walk, Ocean Beach, NY 11770
Phone:
631-583-5626
Students:
50
Student Teacher Ratio:
7.5
Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady of the Island School
Street:
300 Main St, Islip, NY 11751
Phone:
631-665-0569
Students:
220
Colleges
Name:
Stony Brook University
City:
Stony Brook
State:
NY
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
26,780
Name:
Suffolk County Community College
City:
Selden
State:
NY
Distance:
33 miles
Students:
25,000
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is strong, with major hospitals like Good Samaritan and South Shore University Hospital nearby, and 92.4% of residents have health insurance coverage. There are about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people, ensuring quality medical care is within reach. The local healthcare index of 77.0 reflects reliable services for families and retirees alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Good Samaritan Hospital
Address:
1000 Montauk Hwy, West Islip, NY 11795
Phone:
(631) 376-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
South Shore University Hospital
Address:
301 E Main St, Bay Shore, NY 11706
Phone:
(631) 968-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.4%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Fair Harbor, NY?
Fair Harbor's housing market is marked by high property values, with a median home price of $1.25 million and seasonal rents averaging $3,400 for a two-bedroom. Owner occupancy is high at 92%, and home values have appreciated by 6.3% in the past year. Inventory remains limited, making it an exclusive market for buyers seeking a coastal retreat.
Median Home Price:
$1,250,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$3,400 (seasonal)
Owner Occupied Rate:
92.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.5% (off-season)
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.3%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
As part of New York State, Fair Harbor residents handle vehicle services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, located at 250 Veterans Memorial Hwy in Commack. Residents can access registration, licensing, and other DMV services both in-person and online via the state website. The DMV provides essential resources for drivers and new residents moving to the area.
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.