During the Revolutionary War, fighting occurred on Setauket’s Village Green, and some of the bullets from that battle are still embedded in the exterior walls of the Caroline Church, which was built in 1729. Still an active Episcopal parish today, the church and its adjacent cemetery are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Setauket-East Setauket, NY, is less of a town than it is a statistical area, but it has a long, interesting history
During the Revolutionary War, fighting occurred on Setauket’s Village Green, and some of the bullets from that battle are still embedded in the exterior walls of the Caroline Church, which was built in 1729. Still an active Episcopal parish today, the church and its adjacent cemetery are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Setauket-East Setauket, NY, is less of a town than it is a statistical area, but it has a long, interesting history. For most of its existence, it was even known by another name. Located on Long Island's North Shore, it’s termed the Gold Coat, and like much of Long Island, it takes some gold to live here.
Historic but Changeable
Say Suffolk County, and New Yorkers will nod. Mention Brookhaven, and people will know that you live in the only town that extends from the North to the South Shores, Long Island Sound to the Atlantic. It’s also the largest in terms of area of the state’s 932 towns and the second most populous. Living here is in no way an escape to a rural setting.
The Setaukets (Residents tend to talk in multiples--think “The Hamptons.”) are part of the Three Village Area, which is really the local designation for an exemplary school district. There is also West Setauket, but that’s more than anyone really needs to know. There are lists of best and worst places to live on Long Island. The Setaukets do not usually make it to either extreme. Living here is pleasant. The largest group of residents, statistically, works between five and 14 minutes from home. Only 446 commute 90 minutes or more to a job ( usually in the concrete jungle).
Small Town = Large History
With a total area of just over 9 square miles, Setauket CDP is not the destination most people aspire to. Physical boundaries are blurry in this part of Long Island, if not in the entire state of New York. You probably wouldn't even know this place existed were it not for its historical signs. The median age of the population, which numbered just over 15,000 in the 2010 census, was 42.6.
Statistics for 2009 show that of 918 houses, of a total of 5,501 houses, were listed as renter-occupied. Clearly rental property is not only expensive here but also scarce. This is not a place to find a bachelor pad. In fact, apartments really do not exist in this area. You might be fortunate to find a small condo for rent. And when you find an attractive rental, don't dilly dally about applying for it. They are snatched up quickly.
Keeping Busy
Sailing and boating on Long Island Sound are favored weekend pursuits. There are also the beaches. In town, walking occupies residents. People also spend time meeting friends, shopping and eating out; stopping for a tall iced tea (plain or Long Island Iced Tea); and meeting friends for a beer. There are lots of places, but two of the best--beloved for years by locals, are up the road in Port Jefferson. Never fear, they’ll welcome you, but it’ll help if you go with a local.
Tara Inn is an experience. Casual doesn’t quite describe it properly. But once you try it, you’ll return. If you pull up on your bike (not the kind you pedal), you’ll fit right in. Repeat: “Cheap.” Repeat: “Good Food.” Repeat: “Cheap!” The other place you won’t want to miss is Billie’s. Suffice to say that many locals go every Friday night for pitchers and wings. Go early, stay late. Enjoy.
Eating: Is That All There Is?
On Main St. Setauket, there is a beloved eatery called the SE-Port Deli. Stony Brook (The State University of New York at Stony Brook, located just up the road) students and local high school attendees frequent the place (be ready for a swamp of backpacks), and those who have tasted the "Gasm" sandwich keep coming back for more.
Many fine restaurants call the area home, serving superb local fish and seafood specialties as well as local produce and Long Island wines. If you're tired of the food, though, you've always got the rest of Long Island. Take the ferry across to Connecticut or visit the Big Apple (in less than 90 minutes, mind you), and you'll forget all about your boredom.
