Shirley is a charming hamlet and census-designated place located in Suffolk County, New York. This cozy town is nestled within the Town of Brookhaven, an area that was once inhabited by Algonquian-speaking Native Americans.
History
Shirley was named after Walter T. Shirley, a visionary developer who saw the potential in the area back in the 1950s. He wanted to create an affordable community by Mastic Bay, complete with a shopping center, movie theater, marina, and post office. Today, Shirley is home to several historical landmarks that are worth exploring.
One of these landmarks is the William Floyd Estate, which was the ancestral home of William Floyd, a signer of the Declaration of Independence from Long Island. The house was generously donated to the Fire Island National Seashore in 1976 and is now open to the public for tours.
If you’re a beach lover, you’ll want to check out the Smith Point County Park. This popular destination features a campground, fishing pier, playground, and a memorial arch for TWA Flight 800 victims.
Nature enthusiasts will want to visit the Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, a vast 2,550-acre preserve that protects wildlife habitats along the Carmans River.
Population
Based on the provided information, Shirley, NY is home to a population of 28.6k people, the majority of which are citizens at 92.9%. Additionally, as of 2020, 10.9% of Shirley, NY residents were born outside of the country, which equates to approximately 3.12k people.
Education
Shirley is also home to two excellent public school districts: William Floyd School District and Longwood Central School District. These districts offer a wide range of educational programs and services for students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
If you’re interested in the schools’ ratings, Niche.com ranks Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School as a top-rated public school in Shirley, catering to students from K-5 with 661 students and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio. William Floyd High School is another top-rated public school for grades 9-12, with 2,853 students and a 15:1 ratio. Meanwhile, Longwood Junior High School, serving grades 7-8 with 1,638 students and a 14:1 ratio, also receives high marks on Niche.com.
Parents who prefer private schools for their children can explore options such as Our Lady Queen Of Apostles Reg Catholic School or Little Flower Children And Family Services Of NY. The former is a PK-8 school with 152 students and an 11:1 student-teacher ratio, while the latter is a special education school for children with emotional/behavioral challenges, serving grades K–12, enrolling approximately 100 students.
Overall, Shirley is a lovely place to call home, with a variety of educational options for families. Whether you want to explore historical landmarks or enjoy the great outdoors, Shirley offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors alike. With a friendly community and a small-town feel, it’s no wonder why Shirley is such a sought-after destination in Suffolk County, New York.
Health
Several hospitals in the area offer emergency services, cardiac care, surgical services, rehabilitation services, and more. Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center is a leading hospital with 306 beds, specializing in areas like cardiology and oncology. John T. Mather Memorial Hospital is another non-profit hospital providing top-notch medical services in fields such as orthopedics and neurology. For residents in need of trauma or transplant care, Stony Brook University Hospital is a 624-bed academic medical center.
There are multiple healthcare providers in Shirley that offer primary care, behavioral healthcare, dental care, and additional services. Sun River Health Marilyn Shellabarger Health Center at Shirley is a comprehensive medical and behavioral health center that caters to all age groups. Northwell Health Medical Group at Shirley is a multi-specialty facility with a range of practices, including internal medicine and family medicine. Lastly, for underserved populations, HRHCare Marilyn Shellabarger Health Center provides affordable and accessible healthcare services.
Overall, Shirley residents have access to high-quality healthcare services, with a variety of healthcare providers and hospitals in the area. The community’s focus on health and wellness, along with the availability of medical services, makes Shirley a great place to live for those looking to prioritize their health.
Transport
Getting to Shirley, a hamlet in Suffolk County, New York is made easy by several transportation options. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides transportation from Mastic Shirley station to New York Penn Station, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 43 minutes, covering a distance of around 64 miles. If you prefer to drive, Shirley is accessible by car, and there are also bus options available. However, travel time may vary depending on the traffic conditions.
Points of Interest
Shirley is home to many must-visit attractions, including landmarks that are significant in American history. Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress in 1968, is one such landmark. She represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms from 1969 to 1983 and was also the first female and African American to run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1972.
For those looking for outdoor activities, Smith Point County Park is a must-visit destination. Located on Fire Island and accessible via William Floyd Parkway, the park offers stunning beachfront views and a range of recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping. The TWA Flight 800 International Memorial also stands within the park as an important memorial.
The Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge is another great destination in Shirley, covering over 2,500 acres of wildlife habitats. Visitors can explore the area through trails and boardwalks, as well as observation areas that offer an up-close and personal look at the local fauna. The visitor center is also an excellent resource for information on the flora and fauna of this unique corner of Long Island. It is part of the larger Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
All in all, Shirley is a unique destination that offers a mix of history, outdoor activities, and natural beauty. It’s definitely worth visiting again and again.
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