Town of Riverhead, New York

Use of the Suffolk County seat’s well-established tourist attractions has gone into overdrive. The new neighbors flock to its four beaches, wineries, breweries, distilleries, nationally recognized golf courses, including Friar’s Head, Baiting Hollow, and Indian Island, and the Long Island Aquarium – New York’s only for-profit aquarium recognized as New York State’s only marine mammal rehabilitation and rescue service. And, after reopening in May, the award-winning Splish Splash waterpark has been an essential summer go-to. The list of available activities is endless, with water sports at the marinas, equestrian, and polo lessons. Locals can also easily take advantage of transport outlets to venture outside of the town’s borders, especially with ferry service and trains that link to Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the Northeast. “We really offer the best of everything, surrounded by water within a five minutes’ drive in every direction, yet close enough to Manhattan to enjoy the incredible opportunities that are offered by a major city,” says Stark-James. “And close enough to international airports that you can use to get away rather quickly.” The newest residents of Riverhead moved to an area of copious employment opportunities within a mix of industry types, particularly professional services, tourism, hospitality, healthcare, and agriculture. They share their home town with major employers, like the Northwell Health System’s Peconic Bay Medical AT A GLANCE TOWN OF RIVERHEAD, NEWYORK WHAT: A diverse, seaside community in its renaissance WHERE: Long Island’s northern coast WEBSITE: www.townofriverheadny.gov