Hauppauge is a hamlet located within both the towns of Smithtown and Islip in central Suffolk County, Long Island, covering an area of about 10.5 square miles.
People move here for the impressive school system, upper-middle-class suburban neighborhoods, picturesque parks and recreation areas, and some of the county’s most modern and fastest-growing industrial parks that house many successful companies and businesses owned and operated by community members.
Located 45 miles east of New York City and intersected by the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Nesconset Highway (Smithtown By-Pass), and Veterans’ Memorial Highway, Hauppauge is now a thriving business location.
Hauppauge is a place to discover modern community shopping centers, houses of worship, hospitals, beaches, and parks including the simplicity of family-centered athletic, social, and cultural activities. The attractiveness of Hauppauge in both convenience and natural beauty has swelled the population to more than 20,000 residents.
Background and history
Hauppauge shares its American history with the establishment of the towns of Smithtown and Islip in the 1600s and 1700s. However, this lush land full of green forests, ponds, and streams was initially inhabited by Native American Indians.
According to Simeon Wood—a historian born and raised in Hauppauge in the early 19th century—the Nissequogue Indians first inhabited the land, naming it “Hauppauge”—which means “the land of sweet waters”—after the abundance of sparkling streams and fresh water.
In the 1600s, Richard “Bull” Smith bought the land, which was formally settled as a town by prominent businessman, Thomas Wheeler in 1753. The settlement took Wheeler’s name for a while and was later restored to Hauppauge in the 1860s.
Prominent local families including The Smiths, Wheelers, and Blydenburgs lived within the Hauppauge area in the town of Smithtown in both the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, influencing the name of the town and many landmarks, roads, and parks.
Housing, living, and income
The median property value in Hauppauge is $496,700, which represents 85.13% growth in home price since 2000. Hauppauge homes cost more than both the state average ($283,700) and national average ($175,700) with property owners paying a median of $2,828 per month for a mortgage and $5,546 in property taxes.
The median house in Hauppauge was built 1968, which falls between the New York State average (1956) and national average (1976). The average resident commutes 30.4 minutes with 84% driving alone in their car, 5.67% working from home and 5.03% traveling via carpool. The median household income is $120,442 and the median age is 45.
Business and commerce
Hauppauge is home to one of the most extensive industrial parks on the east coast: the Hauppauge Industrial Park. The bustling business center spans 1,000 acres, housing over 1,300 businesses with 55,000 employees. Small and large businesses range from the Long Island offices of HBO to numerous technical, industrial, and professional companies.
The H.L. Dennison Building, located on Veterans’ Memorial Highway, houses many local, county, and government offices including Consumer Affairs, Civil Service, Public Works, Economic Development, and more. The first County executive building in Suffolk, established in 1973, is also home to the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Suffolk County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.
Schools
The Hauppauge School District is a place where 3,200 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade pursue outstanding academic, athletic, and artistic programs. The reputable district is the twenty-seventh largest of Suffolk County’s sixty-nine school systems and includes three elementary schools (Bretton Woods, Forest Brook, and the Pines), one middle school, and one high school. Another 250 students living in the Hauppauge community attend private and parochial schools.
Parks and Recreation
Blydenburgh County Park
The original property of the prominent Blydenburgh family from Hauppauge and Smithtown, Blydenburgh County Park is a picturesque park located on Veterans’ Memorial Highway complete with hiking trails, a large pond, row boating, and even designated campground areas for overnight visits.
Hidden Pond Park
Hidden Pond Park, located on Terry Road in Hauppauge, gains residents access to nature trails, sports fields including tennis and handball courts and softball fields, a playground, picnic area, Olympic-size swimming pool, and indoor ice-skating rink.
The Rinx
The Rinx, located on the grounds of Hidden Pond Park, is an exciting recreational spot with two indoor ice rinks where residents can visit for open skating, skating lessons, and adult and children’s hockey leagues.
The Wind Watch Golf and Country Club
The Wind Watch Golf and Country Club is a beautiful 18-hole golf course with an on-site clubhouse and catering venue, restaurant, tennis courts, and a large pool. The golf course also hosts frequent social events, private tournaments, and golf outings.
Restaurants and night life
Paces Steak House
This legendary Hauppauge steakhouse and staple in the Long Island Community for over 30 years serves prime aged steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list—everything you need to enjoy a five-star, fine dining experience.
Ciro’s
Located on Wheeler Road in Hauppauge, Ciro’s puts a creative spin on traditional Italian dishes, delighting patrons with delicious food, a warm atmosphere, and the perfect spot to enjoy a taste of Italy whether you’re in the mood for a romantic meal for two or family dinner.
Butterfields
Butterfields is the place to enjoy a continental and inviting cuisine. This after-work crowd favorite doubles as a large spacious bar where friends and coworkers can grab a cocktail and appetizer or two. If onsite catering or private dining are more your style, Butterfields can accommodate you.
Duck Donuts
This welcome newcomer to the Hauppauge scene made its debut back in the spring of 2018, putting a unique spin on delicious donuts with your choice of exciting toppings. Bring the whole family for a special after-dinner treat or drop by on your way to work for a delicious cup of coffee.
Shopping and more
Hauppauge is home to grocery stores galore including Shop Rite and Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace. Expect no shortage of places to spend your paycheck from privately owned smaller boutique shops and craft stores to big-name general stores including AC Moore, Dress Barn, Dollar Tree, CVS, and Walgreens.
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Author Bio
Rita Tsoukaris launched RE/MAX Integrity Leaders in Centereach in 2006. Her passion for helping people achieve their home ownership dreams has earned her team the number one spot for Long Island homes for sale from 2015 through 2022.