3 Great Neighborhoods Near Water Mill

To gaze across every green acre and leafy lane in the Hamptons is to be submersed in a stream of opulence. Real estate is highly sought-after across its hamlets as it's composed of an impressive collection of traditional-style, modern, and post-modern homes. If extravagant homes aren't enough to entice you to the charms of the Hamptons, you'll be pleased to know the area also lays claim to miles of beautiful beachfront, a lively local art scene, and numerous celebrity residents.

On its southern shore sits two sets of beloved waterfronts. If you're looking for a tranquil environment, head over to Mecox Bay or venture down a little further to Flying Point Road to dip your feet into the Atlantic Ocean. As if the island doesn't have enough to offer, the real beauty lies within its hamlets. 

Known for its charming restaurants and unique boutiques, Bridgehampton is one of the Hamptons' trendiest areas. Here, you'll find a range of nightlife and shopping opportunities for upscale and indie goods.

This affluent Bridgehampton neighborhood is where chic coastal living meets horse country. This community proudly maintains its country roots and has a deep history in potato farming. It has a sizeable celebrity presence, with individuals like Isaac Mizrahi, Madonna, and Beyonce renting vacation homes in the area.

Locals fill their social calendars with refined art festivals and lavish equestrian events. They also indulge in designer shops, fine dining, and upscale entertainment. While Bridgehampton is both elegant and rustic, life in this neighborhood is quite privileged.

Equestrian events are popular in Bridgehampton. On weekends, partake in polo matches, and every Labor Day, the town hosts the Hampton Classic Horse Show. This is one of the country's largest outdoor horse shows. Since it also indicates the end of a glamorous summer season for the Hamptons, it's a huge social gathering.

This hip community has captivating art galleries and fairs to explore. If you're a minimalist artist at heart, engage in some brilliant neon structures of the Dan Flavin Art Institute that interact with your surrounding space. Then head over to the Art Market Hamptons, an international art fair you'll find at the Bridgehampton Museum. The highly-anticipated art expo displays around 100 galleries each year of the world's finest contemporary and modern artwork.

You'll want to check out Bobby Van's if you're craving a sophisticated menu and atmosphere. The old-school steakhouse features traditional chops and meats with unique fish and seafood. There's also an exquisite wood bar where the professional bartending staff serves exquisite cocktails.

Locals often visit Almond, a fabulous restaurant that combines French cuisine with regional street food. This adorable bistro rests in a historic building furnished with vintage decor. It uses locally sourced ingredients to craft seasonal dishes. Some must-tries include elevated macaroni and cheese, Caesar salad-style Brussels sprouts, and pumpkin panna cotta.

The real estate scene in Bridgehampton is booming, with new million-dollar properties constantly being constructed. Architectural styles include sprawling villas, Victorian mansions, modern estates, and traditional farmhouses. Bridgehampton's properties are nothing short of opulent and seen as some of the most lavish in the world.

In this area of laid-back luxury, the traditional shingle style dominates. Shaped by the early 20th-century American aristocracy, Southampton's classic elegance attracts many weekenders and second-homeowners who love spending their summers at Coopers Beach. Throw in exclusive Main Street, sidewalk cafés, and Jobs Lane shops, including America's oldest department store, Hildreth's, and the town becomes even more appealing.

Whether shopping on Jobs Lane or Main Street or hitting the beach, life in Southampton Village allows you to slow down and take in the scenery. The village offers classic pop-ups and stalwarts, from charming mom-and-pop shops to an exclusive retailers mix. A bona fide leisure activity in Southampton Village is sitting and sipping at sidewalk cafés lining the well-maintained streets.

It will be difficult to beat the lure of the ocean. However, there's much more to life in the village than the beach, such as extensive dining and shopping opportunities, cultural and art events at the Southampton Cultural Center and the Southampton Arts Center, concerts in Agawam Park, annual house and garden tours, as well as a range of other can't-miss benefits. With a rich artistic heritage, Southampton Village offers various sites of note, including the Southampton Historical Museum and Research Center, the Elias Pelletreau Silver Shop, and dozens of historic homes.

If you want to get together with the family for lunch or enjoy a romantic summer dinner, the Sant Ambroeus is your sweet spot. This delightful restaurant offers Italian cuisine of the highest quality. Relish in an array of fine, authentic specialties like the traditional Milanese risotto and cotoletta alla Milanese, the insalata di mare and branzino alla griglia, or the signature linguine alle vongole.

Perhaps you're in the mood for Greek and seafood dishes. If so, you'll definitely want to lose yourself in delectable food at Calissa, such as seafood pasta, salt-baked fish, or Mediterranean mezze. They boast the Hamptons' most extensive selection of rosé and a whole collection of other wine choices on their wine list, which was awarded Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

The village is well-known for its grand beach community with a luxurious and laid-back atmosphere. It's a welcoming area for homebuyers looking to live in a relaxed, serene neighborhood. The real estate landscape in Southampton Village consists of a mix of gorgeous home architecture, including cottages from the late 19th and early 20th century, shingle-style historic farmhouses, and modern beachfront homes.

This small town combines extraordinary views of the bay, community flair, and rich history to create a stylish yet unique environment for which it's popular. Seasons bring enjoyable, warm summers and crisp, cold winters that offer the perfect balance for visitors and residents.

Featuring maritime culture and luxurious yachts, Sag Harbor supports a village atmosphere highly suitable for exclusive private living. Sag Harbor residents enjoy a vibrant downtown, recreational activities on the bay, and an active community — all a short drive from the bustling energy of New York City.

Take your family out to Sag Harbor Cinema to watch the most recent box office hit, or join your friends for cocktails at the theater's bar lounge on the third floor. Soak in the bay's panoramic views and downtown Sag Harbor on the terrace that borders the lounge.

If you like golf, spend a day at the Noyac Golf Club with friends, where you can tee off on its 18-hole course or take advantage of the ultra-modern teaching facility at the club to refine your golf skills.

If you're a maritime enthusiast, witness an iconic piece of whaling history at the Long Wharf Village Pier before strolling along the bay through the stretch of marinas. Catch the seasonal exhibits at the Sag Harbor Whaling Historical Museum that convey the village's nautical culture. During its in-season months, the museum provides an in-depth history lesson.

Sag Harbor's The Beacon offers the finest New American fare. It's a seasonal restaurant with an impressive wine list and upscale ambiance. You can take in Sag Harbor's incredible views as you dine on delicious entrees like pork chop Milanese, baked halibut with sun-dried tomatoes, and grilled prime New York strip steak.

If you're in the mood for Italian, you can experience outdoor dining at the Italian bistro, Tutto Il Giorno, which offers a sophisticated and romantic ambiance and an extensive menu of Italian favorites. Tutto Il Giorno pampers its guests with delectable pasta dishes like paccheri, butternut squash ravioli, and risotto, as well as fresh seafood like cioppino and branzino.

Feel right at home in this exclusive borough. Real estate in Sag Harbor hosts a multitude of architectural types, including charming cottages, Greek Revival-inspired properties, and remarkable Victorian-style estates.

If you're considering buying a new home and would like to learn more about the neighborhoods in the Hamptons, reach out to Margot Reutter, a top real estate agent of the Corcoran Group. Margot has extensive knowledge and experience helping clients find beautiful homes in all areas of the Hamptons. Reach out today to learn more!