Port Jefferson, New York

What It Is Like to Retire in Port jefferson

Port Jefferson is a small town of almost 8,000 on the north shore of Long Island.   Port Jefferson is the site of the busy ferry between Bridgeport Connecticut and Long Island.  It is a growing tourist town with many interesting shops and restaurants. It is very popular with boaters because of its great harbors and sheltered sailing.  Long Island's North Folk, which begins in earnest in Port Jefferson, has become big wine country. The vineyards have been attracting tourists to the area, which is also excellent for biking and golf. Photos of Port Jefferson harbor courtesy of and per license of Wikipedia and Iracaz,Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0/

Where to Retire in Port jefferson and Home Prices

You can live in many of the nice neighborhoods of Port Jefferson or in some of the active adult communities in the area (see link at top left). Many more people live in surrounding towns like the Setaukets, Belle Terre (more upscale), Poquott, Mt. Sinai, and Miller Place.

Median home prices are high in Port Jefferson, as are taxes. Zillow.com reported the median listing price was $595,526 in mid-2021.

What Is Special about Port jefferson

Easy transportation to Connecticut and New England via the ferry here. Great boating and fishing. Far enough from New York to be a little more relaxed but close enough for a day visit. An interesting tourist town with entry to the North Shore wine country.

What Is Not Special about Port jefferson

It is expensive to live in Port Jefferson

Who Will Like Retirement in Port jefferson

People who like the water and boating will love Port Jefferson. Also those who want to be close to New York City but not actually live in the suburbs.

Local Economy Is Driven by

Tourism, construction, medical.

Climate and Physical Environment

Port Jeff is located on the North Shore of Long Island, about half way out.  It has one of Long Island's best harbors and is thus important commercially and recreationally.  Long Island is a huge glacial terminus from the last ice age.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The annual Charles Dickens Festival held every December is a major cultural event of the year.  Wine tastings and restaurants are springing up thanks to all of the new vineyards in the area. New York is an easy day trip. Theater Three in Port Jefferson which is an historic brick building over 165 years old featuring many concerts and shows all year round.  (Thanks to Guy for correcting/adding to this section!)

Crime

The crime rate is low in Port Jefferson.

Medical facilities

John Mather Hospital and Saint Charles Hospital serve Port Jefferson and surrounding communities.

Transportation

The Port Jefferson and Bridgeport Ferry operates here to New England.  Train service to NY is available via the Port Jefferson train station (about a 2 hour ride to NYC).

Valuable Links

City-Data page on Port JeffersonWikipedia on Port JeffersonNew York Guide to RetirementBridgeport and Port Jefferson Ferry Company