Dix Hills, New York

Dix Hills, New York is an affluent hamlet and census-designated place located within the Town of Huntington in Suffolk County on Long Island. It is primarily a residential suburb, known for its high-performing school district and expansive properties. The community's name is derived from the Dickinson family, early landowners, and the area's characteristic rolling hills.

History

The land that became Dix Hills was originally part of the territory of the Matinecock people. European settlement began in the 17th century, with the area formally part of the Town of Huntington, founded by settlers from Massachusetts. The name "Dix Hills" is a contraction of "Dickinson's Hills," referring to the large estate of the Dickinson family, including descendants of John Dickinson. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, it remained a rural agricultural area. Significant suburban development began in the mid-20th century, following the post-World War II boom and expansion of the Long Island Expressway, transforming it into a premier residential community within the New York metropolitan area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Dix Hills CDP has a total area of 12.1 square miles, all of it land. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, part of the Harbor Hill Moraine, a geological feature left by the Wisconsin glaciation. It is bordered by Melville to the south, Huntington to the north, and Deer Park to the west. Major roadways include the Long Island Expressway (Interstate 495) and Route 110. The area contains several parks and preserves, including the Dix Hills Park and sections of the Greenbelt Trail.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 26,892 people residing in the CDP. The population density was approximately 2,222 people per square mile. The racial makeup was diverse, with significant communities of Asian, White, and Hispanic or Latino residents. The median household income is substantially higher than the national average, reflecting its affluent status. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with a high percentage of owner-occupied units. The community is part of New York's 3rd congressional district.

Education

Public education is provided by the highly ranked Half Hollow Hills Central School District, which operates Half Hollow Hills High School East and Half Hollow Hills High School West. The district is consistently recognized for academic excellence by publications like U.S. News & World Report. Several private schools also serve the area, including the St. Hugh of Lincoln School. Higher education institutions nearby include Stony Brook University, Farmingdale State College, and Hofstra University. The Half Hollow Hills Community Library is a central public resource.

Notable people

Dix Hills has been home to numerous notable individuals from various fields. In music, it is the childhood home of Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen of the band Van Halen, and singer-songwriter Megan Trainor. Sports figures include NBA player Tobias Harris and former MLB pitcher Craig Swan. Television personality Dr. Mehmet Oz has resided in the community. Other residents have included businessman John J. Mack and attorney Judith Sheindlin, known as Judge Judy.