Deer Park

Deer Park, an unincorporated hamlet in the Town of Babylon, has evolved from an agricultural community to one of Long Island’s shopping havens. Founded in 1853 by Charles Wilson, a prosperous farmer, the area was once known as New York State’s “Fruit Basket” for the volume and variety of fruit it produced. Deer Park remained largely agricultural until the late 1940s, when the substantial increase in demand for affordable housing transformed the area into one of Long Island’s many suburban towns.

Today, Deer Park is home to 28,000 residents, and the area receives a daily influx of visitors who come to take advantage of Deer Park’s many shopping opportunities. In 2008, Tanger at the Arches, a large complex with over 100 discount and designer shops, opened after years of controversy and anticipation. However, the Arches generates tax revenue, and TangerKids Grants has recently provided two of Deer Park’s elementary schools with money for instructional technology. In addition to Tanger, the area features several big-box retails and restaurants.

Shopping isn’t all Deer Park has to offer. Several parks, mostly overseen by the Town of Babylon, give residents a range of recreational choices. The Town publishes an annual guide, which describes the many programs, activities and facilities available to residents. Though Deer Park is land-locked, Cedar Beach, Gilgo Beach and Overlook Beach are a short ride away. Several parks, including Pine Acres, Birchwood and Geiger Memorial, which is partially located in Wyandanch feature playing fields for baseball, basketball and tennis courts, and playgrounds. Buttitta Memorial Pool offers swimming, and includes a roller rink, playground and food concession. Oak Bush Plains at Edgewood, an 813-acre preserve, was created on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital. Its most unique amenity is a model airplane flying field.

Deer Park’s school district has approximately 4,300 students and three K-2 primary schools, one 3-5 intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. The district is ethnically diverse, with a 13% poverty rate. At the elementary level, scores on state reading and math exams are close to the state median, with the vast majority of students meeting standards. At the high school level, passing rates on Regents exams are also strong. Sixteen Advanced Placement courses are available, which allow students to begin earning college credit.

Housing choices include splits, ranches and capes. Deer Park is very affordable, with the vast majority of homes priced below $350,000 and almost nothing above $550,000. Quail Run is the only condominium complex, with current prices ranging between $220,000 and $350,000.