West Hills, New York

West Hills, New York is a hamlet and census-designated place located within the Town of Huntington in Suffolk County. It is situated near the Nissequogue River and is close to the Nissequogue State Park and the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, which commemorates the life and works of the famous poet Walt Whitman. The area is also near the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a renowned research institution that has been home to many notable scientists, including James Watson and Barbara McClintock. The hamlet is part of the New York metropolitan area and is accessible via the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway.

Geography

The geography of West Hills is characterized by its location on the North Shore of Long Island, near the Long Island Sound. The area is surrounded by the Nissequogue River to the east and the Cold Spring Harbor to the west. The hamlet is situated near the Sagtikos State Parkway and the Sunken Meadow State Parkway, which provide access to the Robert Moses Causeway and the Jones Beach State Park. The geography of the area has been shaped by the Last Glacial Maximum, which created the unique landscape of Long Island. The area is also home to the West Hills County Park, which features trails and scenic views of the surrounding area, including the Connetquot River State Park Preserve and the Heckscher State Park.

History

The history of West Hills dates back to the 17th century, when the area was settled by English colonists. The hamlet was originally part of the Town of Huntington and was known for its farming and fishing industries. The area was also home to the Matinecock Native American tribe, who had a significant presence in the region. During the American Revolution, the area was a key location for the Continental Army, with George Washington and his troops passing through the area on their way to New York City. The hamlet has also been home to many notable residents, including Theodore Roosevelt, who lived in nearby Sagamore Hill, and William Floyd, a signer of the United States Declaration of Independence.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the demographics of West Hills show a population of approximately 5,400 people. The area has a diverse population, with a mix of Italian Americans, Irish Americans, and German Americans. The median household income in the area is around $100,000, with a median home value of over $500,000. The demographics of the area are similar to those of nearby Huntington and Smithtown. The area is also home to a number of Jewish Americans, with several synagogues and Jewish community centers in the area, including the Temple Beth El of Huntington and the Suffolk Y Jewish Community Center.

Education

The education system in West Hills is served by the South Huntington Union Free School District, which operates several schools in the area, including the Walt Whitman High School and the Stimson Middle School. The area is also home to the Suffolk County Community College, which has a campus in nearby Selden. The education system in the area is highly regarded, with several schools receiving awards and recognition, including the National Blue Ribbon Schools award. The area is also home to several private schools, including the Chaminade High School and the St. Anthony's High School, which are both part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre.

● Points_of_Interest

The points of interest in West Hills include the Walt Whitman Birthplace State Historic Site, which commemorates the life and works of the famous poet Walt Whitman. The area is also home to the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, a renowned research institution that has been home to many notable scientists, including James Watson and Barbara McClintock. The Nissequogue State Park and the West Hills County Park offer scenic views and outdoor recreational activities, including hiking and fishing. The area is also close to the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, which was the home of Theodore Roosevelt, and the Oheka Castle, a historic mansion that has been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows, including The Great Gatsby and Royal Pains.

Transportation

The transportation options in West Hills include the Long Island Rail Road, which has a station in nearby Huntington. The area is also accessible via the Long Island Expressway and the Northern State Parkway, which provide connections to New York City and other parts of Long Island. The Suffolk County Transit system also operates several bus routes in the area, including the Suffolk County Transit S1 and the Suffolk County Transit S29. The area is also close to the Islip MacArthur Airport and the John F. Kennedy International Airport, which provide air transportation to destinations around the world, including LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.