Overview
Cutchogue is one of the many hamlets in New York, located in Suffolk County on East Long Island, in an area known as the North Fork. The community has a rich history with its founding in the late 1690s. The area is known for its rich agricultural and many wineries. Cutchogue has long been considered a summer vacation town for many, but it has recently began to see a trend toward permanent residency.
Climate and Geography
Long Island lies in a transitional zone between humid continental and humid subtropical climate types. The means that the hamlet experiences all four seasons with hot, humid summers and cold to mild winters, while spring and fall are generally mild. The town averages about 48 inches of rain and 29 inches of snow per year. Overall, the town has a comfort index of 7.2/10.
About half of the land in Cutchogue is used for agriculture, primarily vineyards. The North Fork of Long Island is bordered to the north by the Long Island Sound, and to the South by the Peconic Bay. Nassau Point and Robins Island are also to the south of the hamlet.
Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment
Wine lovers will be in paradise in Cutchogue. Some of the top attractions include Bedell Cellars, Castello di Borghese/Hargrave Vineyard, Pugliese Vineyards, Lieb Cellars, Pellegrini Vineyards, McCall Wines, Sannino Vineyard, Coffee Pot Cellars Tasting Room, Alex Ferrone Gallery, and Wickham’s Fruit Farm. The town is also considered a summer town.
Residents who want to enjoy big city amenities will appreciate being close to New York City, where they can take day trips to enjoy the world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities there.
Cost of Living & Taxes
The overall cost of living in Cutchogue is higher than the national and state average. This is primarily due to the extremely high cost of homes and housing, at almost double the national average. Additionally, all other indexes—groceries, health care, utilities, and transportation—are above average as well.
Social Security benefits are not taxed in New York, and local, state, federal, and military government pensions are also exempt. Taxpayers over the age of 59 ½ can exclude up to $20,000 of federally taxed income from retirement savings accounts and private pensions.
Homeowners aged 65+ who meet income limitations can take advantage of programs in place to reduce property taxes. New York State allows local governments and public school districts to reduce assessed value of residential property by up to 50 percent.
Health Care
Hospitals serving the Cutchogue area include Eastern Long Island Hospital and Peconic Bay Medical Center.