Medford, New York is a hamlet and census-designated place located in the Town of Brookhaven in Suffolk County, on Long Island in New York. Situated around 40 miles east of Manhattan Island, it sits as a rural suburb of Long Island’s eastern coastline, surrounded by forests and nature reserves. The area offers access to parks and many activities for the whole family.
Interesting Facts about Medford
- James Pierpont, renowned for writing the iconic Christmas carol “Jingle Bells,” was born in Medford. He wrote the song while playing the piano at Seccomb House, near the intersection of High and Forest Streets.
- Amelia Earhart and her family resided in Medford during the 1920s. Earhart was the first female to fly across the Atlantic, residing in a hip-roofed shingled house on 76 Brooks Street in West Medford with her mother and sister.
Population
Medford has seen steady population growth in recent years. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city’s population increased from 24,142 in 2010 to 24,247 by 2020 – a rise of 0.04% each year over the past decade.
This indicates steady and sustainable growth for Medford, further cementing its status as one of New York’s most dynamic cities.
Demographics
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
| White (Non-Hispanic) | 62.5% |
| White (Hispanic) | 16.9% |
| Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) | 8.54% |
| Two+ (Hispanic) | 7.15% |
| Other (Hispanic) | 1.76% |
Source: Data USA – Medford NY
Medford is an ethnically diverse community. The numbers in the table above further testify to the diverse composition of this area’s population.
The city has a high median household income of $99,673 compared to the national average of $70,784. This is likely attributed to the low poverty rate of 11.55%, suggesting more financial stability among residents.
The median rental costs are also affordable, while the median house value of $335,900 indicates higher home values compared to the rest of America.
History
Medford was founded in 1844. It started out as a farming community, with a few small businesses. In 1913, The Patchogue Advance reported positive news about Medford’s growth and progress.
The 1930s brought change to the area. The Long Island Expressway and the development of the aviation industry on Long Island drove growth in Medford. The Fullertons have been influential in the area where Hal B. Fullerton established a market garden, while Edith Loring Jones wrote books on gardening and agriculture.
In 1922, Medford established its Fire Department which celebrated its centenary in 2022. Today, Medford is served by the Patchogue-Medford School District.
Economy
Medford faces a slightly higher unemployment rate than the national average – 6.1% to 6.0%. Yet the job market in the city has increased by 0.9% over the last year with projected growth of 26.8% over the next decade.
The city employs about 12,000 people and most employment opportunities arise from health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade sectors. Office and administrative support occupations, sales & related occupations, and management occupations are the most common job groups in Medford, NY.
Medford is an attractive place for economic opportunities with facilities for finance and welfare for professionals as well as natives.
Healthcare
Medford has exceptional health coverage. Almost 96% of its population is covered, with 59.4% on employee plans, 11.5% under Medicaid, 13.8% on Medicare, 10.6% with non-group plans, and 0.772% enrolled in military or VA plans.
In 2014, the per capita personal healthcare spending of New York was $9,778, a 4.57% increase from the previous year’s amount ($9,351).
Physician visits in Suffolk County averaged 1,379 patients annually. This is a 1.32% increase compared to the data from 2013 (1,361). Other medical professionals such as dentists and mental health providers see 1,169 and 360 patients each year respectively.
Education
Medford citizens are fortunate to have access to a variety of educational opportunities. Served by three distinct school districts, aid is offered for various segments of the local community.
The Patchogue-Medford Union Free School District (PMUFS) serves roughly 7,550 children in grades Pre-K through 12. This includes one high school, two middle schools, seven elementary schools, and an alternative high school program. These entities provide students with academic programs suited to meet all needs, including those with disabilities and economic disadvantages as well as students with special talents or gifts.
The extreme southeastern Medford is served by the South Country Central School District, while northeastern Medford is served by the Longwood Central School District.
Quality of Life
Medford has a high livability score of 66 out of 100 and is ranked in the top 622 places to live in New York. This city scores particularly well for amenities and employment, making it an excellent home for many families.
The parks in the area provide plenty of recreational activities for adults and children alike. There are also numerous daycare centers close by, so parents can work full-time while their kids are having fun and learning new things.
The city offers a wide variety of grocery stores, restaurants, and other services to choose from, too. Some popular options include Desunia, Convenient Food Mart, and Central Brookhaven Head Start.
All these amenities make living in Medford convenient and enjoyable for all kinds of families or individuals.
Transportation
Medford boasts various transportation options which makes traveling around or within the town easier.
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serves Medford since 1843 via its station. Suffolk County Transit also provides bus lines near Medford, including the S110 and S61. K
Key roadways such as Horseblock Road (Suffolk CR 16), New York State Route 112, Patchogue-Yaphank Road/Sills Road (Suffolk CR 101), and the Long Island Expressway traverse through Medford.
Most people drive alone to work in Medford. The average commute time is 34.7 minutes, where only 6.24% of workers use public transit to get to work. Car ownership in Medford is 2 cars per household, which is approximately the same as the national average.
Must-visits while in Medford
There are so many places to visit in Medford NY. Here are some of the spots we recommend you try!
- Medford Athletic Complex features well-maintained fields and is family-friendly. It’s free and has restrooms, too.
- Country Fair Entertainment Park has mini-golf, bumper cars, and a driving range – perfect for kids.
- Elegant Wine Tours of LI offers a variety of tours with tastings and transportation for those looking to explore wineries.
- Holtsville Ecology Site is great for spotting wildlife like bald eagles, owls, and foxes plus it boasts a butterfly garden, greenhouse, and picnic area.
- Medford Shooting Range is also available for shooting enthusiasts. The place is clean and well-lit with helpful staff!
For a day trip or weekend getaway from Medford, there are lots of options nearby!
- New York City is full of landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Central Park.
- The majestic Niagara Falls straddles the US-Canada border offering great boat tours to get up close to the falls’ misty spray face.
- The Catskills in upstate New York makes an ideal destination for hiking, camping, skiing, or scenic drives through mountain towns such as Woodstock or Phoenicia.
- The Finger Lakes region provides stunning lakeside scenery plus opportunities to go boating or fishing. Take wine tours, or enjoy meadows filled with wildflowers here!
- Fire Island on Long Island is great for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddleboarding at its beaches.
- Saratoga Springs includes mineral springs said to have healing properties in addition to its shops and restaurants.
- Syracuse in upstate attracts art lovers and theatergoers as it hosts the Everson Museum of Art & Syracuse Stage theater respectively.
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