Is Mattituck Safe, Pros and cons of living in Mattituck

Mattituck, a charming hamlet on Long Island’s North Fork, offers a picturesque coastal setting with access to vineyards, beaches, and a strong sense of community. Its location provides a tranquil escape while remaining accessible to larger urban centers. The area is known for its natural beauty and agricultural roots, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a blend of rural tranquility and coastal living.

The community boasts a rich agricultural heritage, particularly with its numerous vineyards that draw visitors and contribute to the local economy. This, combined with its scenic bays and Long Island Sound shoreline, creates a unique environment for residents. Mattituck’s appeal lies in its ability to offer a peaceful lifestyle alongside opportunities for outdoor recreation and engagement with local culture and businesses.

Is it Safe to Live in Mattituck?

Mattituck is considered a very safe place to live, with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is 49% lower than the national average, and violent crime is particularly low, with a chance of being a victim of violent crime at 1 in 571 per year (as reported by DoorProfit). This safety record is further supported by its A safety grade from DoorProfit, indicating well below-average crime rates overall.

While the general safety is high, crime risk can vary by neighborhood within Mattituck. Some areas have been noted as safer than others, with the north part of the city generally considered the safest by residents (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics). The cost of crime per resident is also lower than both the national and New York state averages, further underscoring the community’s secure environment (as reported by Crime Maps and Statistics).

Housing Costs and Availability

Home Prices

The housing market in Mattituck is characterized by high prices, reflecting its desirable location. The median listing price for a home in Mattituck stands at $1.45 million (as reported by Zillow). This is significantly higher than the New York state average, with median home prices at $598,661, which is 95.9% higher than the New York average (as reported by BestNeighborhood.org).

Properties in Mattituck typically sell close to their asking price, with a strong sale-to-list price ratio of 96% (as reported by Zillow). The market has seen a year-over-year price increase of 12.15%, indicating ongoing appreciation for sellers and investors (as reported by Zillow).

Rental Market

The rental market in Mattituck is also competitive, with a median rental price of $15,000 per month (as reported by Zillow). This figure is considerably higher than the national average, indicating strong demand among renters. Houses for rent in Mattituck are particularly expensive, with an average monthly cost of $15,000 (as reported by Zumper).

There is a limited number of rental listings available, with only 14 rental listings on the market as of recent data (as reported by Zillow). This tight inventory can make it challenging for renters to find suitable options. While the median rental price is high, there has been a year-over-year decrease of 9.09% in median rent, which might present some opportunities for tenants or investors focused on cash flow (as reported by Zillow).

Cost of Living

Mattituck’s cost of living is notably higher than both the U.S. national average and New York’s state average. Monthly living costs are estimated at $3,272 for singles and $7,206 for families of four (as reported by Salary.com). This makes Mattituck one of the more expensive cities in the United States for daily expenses.

The primary factors driving these elevated costs are soaring housing prices, transportation expenses, and rising food prices. Housing costs alone are approximately 25.4% higher than the national average for a single person (as reported by Salary.com). Household bills in Mattituck are 32% higher than the U.S. median, amounting to $2,763 per month or $33,161 annually (as reported by doxo).

Job Market and Economy

Major Employers and Industries

Employment in Mattituck is diverse, with the most common sectors for residents including Retail Trade, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (as reported by Data USA). The job market has seen growth, with employment increasing by 6.11% between recent years (as reported by Data USA).

While specific major employers within Mattituck are not extensively detailed, companies like CVS Health, McDonald’s, and Capital One have a presence in the area (as reported by Indeed.com). The agricultural sector, including vineyards and farms, also plays a significant role in the local economy, with entities like Harbes Farm being prominent (as reported by North Fork, NY Patch).

Salaries and Unemployment

The average annual household income in Mattituck was reported as $187,189 in 2024 (as reported by Point2Homes). The median household income is also substantial, standing at $121,250 (as reported by Point2Homes). However, salaries can vary widely, with ZipRecruiter noting a broad range for “Salary” jobs from $16,289 to $420,811 annually, with a majority falling between $217,200 and $325,800 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

The unemployment rate in Mattituck is low, standing at 2.4% (as reported by AreaVibes). This low unemployment rate suggests a robust local economy with increased job opportunities and high demand for workers. Suffolk County’s unemployment rate has also seen fluctuations, with recent data indicating a rate of 4.2% (as reported by Niche).

