Get ready to make a wish--Southold is going to have 375 candles on its birthday cake in 2015! Founded in 1640 by settlers from the New Haven Colony, Southold's official flag states that this community is the oldest English town in New York State.
One of ten towns in Suffolk County, NY, Southold is perched on the northeast tip of the North Fork of Long Island. Southold is a hamlet within the larger Town of Southold. The hamlet has a population of 57,48 as of the 2010 census. The entire town including this hamlet has a larger population of over 21,000. In short: you can have a bucolic village life in the middle of a community with many amenities. The hamlet occupies approximately 11 square miles.
Moving to Southold
Are you looking for rental properties in Southold, NY? Take your time in your search for house rentals, a 2 bedroom apartment, or to find apartments of any kind, as vacancies can be scarce in this pretty, nautical community.
When to Look and Where to Look
While you can look for rentals any time of year, they will be harder to come by in summer, when seasonal rentals may compete with your need for a full time home. The Suffolk Times is a good resource for rental listings, and within this small hamlet you should talk to area residents and walk the area on food to see if anyone knows of available properties - or to spot a 'for rent' sign.
What to Bring
When you find a rental you can live in and love, be sure to come equipped with your ID, bank statements, W2s, tax returns, and access to your credit report. Having all of these items prepared will show your prospective landlord that you're serious, organized, and will be able to pay rent on time. If you have a pet, be sure to ask for specifics on what the house rules are. Some places even charge pet rent, so ask all of these questions before you decide to pull the trigger.
Living in Southold
The name Southold is believed might be a misspelling of Southwold, a coastal town in England. Within this little New York Hamlet you'll find Reydon Shores - which by the way was the name of the village that adjoined Southwold, England. Of course it could also be that the name refers to a holding of property south of New Haven where original settlers arrived from. Regardless, you'll find plenty of green space, historic buildings that are included in the National Register of Historic Places, and a plethora of beaches.
Historic Roots
Agriculture once was the primary industry along with whaling, but you won't find much of either activity now. In the late 19th century, summer vacationers began to descend on this beautiful coastal area by train, as soon as the Long Island Railroad extended its line to reach the area. They came with their sand pails and their - easels. Artists have long been attracted to the quality of the light here, including the famous landscape artist William Merritt Chase.
The agricultural delight still a part of this region is grapes. There's a wine industry in the area, so the glass you raise to toast in your new home may be a locally grown vintage.
Get Out
There are a number of different options for getting outdoors in Southold. Hashamomuck Pond is nearby if you like inland water to relax by, but there's a whole ocean bay at your door step. Jockey Creek and Southold Bay provide hours of wildlife watching, fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. If you like the water, you'll love it here.
Quaint shops and eateries abound, as well - try the Founders Tavern, famous for its clams, or perhaps the A Lure Chowder House - bet you can't guess what they serve there. When you need to shop and you don't want to drive or take public transportation out of town, check out Rothman's Department store for your household needs.
Getting Around
The hamlet of Southold is one distinct neighborhood, rife with historic buildings. The community has many artists and telecommuters living here, but for those not busy painting or sitting before their computer screen, the drive to work is about thirty minutes. You may not need a car if you move here, with public transportation throughout Long Island and even all the way into the Big Apple, ninety minutes away, readily accessible.