Our Community

About the Central Islip & Islandia Community

Welcome to Central Islip and Islandia—two neighboring communities in Suffolk County, Long Island, that blend rich history, cultural diversity, and forward-thinking development. These communities are not only places to live—they are places to grow, connect, and thrive.

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History of Central Islip

Central Islip’s story begins long before suburban homes and baseball stadiums. Originally inhabited by the Secatogue tribe, part of the Algonquin-speaking peoples, the area was a natural haven of forests and streams. European settlers arrived in the 17th century, and by the 1800s, Central Islip had become a quiet agricultural community.

The arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1842 transformed the area into a transportation and commercial hub. But the most defining chapter began in 1889, with the opening of the Central Islip State Hospital—later known as the Central Islip Psychiatric Center. This massive institution, which at its peak housed over 10,000 patients, was one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the U.S. Patients worked the land, built furniture, and helped sustain the hospital’s self-sufficient campus, which eventually spanned over 1,000 acres and included more than 100 buildings.

The hospital’s decline began in the 1960s with the rise of deinstitutionalization and community-based mental health care. It officially closed in 1996, and its vast grounds were repurposed for civic, residential, and commercial use. Today, the site is home to the Alfonse M. D’Amato Federal Courthouse, Touro Law Center, Fairfield Properties Ballpark, and several residential communities.

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Central Islip Today: A Community of Renewal

Central Islip has emerged as a vibrant, diverse, and growing community. With a population of over 36,000, it is known for its strong family values, cultural richness, and ongoing revitalization.

Recent Developments:

• Affordable Housing Projects: A $15 million development is underway on Carleton Avenue, bringing 96 new housing units and commercial space to the area. Construction is expected to be completed by 2027
• Downtown Revitalization: Central Islip was awarded $10 million through New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative to transform the Carleton Avenue corridor into a vibrant, transit-oriented district
• Sewer Infrastructure Upgrade: A $3 million grant was awarded to improve sewer connections, paving the way for more mixed-use development and environmental sustainability
• Community Engagement: Residents and school officials are actively involved in shaping the future, including recent debates over proposed charter schools and educational funding

Community Features:

• Bethpage Ballpark: Home of the Long Island Ducks, offering affordable family entertainment.
• Central Islip Recreation Village Park: A hub for sports, swimming, and community events.
• Gull Haven Golf Course: A scenic 9-hole course for casual and competitive play.
• Gallery of Shorthand: A unique museum celebrating the history of court reporting.

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Islandia: A Village of Vision and Stability

Islandia, incorporated in 1985, is a small but thriving village of about 3,500 residents. Known for its proactive governance and fiscal responsibility, Islandia offers a peaceful, suburban lifestyle with modern amenities.

Recent Developments:

• Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel Expansion: A major expansion is underway, including a new building with 1,000 slot machines, a 200-seat food court, and renovated hotel rooms. The project is expected to be completed by 2025
• Neighborhood Development Program: The village is revitalizing older properties and enhancing curb appeal through targeted investments.

Community Features:

• Memorial Recreation Field: A state-of-the-art park with athletic fields, a playground, and a fitness trail.
• Village Events: Seasonal celebrations, clean-up days, and community outreach programs foster a strong sense of belonging.

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Education and Youth Development

Both communities are served by the Central Islip Union Free School District, which educates approximately 9,000 students. The district is committed to academic excellence, equity, and innovation. Highlights include:

• Modernized Facilities: Upgraded classrooms, athletic fields, and performing arts spaces.
• Technology Integration: Smart classrooms and digital learning tools.
• Extracurricular Excellence: Robust programs in sports, music, theater, and STEM.

The district’s motto, “Children Our Future…Diversity Our Strength,” reflects its inclusive and empowering mission.

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Quality of Life

Central Islip and Islandia offer a high quality of life with:

• Affordable Housing: A range of options from single-family homes to new developments.
• Convenient Transportation: Easy access to the Long Island Rail Road, Long Island Expressway, and major routes.
• Healthcare Access: Proximity to hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers.
• Cultural Diversity: A rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions that make the community vibrant and welcoming.

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A Community with Heart

What truly defines Central Islip and Islandia is their resilience, diversity, and community spirit. Whether you're attending a Ducks game, participating in a school fundraiser, or enjoying a summer concert in the park, you’ll find neighbors who care and leaders who listen.

These are communities where history meets progress, and where every resident plays a part in shaping a brighter future.

Churches

• Central Islip Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 143 Caleb's Path[10]
• Central Islip Church of Christ
• First Spanish Baptist Church, 51 Hawthorne Avenue
• The First United Methodist Church (Dating back to 1869) on Wheeler Rd.
• Iglesia Fuente de Agua Viva, 100 East Suffolk Ave Central Islip NY 11722
• Iglesia Bíblica TorreFuerte (Pastores: Bayardo & Ady Delgadillo)
• Iglesia Evangelica Resurreccion
• Ministerio Jesu Cristo Vive, 1417 Islip Avenue
• Lighthouse Tabernacle Church of God
• St. John of God Roman Catholic Church (one of the oldest churches in Central Islip)
• The Episcopal Church of The Messiah; {Episcopal Church}
• Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 268 Suffolk Avenue
• Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 105 Fig Street
• Restoring Grace Ministries

Transportation
Major roads within the hamlet of Islip are:

• Suffolk County Road 17, also known as Carleton Avenue through most of the community and Wheeler's Road north of Suffolk Avenue, runs parallel to NY Route 111 (Islip Avenue) from its southern terminus at NY 27A in Islip to its northern terminus at NY 111 near the Long Island Expressway at Exit 56 in Hauppauge.
• Suffolk County Road 67, also known as the Long Island Motor Parkway runs along the northern edge of the community.
• Suffolk County Road 100, also known as Suffolk Avenue, is the main west-to-east route through the community, running from Suffolk County Road 13 in Brentwood to New York State Route 454 in Islandia.
• Southern State Parkway (Exit 43A) runs within nearby Islip Terrace but is close enough to the Islip Terrace/Central Islip border.

Airport
Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma.

Train
Central Islip Station is located along the Ronkonkoma Branch of the Long Island Rail Road.

Buses
There are many bus stops going through Central Islip along the 4, 6, 17, 52A and weekday-only 52B routes on Suffolk County Transit. Buses are operated and maintained by the local Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc.