The Hamptons is comprised of some villages in South Hampton and East Hampton in the east of Long Island, New York seaside. The area is known as a wealthy and elite area. In addition to the super rich, many celebrities own homes in this area. There is always some elite party going on at the Hamptons. The appeal of the waterfront and beaches topped to the luxurious mansions of the area, make an exclusive and expensive place to live. The area wants to remain underdeveloped, and wants to keep the area free from over development to preserve the natural environment, which is part of the charm and beauty of this area. The area offers its residents artsy festivities and fairs, art galleries, and great upscale shopping.

A 63-acre home belonging to billionaire Ira Rennert can be found in the Hamptons. It is considered one of the largest residential compounds in the United States. Other mansions and amazing abodes try to top each other in elegance and architectural design. The lifestyle of the area is exclusive, elite, and reeking of money, one of the reasons why you need a very large income to be part of the crowd here.

Activities such as boating, fishing, golf, are part of the allure of the area. The area does not welcome rental units, or apartment complexes, it wants to remain a single home residential area with much space. In the Hamptons area, you may find a small Hamlet called Springs - this is where most affordable single-family homes can be found, and is home to police officers, teachers, fire fighters, administrators, and people who work in or own landscaping businesses. This area is a bit more diverse. You can find half-acre single-family homes here, permitted by the zoning in the area and the reason is that it is more affordable.

Part of the allure of this area is the sandy beaches, resort appeal, great sailing waters, luxury country clubs, fine restaurants and boutiques, and of course the proximity to New York City, at only one hundred miles. Although a famous ocean side resort in the summer months, its appeal spreads through the winter as well. It is a well-known resort worldwide, but a residential appeal prevails.

Ten towns or neighborhoods comprise the Hamptons, each one offering something different to the visitor, and with its unique appeal, a mixture of Indian heritage, coastal charm, and rural appeal, in a luxurious and exclusive setting. These areas are known as Amagansett, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Montauk, Sag Harbor, Sagaponak, Shelter Island, Southampton, Wainscott, and Water Mill. In these areas, you can find some of the most magnificent real estate close to New York City. Each town, its own resort offering sandy beaches, excellent shopping, grandiose mansions, world-class restaurants, beautiful rural settings and farms, wineries, ocean vistas, natural preserved areas, national forest areas, horseback riding, golf, tennis, and other facilities, and the charm of historical villages. Water Mill is the highest point in the area and offers some of the most picturesque drives and natural beauty. Whether you want to live in this area or just visit it as a resort, you need to be able to afford the luxuries that are common to it and its residents.