St. James, NY 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

St. James is a hamlet located in Suffolk County, a predominantly suburban area of Long Island. Known as a quaint community in the North Shore, residents take pride in maintaining their town’s charm and history. Thanks to its proximity to Smithtown, the hamlet has easy access to plenty of services, resources, and facilities. 

Climate and Geography

St James’ average winter temperatures range in the low 20s and summer temperatures can reach the mid 80s. 

Suffolk County is home to many national protected areas including the Amagansett National Wildlife Refuge, Conscience Point National Wildlife Refuge, Elizabeth A. Morton National Wildlife Refuge, Fire Island National Seashore, Sayville National Wildlife Refuge, Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Seatuck National Wildlife Refuge, Target Rock National Wildlife Refuge, and Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

St. James is located in the town of Smithtown, residents can travel into the downtown area for recreational activities. Popular things to do in Smithtown include Harmony Vineyards, Smithtown Library, Caleb Smith State Park, Whisper the Bull statue, Sweetbriar Nature Center, Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, and Napper Tandy’s. 

Residents can also easily travel into New York City to enjoy all of the fun opportunities and big city amenities available there.

Cost of Living & Taxes

The cost of living in St. James is higher than the state and national average primarily due to housing costs. 

The effective income tax rate in the state of New York is 5.03 percent for single filers and 6.33 percent for joint filers, though additional taxes may be imposed by localities. Retirement income like Social Security benefits, income from federal government and New York state pensions, as well as railroad retirement benefits are fully exempt. 

Qualifying homeowners who are 65+ may receive tax relief through tax reduction programs like exemptions, and the Enhanced STAR program.

Health Care

Residents can receive high quality health care from hospitals in surrounding towns. These hospitals include Stony Brook University Hospital, Mather Hospital, Southside Hospital, Long Island Community Hospital, nationally ranked Huntington Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, Plainview Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital-Bethpage, Norwalk Hospital, Bridgeport Hospital, St. Vincent’s Medical Center, Stamford Hospital, and Glen Cove Hospital. All within 25 miles from St. James, these hospitals have specialties in many procedures and conditions.