Where are best Italian-American communities in Suffolk? (Brookhaven, Babylon: neighborhoods, live)

[nbres]

Originally Posted by Cicolina

Hi everyone, I'm new to the board and am tremendously enjoying reading all of your posts!

My husband and I are in our 30's without kids yet, and will be relocating from New England to Suffolk County. We would love your best advice on which Suffolk county communities have an Italian core (kind of a silly question, I know, since there are so many Italian-Americans in NY!) and are within a 40-min commute to Commack, where my hubby will be working. We are really hoping to find somewhere with a great downtown area (restaurants, bakery, Italian specialty shops, great espresso bar, etc). This is important to us since we are both Italian-american and have a strong connection to Italy.

Let's put it this way: my biggest fear is living in an ultra-suburban neighborhood where the closest shopping and fun stuff is in a strip mall or in the next town, ya know? We are looking for a close-knit, European-type town and community.

Can anyone help? Grazie in advance!

Let me put it to you this way - everyone of my neighbors is Italian-American here in North Babylon. The most Italian areas in Suffolk are North Babylon, Deer Park, West Babylon and West Islip.

General Rule of Thumb: the North Shore tends to be more Jewish: Commack, Dix Hills, Kings Park, East Northport. While the South Shore tends to be more Italian.

[Cicolina]

Ah, sad indeed regarding Patchogue. I am bummed! Thank you for your honest opinion. Now may I ask: is Babylon a good choice as far as my interests go?

[Cicolina]

Thanks, nbres! I hear, though, that Deer Park hasn't got a town center?

[clamboy]

Originally Posted by Cicolina

Ah, sad indeed regarding Patchogue. I am bummed! Thank you for your honest opinion. Now may I ask: is Babylon a good choice as far as my interests go?

Could be pricey

North Bab/Deer Park/W Babylon has gone a bit Wyandanch of late.
(Sorry Nbres)

There was a solid Italian community there...not too sure anymore.
I do know many who have fled(particularly in Deer park).
Talk to Nbres he knows Nbab well.
Check West Islip if you want Italian, southwest LI and stripmalls.

As far as the North Shore goes RPNY is the move.

C

[rockypointny]

Originally Posted by nbres

Let me put it to you this way - everyone of my neighbors is Italian-American here in North Babylon. The most Italian areas in Suffolk are North Babylon, Deer Park, West Babylon and West Islip.

General Rule of Thumb: the North Shore tends to be more Jewish: Commack, Dix Hills, Kings Park, East Northport. While the South Shore tends to be more Italian.

Yeah, but that is less true once you cross into Brookhaven Town.

[nbres]

Originally Posted by Cicolina

Thanks, nbres! I hear, though, that Deer Park hasn't got a town center?

Sure it does - Salpinos on Deer Park Avenue. Great Italian Deli/Grocery.

[nancy thereader]

I don't think that there are that many Italians in Babylon Village. It tends to be more WASPY .

[nbres]

Originally Posted by clamboy

Could be pricey

North Bab/Deer Park/W Babylon has gone a bit Wyandanch of late.
(Sorry Nbres)

There was a solid Italian community there...not too sure anymore.
I do know many who have fled(particularly in Deer park).
Talk to Nbres he knows Nbab well.
Check West Islip if you want Italian, southwest LI and stripmalls.

As far as the North Shore goes RPNY is the move.

C

Deer Park is still very Italian as is North Babylon and West Babylon.

[clamboy]

Originally Posted by nbres

Deer Park is still very Italian as is North Babylon and West Babylon.

If you say so.
It seems to be getting more diverse every day.
C

[nbres]

Originally Posted by clamboy

If you say so.
It seems to be getting more diverse every day.
C

I thought you liked diversity?