Is Amityville Safe, Pros and cons of living in Amityville

Amityville, a village nestled on the South Shore of Long Island, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and coastal charm. Its history is rich, with roots tracing back to the 1600s, evolving from a farming and fishing community into a sought-after summer destination for New York City’s elite. Today, Amityville continues to attract residents with its picturesque setting along the Great South Bay and its distinct village governance, providing local services like its own police force.

The village is characterized by its diverse population and a housing market that presents both opportunities and challenges. While offering a sense of community, prospective residents should be aware of the cost of living and the nuances of its local economy. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview for those considering a move to this historic Long Island village.

Is it Safe to Live in Amityville?

Amityville generally presents a safe environment for its residents, with an overall crime rate that is below the national average. The village has a crime safety grade of B- (as of 2026), indicating a level of safety that is better than many other U.S. cities (DoorProfit, 2026). This means that while crime does exist, it is less prevalent than in many other comparable areas.

However, safety can vary significantly by neighborhood within Amityville. While the village as a whole reports a crime rate 18% below the national average, specific areas might experience different levels of crime. Residents face approximately a 1 in 299 chance of being a victim of violent crime annually and a 1 in 69 chance for property crime (DoorProfit, 2026). It is advisable for individuals to research specific neighborhoods to gain a more granular understanding of safety conditions.

Violent Crime Rates

The estimated violent crime rate in Amityville stands at 333.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 12% lower than the national average (DoorProfit, 2026). This translates to a yearly chance of about 1 in 299 for residents to become a victim of violent crime.

Key violent crime statistics include a murder rate that is 22% below the national average, and a robbery rate that is 42% below average. However, the aggravated assault rate is reported as being on par with the national average (DoorProfit, 2026). These figures suggest that while serious violent crimes are less common, assaults are an area to note.

Property Crime Rates

Amityville’s property crime rate is estimated at 1,459.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 20% lower than the national average (DoorProfit, 2026). This offers a degree of reassurance for homeowners and residents concerned about theft and damage.

Specifically, burglary rates are 46% below the national average, and vehicle theft rates are 32% lower than the national average. Larceny and theft, however, are reported at 22% below the national average (DoorProfit, 2026). These statistics indicate a generally lower risk of property crime compared to the national trend.

Pros and Cons of Living in Amityville

Amityville offers a unique living experience with its coastal location and historic charm, but like any locale, it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these can help in making an informed decision about relocating to the area.

The village boasts a strong sense of community and access to the Great South Bay, providing recreational opportunities and scenic beauty. Its proximity to New York City also offers the benefits of urban access while maintaining a suburban feel. However, the cost of living and housing can be significant factors for potential residents to consider.

Cost of Living

Amityville’s cost of living is notably higher than the national average, with some reports indicating it is 50% higher (ERI Economic Research Institute). This elevated cost is driven by several factors, including housing, transportation, and food expenses, which are all reported as being less affordable than the U.S. average (ERI Economic Research Institute).

For example, the median gross rent in Amityville is around $2,247 per month (Point2Homes), and the median home value is approximately $587,036 (Zillow, March 31, 2026). These figures suggest that housing is a substantial part of the overall cost of living in Amityville, requiring careful financial planning for both renters and homeowners.

Housing Market

The Amityville housing market is characterized by a median home value that has seen a slight increase, standing at $587,036 as of March 31, 2026 (Zillow). This indicates a stable, appreciating market that may favor sellers.

Rental prices in Amityville are also on the rise, with the average rent being $2,929 as of April 23, 2026, a 1.59% increase from the previous year (RentCafe). The median rent for all bedroom counts and property types is $2,925 as of May 2026, which is 50% higher than the national average (Zumper). This suggests a competitive rental market.

Job Market and Employers

Amityville’s job market is supported by a working population of approximately 4,809 residents, with a significant majority employed in professional or administrative positions (Point2Homes). The unemployment rate in Amityville stands at 3.1% (Point2Homes), which is considered relatively healthy and below typical rates of 4% to 5%.

Major employers in the broader Suffolk County area, which includes Amityville, feature prominent healthcare networks like Northwell Health and AmerisourceBergen Corporation, as well as companies in aerospace and technology sectors (Lensa). These industries contribute to the local economy and provide diverse employment opportunities for residents.

Demographics

Amityville is home to approximately 9,588 residents, with a median age of 52.1 years (Point2Homes). The population is diverse, with Caucasians making up about 73.8% of the residents, followed by Hispanic (18.1%), African American (3.3%), and Asian (3.6%) populations (Point2Homes, Census Dots). This demographic makeup reflects a blend of long-standing residents and newer community members.

The age distribution shows a significant portion of the population in older age brackets, with nearly 30% being 65 or older. Adults between 45 and 64 constitute another large segment at 27.6% (Point2Homes). This age profile suggests a community with a considerable number of established residents and a potentially quieter pace of life.

Climate in Amityville

Amityville experiences a climate typical of the northeastern United States, with distinct seasons that offer a varied environment throughout the year. The weather patterns are influenced by its coastal location on Long Island.

Temperatures in Amityville generally range from 25°F to 84°F throughout the year (myPerfectWeather). The village receives an average annual precipitation of 46 inches, with snowfall contributing to the winter months (myPerfectWeather). The humidity levels are generally comfortable during the summer, making it a pleasant time to enjoy the local environment.

Temperature and Precipitation

Summers in Amityville are warm and humid, with July being the hottest month, averaging a high of 84°F and a low of 68°F (myPerfectWeather). Winters are cold, with January being the coldest month, featuring an average high of 40°F and an average low of 26°F (myPerfectWeather).

The village receives an average of 46 inches of precipitation annually, distributed across the year. April tends to be the wettest month, with an average of 3.8 inches of rain, while February is typically the driest, with about 2.4 inches (WeatherWorld.com). Snowfall averages around 25 inches per year (myPerfectWeather).

Education in Amityville

Amityville is served by the Amityville Union Free School District, which provides educational services to the village’s student population. The district comprises several public schools, catering to different grade levels from elementary through high school.

While the district aims to serve its students, school performance metrics indicate areas for improvement. For the 2026 school year, the Amityville Union Free School District is ranked among the lower-performing districts in New York State (SchoolDigger.com). This suggests that parents may want to explore the specific academic performance and offerings of individual schools within the district.

School Performance and Ratings

The Amityville Union Free School District has an average testing ranking of 1 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of New York public schools (SchoolDigger.com, Public School Review). This ranking is based on combined math and reading proficiency test scores, with the district’s average math proficiency at 27% and reading proficiency at 24%.

Specific schools within the district, such as Northwest Elementary School, Amityville Memorial High School, and Edmund W Miles Middle School, are recognized within the community (Best Public Schools in Amityville, NY). However, overall academic performance metrics for the district suggest that students may be performing below state averages in key subjects.