Amityville, NY 126 Apartments for Rent

Amity means friendship or harmony. This village took its name in spite of the meaning of the word. Legend has it that a town meeting turned pretty sour one night and one of the residents exclaimed, "What this meeting needs is some amity." The rest, as they say, is history.

Amityville is quite peaceful now and is a village in the town of Babylon in Suffolk County, on the beautiful south shore of Long Island. In 2010, there were 9,523 people calling it home. The area has been in business almost since the start of the country, moving from farming to tourism. With its beautiful location and gorgeous summers-by-the-sea, it's easy to see why Amityville is a tourist destination.

Moving to Amityville

If you're looking for an apartment rental in Amityville, you might have a bit of a tough time. There are a few apartment complexes to look at but the majority of the rentals will be single-family homes. If you have your heart set on Amityville, you're just going to have to give yourself plenty of time and hope that the right place pops up for you.

You'd better be prepared also. This is New York and the most important thing to have ready is your money. You'll need first month's rent, a security deposit and most times last month's rent also. You'll likely have to fill out an application at the complexes and there will be a pretty hefty charge for that privilege. If you have pets, expect pet rent and security deposit, too, if they even allow pets, as many do not.

Just make sure that you ask lots and lots of questions. Make sure that you know what you're being charged for and how much, and make sure you understand any agreement that you sign. If you're not happy, speak up. This is New York and no one holds back when things aren't right!

Neighborhoods of Amityville

The village itself is just over two square miles in area with options for rental styles. The epicenter of the village is basically its own neighborhood and is known as The Triangle. This is where Broadway and Park Avenue meet at the center of the village. This focal point was built in 1892.

Many of the rental apartments and condos for rent are located around the center with some others being a little farther north towards the Sunrise Highway. Farther south, towards the water, you get into home rental territory.

Apartment Communities in Amityville

Village Estates: This community offers 2 bedroom condos for rent conveniently located just off of the Sunrise Highway in the northern part of Amityville. From this community there is easy commuting because of its location closer to the highway and it is possible to walk to the Sunrise Mall.

Bunt Common: This is a newer community, completed in 2007, offering 2 bedroom units with all the amenities. From here it's an easy ten minute trek to the beach and you are right in the thick of the action with stores and shops such as CVS and Dunkin Donuts within walking distance. You'll be a regular at Double D's!

Wellington Park Villas: Wellington Park is in a great location for commuters. You'll find it's within walking distance to the Long Island Rail Road station for an easy trip into the city. It's also next door to pretty Peterkin Park, as well. The villas offer 2 bedrooms each and there is a clubhouse and fitness center in this gated community.

Living in Amityville

Transportation

The Sunrise Highway is the main high-speed drag running through town. Well, depending on what you consider speed for Long Island. A little farther north is the Southern State Parkway which definitely gets you move across the island.

New York really does have the transportation thing down. Amityville is served by the Babylon Branch of the Long Island Railroad, as well as several bus routes. It may take time but if you are not the type to own a car you are well taken care of in New York.

Amityville Specifics

The Triangle is the focal point of the village. There is the town clock tower and a gazebo that is often used for summertime weddings. This is where the bigwigs sit for all the town parades and celebrations. The town offers plenty of parks and opportunities for residents to enjoy where they live.

The James A. Caples Memorial Park is where the village public boat ramp is located, as well as softball and soccer fields and a children's playground. There's a small pond at Peterkin Park and a walking trail.

The village beach is located at the end of Bayview Avenue and is open in summer for swimming and summer recreation programs. In season there are lifeguards and you'll need a town beach pass which you can get at the Village Hall.

You don't even have to leave Amityville to go fishing. There's a fishing pier at the end of Ocean Avenue.

Restaurants

This is Long Island! You can get whatever you want. You don't really even have to leave the village if you don't want to. If you're craving Italian, Vittorio's on Broadway in the village is the place to go. For something new and eclectic, Cornucopia's Noshery, Inc. on Park Avenue offers breakfast, lunch or brunch with their own unique style. They say the home fries are to die for.

If you want to see where your food is coming from, pay a visit to the Homecoming Farm. This CSA (Community Supported agriculture) farm was one of the first farms on Long Island to be certified as organic.

Claim to Fame

You can't get away from Amityville without mentioning the reason that many more people know its name than otherwise would. A book entitled, "The Amityville Horror," which became a huge bestseller, is based on the 1974 murder of the DeFeo family in Amityville and the subsequent labeling of the home in which the murders occurred as a haunted house. Tourists used to flock to the town to see the house, but eventually the owners changed its appearance as well as its street number in order to find some peace.

Ghost stories aside, Amityville is one sweet place to live.