Nestled on the South Shore of Long Island in the Town of Islip, Suffolk County, Sayville, NY, is a vibrant hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) with a population of 16,569 as of the 2020 census. Known for its rich history, scenic waterfront along the Great South Bay, and strong community spirit, Sayville offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, located in nearby Ronkonkoma, NY, we are proud to serve the residents of Sayville, providing compassionate and expert legal representation to those navigating personal injury challenges. Whether you’re drawn to Sayville’s historic landmarks, bustling Main Street, or its role as a gateway to Fire Island, this hamlet is a remarkable place to call home.
Sayville’s history dates back to the Secatogue tribe of the Algonquian peoples, the area’s earliest known inhabitants. The hamlet was founded by John Edwards in 1761, who built the first home at the northwest corner of Foster Avenue and Edwards Street, though it was destroyed by fire in 1913. John Greene settled what is now West Sayville in 1767. The community, informally known as “over south,” adopted the name Sayville in 1838 when residents chose it for their post office, established in 1837. According to local lore, the name stemmed from a misspelling of “Seaville,” inspired by an old English Bible where “sea” was spelled “s-a-y.” Despite efforts to correct the error, the U.S. Postmaster General insisted on keeping “Sayville,” as it was unique compared to numerous “Seavilles” worldwide.
Sayville flourished in the 19th century as a hub for timber and oysters, and the arrival of the South Side Railroad in 1868 transformed it into a summer tourist destination. Over 30 hotels were built to accommodate visitors, many of whom arrived to catch ferries to Fire Island communities like Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Sailors Haven, home to the Sunken Forest. Grand estates, such as Meadow Croft, built for John Ellis Roosevelt, a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt, still stand as part of Suffolk County’s San Souci Lakes Nature Preserve.
In the early 20th century, Sayville made history with the 1912 construction of a German Telefunken wireless transmitter in West Sayville, which allegedly relayed a message in 1915 to “get Lucy,” referring to the RMS Lusitania. This prompted U.S. government scrutiny, and in 1917, President Woodrow Wilson sent Marines to seize the station, marking the first hostile U.S. action against Germany in World War I. From 1919 to 1932, Sayville was home to Father Divine, a controversial religious leader who established a commune at 72 Macon Avenue, the first Black-owned residence in the hamlet. His presence stirred local tensions, leading to his relocation to Harlem after a 1932 trial for disturbing the peace.
More recently, Sayville faced challenges with fires on Main Street, including a devastating 1992 blaze that destroyed 19th-century buildings and another in October 2024 that damaged six stores, prompting the Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce to establish a relief fund. Despite these setbacks, Sayville’s resilience earned it the designation as America’s “friendliest town” by California State University at Fresno in 1994.
Spanning 5.4 square miles, with 5.3 square miles of land and 0.077 square miles of water, Sayville has a population density of 3,028.4 inhabitants per square mile, as reported in the 2000 census. The CDP is home to 5,603 households and 4,353 families, with 40.3% of households having children under 18 and 65.2% consisting of married couples. The racial makeup is diverse, with 95.81% White, 0.72% African American, 0.04% Native American, 2.03% Asian, 0.48% from other races, and 0.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents comprise 3.02% of the population.
The population is spread across age groups, with 27.2% under 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% aged 65 or older, with a median age of 37 years. Economically, Sayville is stable, with a median household income of $75,236 and a median family income of $85,229 in 2000. The per capita income was $28,723, though 4.1% of the population lived below the poverty line.
Sayville’s location along the Great South Bay makes it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The hamlet serves as the embarkation point for ferries to Fire Island’s Cherry Grove, Fire Island Pines, and Sailors Haven, attracting visitors, particularly from the LGBT community. The Sayville National Wildlife Refuge, a 127-acre preserve, offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife observation. The Sayville Fire Department, located on Lincoln Avenue, and the Community Ambulance Company, now at 420 Lakeland Avenue, ensure robust emergency services, with the fire department responding to fires, accidents, and water rescues, and the ambulance service providing advanced life support.
Education is a cornerstone of Sayville’s community, served by the Sayville School District, which includes Sayville High School in West Sayville, Sayville Middle School, and three elementary schools: Lincoln, Sunrise, and Cherry Avenue. The Sayville Public Library at 88 Greene Avenue supports lifelong learning, complementing the nearby Bayport-Blue Point Public Library. The Sayville train station on the Montauk branch of the Long Island Rail Road, along with Suffolk County Transit bus services, ensures connectivity.
At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we are honored to serve Sayville’s residents from our Ronkonkoma office. Whether you’ve been injured in a boating accident on the Great South Bay, a car crash on Montauk Highway, or a slip-and-fall on Main Street, our experienced team is dedicated to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. We understand the impact of personal injuries and are committed to providing compassionate, expert legal guidance to support your recovery.
As a trusted part of the Suffolk County community, Sullivan Brill takes pride in assisting Sayville residents with their legal needs. From navigating insurance claims to representing you in court, we are your advocates in protecting your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact our Ronkonkoma office today to learn how we can support you.
Sayville’s coastal charm, rich history, and vibrant community make it a standout destination in Suffolk County. From its historic estates and maritime heritage to its role as a gateway to Fire Island, Sayville offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Whether you’re exploring the National Wildlife Refuge, enjoying Main Street’s shops and restaurants, or attending community events, Sayville provides a welcoming environment for all.
For residents facing personal injury challenges, Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys is a steadfast partner, proudly serving Sayville and its surrounding communities. Discover the enduring appeal of Sayville, NY, and let us help you navigate your path to recovery with confidence.
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