Baywood, NY
County: Suffolk
History

Baywood is a small hamlet located in the town of Islip, Suffolk County, New York, on the South Shore of Long Island. The area now known as Baywood was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, namely the Secatogue tribe, before the arrival of European settlers.
In the 17th century, Dutch and English settlers began to establish farms and small communities in the area. The first European land patent for this region was granted in 1683 to William Nicoll, an English nobleman. The Nicoll family later sold off portions of the land, allowing for the development and growth of Baywood.
The hamlet of Baywood began to flourish in the 19th century as an agricultural community. The fertile soil and proximity to the Great South Bay made it an ideal location for farming and fishing activities. Farming became the primary economic activity, with crops like potatoes and vegetables being cultivated. Fishing and clamming also played an important role in the local economy.
In the early 20th century, Baywood started to transform from a rural farming community to a suburban neighborhood. The construction of the Long Island Rail Road in the late 19th century made it easier for commuters to access the area, leading to an influx of residents. The advent of the automobile and the construction of roads further contributed to the development of Baywood as a residential community.
During the mid-20th century, Baywood experienced significant changes and growth. Housing developments were built to accommodate the increasing population, and the area saw the establishment of schools, churches, and other community amenities. The expansion of nearby airports, such as MacArthur Airport, provided more accessibility and facilitated economic development in the area.
Today, Baywood is a diverse and vibrant community with a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. It is known for its proximity to the Great South Bay and its parks, providing opportunities for outdoor activities such as boating, fishing, and hiking. The hamlet continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs and demands of its residents.
Attractions

Dolphin Waterpark
A popular water park with slides, pools, and other water attractions for all ages.
Baywood Forest Preserve
A natural and scenic park with walking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for wildlife observation.
South Shore Nature Center
A nature center that offers educational programs, nature trails, and exhibits showcasing Long Island's wildlife and ecosystems.
Sagtikos Manor
A historic manor house with guided tours that highlight the history and architecture of the area.
Hoyt Farm Park Preserve
A park with playgrounds, sports fields, hiking trails, and a petting zoo, perfect for family outings.
Bayard Cutting Arboretum
A beautiful arboretum and gardens featuring picturesque landscapes, walking paths, and a historic mansion.
Bay Shore Historical Society
Learn about the local history and culture of Baywood and the surrounding areas through exhibits and events.
South Shore Mall
A shopping center with a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Captree State Park
Located nearby, this park offers fishing, boat tours, hiking trails, and beautiful views of the Great South Bay.
Robert Moses State Park
Another nearby state park that features beaches, picnic areas, a golf course, and opportunities for water sports and fishing.
Climate
Baywood is a hamlet located in Islip, New York, which is on the southern shore of Long Island. The climate in Baywood is categorized as a humid subtropical climate, which means it experiences hot, humid summers and cold winters.
Summers in Baywood are typically quite warm with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-70s°F (around 24°C) in June and September, to the mid-80s°F (around 29°C) in July and August. However, heatwaves with temperatures reaching the 90s°F (around 32-35°C) are not uncommon during the summer months. Humidity is also relatively high during this time, making it feel hotter than the actual temperature.
Winters in Baywood are generally cold with temperatures ranging from the mid-30s°F (around 1-4°C) in December and January, to the low 40s°F (around 4-6°C) in February. However, temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, especially during the nighttime. Snowfall is also relatively common, with an average of around 25 inches (63.5 cm) of snowfall throughout the winter season.
Spring and fall seasons are transitional periods with mild temperatures. Spring tends to be cool, with average high temperatures starting in the low 50s°F (around 10°C) in March and increasing to the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) in May. Fall is generally pleasant with average high temperatures ranging from the mid-60s°F (around 18°C) in September to the low 50s°F (around 10°C) in November.
Baywood, like much of the Long Island region, is also susceptible to the impacts of tropical storms and hurricanes during the hurricane season, which typically runs from June through November. These storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the area.
Overall, the climate of Baywood, NY, offers a warm and humid summer season, a cold and occasionally snowy winter, and mild and temperate spring and fall seasons.
Neighborhoods
Baywood, NY is a diverse neighborhood located in Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. It is a hamlet within the larger town of Islip and is known for its close-knit community and convenient location. Baywood is home to a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas. Here are some of the different neighborhoods within Baywood:
Central Baywood
This is the heart of the neighborhood and features a range of housing options, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. It is a predominantly residential area with tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties. Central Baywood is also home to Baywood Tanglewood Park, which offers sports fields, playgrounds, and a community center.
East Baywood
Located towards the eastern border of Baywood, this neighborhood is more suburban in nature. It has larger, spacious homes with well-kept lawns. East Baywood is known for its quiet streets and is popular among families and professionals. The area also offers access to local schools and shopping centers.
West Baywood
Situated on the western side of Baywood, this neighborhood borders the Great South Bay. It has a mix of waterfront properties, cozy cottages, and modern homes. West Baywood offers stunning views of the bay and is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and other water activities. It is also home to Baywood Marina, a full-service marina with boat slips and boat rentals.
South Baywood
South Baywood is a residential neighborhood located at the southernmost part of the hamlet. It is characterized by its proximity to Robert Moses Causeway, making it convenient for commuting and accessing nearby attractions. South Baywood has a mix of single-family homes and apartments, and it benefits from the amenities and services available in the wider Baywood community.
Baywood, NY, as a whole, benefits from its central location within Suffolk County. It is close to major transportation routes, including the Long Island Expressway and Southern State Parkway, making it easily accessible for commuters. The neighborhood also has various shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and recreational facilities, offering residents a well-rounded community experience.