You may not have known it, but the Hamptons has been a summer destination for Manhattan's wealthy since the late 1800s. Nearly 125 years later, a huge portion of the homes in the Hamptons’ top neighborhoods are second residences owned by people from NYC. By exploring how this seaside oasis has become so popular among those looking to escape city life, it becomes apparent that there’s something special about the Hamptons.

The Hamptons: English Settlement to the 19th Century

Most people are surprised to find out that East Hampton, one of the most sought-after villages in the Hamptons, is also one of the oldest towns in the country. It was settled in the mid-17th Century when English settlers first arrived and purchased the land it sits on from the Montaukett people. Mainly focused on farming, the area had rich soil that was perfect for growing crops like corn, wheat, and potatoes. It wasn't until much later that the Hamptons became a leisure-focused community. 

During the late 19th Century, wealthy Manhattanites began to visit in droves and transformed the area into a popular summer destination. While the best beaches near New York City have plenty to offer, those who can afford it tend to desire a more serene escape from city life. Old-money families whose names are still synonymous with early American history—including the Astors, the Vanderbilts, and the Rockefellers—built lavish mansions along the Hamptons’ picturesque coastlines and enjoyed activities such as horseback riding and sailing in its waters. This influx of wealth led to further developments in infrastructure and amenities, including high-end restaurants and resorts that cater to visitors' needs. Since then, the Hamptons has represented the pinnacle of luxury living and remains one of Manhattan's most sought-after getaways. 

1895: Long Island Railroad Service to Montauk

The Long Island Railroad offers service all the way to Montauk, providing an easy way for people to get out to the East End. This is especially helpful now that the Hamptons has become a popular summer destination for wealthy Manhattanites. The LIRR first connected Manhattan and the Hamptons in 1895, giving rise both to old-money families building lavish summer homes and regular beach-loving residents in the area. Since then, it's been much more accessible for New Yorkers to access this luxurious part of Long Island without taking a ferry or driving themselves out there.

The LIRR runs from Penn Station through Brooklyn and Queens and across Long Island; the railroad runs through Nassau County before finally arriving at Montauk, which is the easternmost tip of Long Island’s South Fork. It also makes stops at various towns along its route, allowing people to explore other areas of Long Island while they're out there.

20th Century: Highways Connect NYC & the Hamptons

By the mid-1900s, highways had connected Manhattan to Long Island, making it easier than ever before to explore the luxurious Hamptons. Route 27 (Sunrise Highway) and Route 27A (Montauk Highway) were completed by 1930, traversing the length of Long Island and providing access to the Hamptons for those with personal vehicles. This was followed in 1970 by the completion of the Long Island Expressway—the largest highway on the Island—which runs from Queens to Riverhead in Suffolk County. 

The influx of train-bound visitors helped to make it possible for a bohemian artistic movement to take hold in the 1950s and 1960s. Monumental names from the literary world, like Truman Capote, and from the art world, like Jackson Pollack, were frequent visitors to this summer destination. Despite resistance from old-money residents, an artistic heritage was created that still exists today. Thanks to these roads and nearby rail service, Manhattan's wealthy were joined by more and more regular people. And even though the Hamptons’ luxurious real estate prices still meant that only the ultra-rich could buy homes and land there, anyone could visit and experience the magic of the Hamptons. 

The Hamptons Today

Today, the area remains a popular summer getaway for the ultra-rich. From Wall Street titans to tech billionaires, Manhattan's affluent flock to the Hamptons in droves each year. The exclusive enclave of beach towns and villages offers luxury accommodations, fine dining experiences, world-class shopping and entertainment, and its famous white sand beaches. High-end amenities like private helicopter services, yacht clubs, country clubs, and golf courses have become integral to the Hamptons experience today. The area has also been featured in countless films and television shows over the years, adding to its allure as one of America's premier vacation spots. With its beautiful scenery and high concentration of wealthy residents, it's no wonder why so many come back again and again to enjoy all that this exclusive area has to offer.

The Magic & Exclusivity of the Hamptons

You've seen how the Hamptons has gone from a small English settlement to one of the most popular summer destinations for the wealthy from around the world. From the arrival of the Long Island Railroad in 1895 to its connection with major highways in the mid-1900s, it's no surprise why so many choose to escape New York City and enjoy all that this luxurious area has to offer—stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and plenty of celebrity sightings. Whether you're looking for an idyllic summer getaway or a quick day trip, the Hamptons will surely leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.