New York Real Estate & Relocation Guide

Wading River, New York

Population: 6,668

Located in Suffolk County

Wading River is a hamlet in Suffolk County, New York on the North Shore of Long Island. As of the United States 2000 Census, the population was 6,668. The community of Wading River is on the town line between the Town of Brookhaven and the Town of Riverhead. The name of the hamlet comes from the original Native American name for the area, Pauquaconsuk, meaning "the place where we wade for thick, round-shelled clams". Thankfully, the more simple translation of this descriptive native word, "Wading in the River" or Wading River was adopted by the first settlers.

1671 - the earliest records of a settlement known as Wading River was originally founded with eight families. "The spot for the village was chosen with care. There was a stream adequate for water power and abounding in seafood…good water for drinking…soil rich enough to grow essential crops, woodland for fuel, building material and food, topography to offer protection from the elements, meadowland for its grass."

Until 1947 - the Hamlet of Wading River had a year round population of less than 500. But during the summer months hundreds of visitors filled the town utilizing Wildwood State Park, the cottages on the cliffs and dunes and, of course, the beaches.

1947 - was a landmark year of change for the sleepily little Hamlet, noteworthy accomplishments include… returning service men from World War II began building homes in Wading River; the formation of Wading River's own volunteer Fire Department Wading River Fire Department; the Military Instillation known as Camp Upton was no longer necessary and became Brookhaven National Labs and last, but certainly not least, the Wading River Historical Society was formed.

Suffolk County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of 2000, the population was 1,419,369. It was named for the county of Suffolk in England, from which its earliest settlers came. The county seat is Riverhead, though many county offices are in Hauppauge on the west side of the county where most of the population lives. There are also offices in Smithtown, for the legislature, Yaphank, and Farmingville.

Suffolk and Nassau counties are generally referred to as Long Island by area residents (as distinct from Brooklyn and Queens, both physically on Long Island but part of New York City). Suffolk County is the easternmost county in New York State and the New York Metropolitan Area. Suffolk County is home to numerous colleges and universities, including the State University of New York at Stony Brook, Dowling College, Southampton College, Saint Joseph's College and Suffolk County Community College.