Climate and Weather

Temperatures and Seasons

Mattituck experiences a climate with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy, and windy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 24°F to 80°F throughout the year, rarely dropping below 11°F or exceeding 87°F (as reported by The Weather Network). The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 79°F and a low of 66°F (as reported by The Weather Network).

The cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with January being the coldest month, featuring average low temperatures of 26°F and high temperatures of 39°F (as reported by The Weather Network). Seasonal variation in water temperature also occurs, with warmer waters from late June to early October and cooler waters from late December to mid-April (as reported by The Weather Network).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Rainfall is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year in Mattituck. The month with the most rain is typically April, with an average of 3.9 inches, while January sees the least, with an average of 2.6 inches (as reported by The Weather Network). The annual average precipitation is approximately 9.99 inches (as reported by IDcide).

While rainfall is consistent, the area experiences seasonal variations. AccuWeather reports current conditions as sunny with a temperature of 82°F and a RealFeel® of 90°F, with minimal chance of precipitation (as reported by AccuWeather). Hourly forecasts provide detailed precipitation probability, temperature, and wind speed for the coming days.

Education and Schools

School District Performance

The Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District is highly regarded, consistently earning an overall Niche grade of A+ (as reported by Niche). It has been recognized among the best school districts in New York, ranking within the top 100 statewide (as reported by North Fork, NY Patch). The district is noted for its excellent teachers, academic programs, and college preparatory offerings.

Within the district, Mattituck Junior-Senior High School is a public school serving grades 7-12. It has received an A- overall Niche grade and is recognized for its strong performance in various Regents exams (as reported by Niche). The school boasts a student-teacher ratio of 9 to 1, with 81% of students proficient in math and 73% in reading, according to state test scores (as reported by Niche).

Educational Attainment

Educational attainment in Mattituck is high, with a significant portion of residents holding degrees. Approximately 38% of residents have a bachelor’s degree or higher (as reported by Apartments.com). The population’s educational background includes about 21.4% who attended high school and 24.1% who pursued college studies (as reported by Point2Homes).

The Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District serves approximately 983 students in grades K-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 8 to 1 (as reported by Niche). State test scores indicate that 73% of students are proficient in math and 62% in reading within this district (as reported by Niche).

Demographics

Population and Age Distribution

Mattituck is home to approximately 4,606 residents, with a projected population of 4,201 in 2026 (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). The population has seen a slight decline, decreasing by -14.23% since 2020 (as reported by Data USA). The median age in Mattituck is 49 years, with a slightly older demographic, as 28% of residents are over 65 (as reported by Apartments.com).

The age distribution shows about 18% under 20, 17.9% between 25 and 44, and a significant portion, 27.7%, in the 45 to 64 age bracket (as reported by Apartments.com). This demographic profile suggests a community with a mix of established residents and a growing senior population.

Race and Ethnicity

The racial makeup of Mattituck is predominantly White, with 83.72% of the population identifying as Caucasian (as reported by Point2Homes and Data USA). Other racial groups include smaller percentages for Asian, Black or African American, and those identifying with two or more races. Hispanic residents constitute about 16.5% of the population (as reported by Data USA).

Citizenship within Mattituck shows that 87.1% of the population are U.S.-born citizens, while 2.8% have gained naturalized citizenship, and 10.1% are non-citizens (as reported by Point2Homes). This composition reflects a diverse, yet predominantly White, community.

Pros and Cons of Living in Mattituck

Pros

Mattituck offers a desirable coastal lifestyle with beautiful scenery and access to boating and beaches (as reported by Apartments.com). The presence of numerous vineyards adds to its charm and provides opportunities for agritourism and local wine tasting (as reported by Apartments.com). The community is considered very safe, with crime rates significantly lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit).

The educational system in Mattituck is highly rated, with the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District receiving top marks for academics and teachers (as reported by Niche). The job market shows signs of growth, and the unemployment rate is low, indicating a stable local economy (as reported by Data USA and AreaVibes).

Cons

The cost of living in Mattituck is substantially higher than the national and state averages, particularly due to high housing costs (as reported by Salary.com). The median home prices and rental rates are among the highest in the region, making affordability a significant challenge (as reported by Zillow and Zumper).

While amenities are present, many may not be conveniently located within walking distance, often necessitating the use of a vehicle (as reported by AreaVibes). Commute times can also be longer due to limited public transportation access (as reported by AreaVibes).