North Amityville - Copiague, NY

North Amityville shares a history with the town of Babylon, incorporated in 1893. Once a part of Huntington, Babylon set its own reputation as an ideal location near the water. In the summer, wealthy families visited Babylon and built massive waterfront homes to relax on the beaches and barrier islands. Today, residents still take advantage of the area’s attractions in the summer while enjoying the old-fashioned downtown.

History nuts like the Old Village Hall Museum in Lindenhurst, but many other residents like the American Airpower Museum and Museum of American Armor. Both museums display wartime vehicles, such as planes and armored cars. Those looking for culture can travel to Farmingdale to view art galleries at Abbot Art, or stick around in the Babylon area for festivals like the Long Island Bluegrass Festival.

As a mostly residential neighborhood, North Amityville does not feature many popular and local restaurants or bars of its own. However, North Amityville locals find themselves close to larger areas that feature a wide variety of food, from Italian to Asian or American cuisine. The areas near Babylon, Amityville and East Massapequa all provide various options for dining, drinking and music.

To try a cuisine you may not have experienced before, go to Zagloba Polish Bar & Restaurant in Copiague. Start with the stuffed cabbage, and never look back. This authentic, intimate place serves up Polish staples like tripe soup, along with other delicacies like the Hungarian pancake. Try the Russian pierogies to fill yourself up with traditional Eastern European fare.

Sometimes Long Islanders just need a burger after a long day, and Sorto's Top Bun serves the best burgers in the area. Made with fresh beef, these burgers never lose their flavor. Try the grilled chicken sandwiches for a healthier option — they taste just as amazing as the burgers. Get the 15-ounce triple burger to be truly daring, and order a side of spicy Cajun fries.

New Yorkers find Italian places all over the state, but make sure to go to Mama's for some truly authentic food. Regarded as one of the best Italian eateries on Long Island, Mama's specializes in full, tasty garlic knots and unique pizza; try the shrimp scampi slice for a cool twist. Take some leftovers home after you order the large portions of food.

After dinner, go out to Brewhaus Pub in Lindenhurst to try a range of beers. Another option in Lindenhurst, the Loyal Dog Ale House presents itself as a hometown bar with its pool tables and casual music. If you want to hear live tunes from local bands, travel to Amityville to Revolution Bar & Music Hall to drink, eat and get to know the music scene. Pubs like Village Pub and Bartini Bar host music nights as well.

Long Islanders in North Amityville get around easily with their cars. The residential neighborhood requires driving or a fair amount of walking time to get to shopping plazas. Though residents can take a walk around the hamlet for exercise purposes, using a car facilitates errands. The hamlet’s location, nestled between Southern State Parkway and Highway 27, allows locals access to main roads.

Suffolk County buses transport residents throughout the Babylon area to the rest of the county. The Long Island Rail Road has a station in Babylon for those who commute via rail.

Cab companies like Lindy’s Taxi and Sunset Taxi serve the Babylon area. Uber, however, does not provide services outside of New York City onto Long Island. North Amityville locals can find parking in their area, but may have more difficulties parking in downtown Babylon or near the Long Island Rail Road station.

Bikers can ride around North Amityville for exercise or to find nearby bike trails. Bicyclists may ride down to the village of Babylon, but should be careful of the car traffic.

Long Islanders in North Amityville don’t have to travel far to access a few large parks and preserves. The free Massapequa Preserve, located to the east, gives exercise enthusiasts an opportunity to bike, walk and bird-watch on a 2-mile trail. Wander around the wooded area and wetlands to find birds, or simply relax in nature. Take your dog along, but keep him on a leash.

Golfers prefer Bethpage State Park, a park that consists of five world-class golf courses. Children enjoy the playing fields and picnic tables, while adults can practice their golf swing on the driving range. Take a hike or bike around the park in the summer, and go cross-country skiing in the winter. Make sure to leave your dog at home, and bring $8 to spend on the vehicle entrance fee.

Attend golf tournaments at Bethpage State Park, or go to the Bethpage Polo at the Park in the summer to watch great polo athletes play the sport. For other festivals and events, head to Babylon Village.

North Amityville, along with the rest of Babylon, has a significantly higher cost of living than the national average. Most residents spend about $1,500 on the average one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood. Fortunately, traveling via the Suffolk County bus system carries an affordable price at $2.50 per one-way ticket.

Go out for a beer in Babylon for an average price of $4 at most pubs. Those who plan to drive a lot should know that the average price of gas in the town of Babylon costs about 5 percent more than the national average.

North Amityville locals have a few options when it comes to shopping malls. Tanger Outlets in Deer Park provides high-end shopping for those interested in designer clothes and accessories. Pass by Coach and Saks Fifth Avenue, or grab a meal. Westfield Sunrise in Massapequa, another mall, houses shopping retailers like Macy’s, JCPenney and Sears.

Search for more designer clothes at affordable prices in Pandemonium Boutique, a women’s fashion place in Babylon. Stop by the store, and find new, trendy clothes each time you come by. Visit Play N Trade in Deer Park to sell games, or purchase others for a discount price. Talk with staff about consoles and trade-in opportunities.

North Amityville locals head to the larger Stop & Shop stores for large-scale grocery shopping trips. Others go to Trader Joe’s in Merrick. For some fresh Israeli and Moroccan cuisine, try out Tavlin Market in Bellmore, and pick up nuts, fruits and Turkish eggplant. Organic-food lovers head to the Babylon Village Farmers Market in the summer to purchase produce, homemade goods, and even BBQ foods and hot sauce.