Priced Out of the Hamptons? Here’s Where New Yorkers Are Going Instead

If there’s one beach destination on the East Coast with a reputation for wealth, luxury, high prices, and celebrity residents, it’s probably the Hamptons, a longtime favorite among New Yorkers.

I grew up watching countless famous figures live or vacation here, from The Barefoot Contessa to the fictional socialites of Gossip Girl. Even now, I still find myself intrigued by the lives of those who call the Hamptons home, even if only for a few weeks each summer. These days, though, my attention is usually drawn to the people who make all that opulence possible, like the private chefs who share day-in-the-life glimpses of their work on Instagram.

It’s no secret that, for many, the Hamptons are out of reach. This is one of the most expensive places to live and vacation, not just on the East Coast but in the entire country, and prices don’t seem to be easing anytime soon. Some attribute that, at least in part, to the wave of wealthy New Yorkers who left Manhattan during the Covid-19 pandemic and settled permanently along this stretch of Long Island.

Cost isn’t the only reason people are looking elsewhere, either. Heavy traffic and growing crowds have also made the Hamptons less appealing to some visitors.

Fortunately, there are plenty of other destinations that New Yorkers, and East Coast beachgoers in general, are embracing as excellent alternatives. So, if you’re dreaming of a Hamptons getaway but can’t stomach the sticker shock, here are eight destinations to consider instead.

Like the Hamptons, the North Fork is part of Long Island, but it sits on the opposite side, facing Long Island Sound rather than the Atlantic Ocean. Greenport is one of the area’s most popular destinations.

The North Fork has plenty to love. Its more rural setting lends itself to outstanding farm-to-table dining, along with plenty of pick-your-own farms if that’s your thing. There are also dozens of wineries to explore, earning the region the nickname “Long Island’s Wine Country.”

You’ll still have easy access to the beach here, but if you’re looking for crashing Atlantic waves, the North Fork may not be the right fit. Since it faces Long Island Sound, the water is generally calmer. Even so, beautiful beaches are plentiful, with favorites including 67 Steps Beach and Orient Beach State Park.

Best of all, you’ll enjoy a quieter atmosphere and more affordable prices.

Is Montauk part of the Hamptons? That depends on who you ask.

Technically speaking, yes. Looking at a map and the geographic boundaries, Montauk falls within the Hamptons. But when you consider its personality and atmosphere, as well as its pricing, it feels worlds apart from what most people picture when they think of “the Hamptons.” That’s exactly why many New Yorkers see it as an alternative vacation destination.

Compared to the polished, high-society feel of East Hampton and Southampton, Montauk is much more laid back, with a relaxed vibe that attracts a different crowd. The locals aren’t particularly fond of being lumped together with the Hamptons, either, and many will passionately argue the distinction.

Here, you can spend your days visiting neighborhood bars, relaxing on quiet beaches, and experiencing the town’s roots as a working fishing village. It’s also one of Long Island’s favorite surfing destinations, thanks to its location at the island’s eastern tip.

That said, Montauk is steadily gaining a reputation as a compelling alternative to the Hamptons. If you’re thinking about visiting instead of its more famous neighbors, it may be worth going sooner rather than later.

I’ll give you one more Long Island alternative before venturing a little farther afield: Shelter Island.

Located between the Hamptons and the North Fork, Shelter Island is only accessible by ferry, unless you’re arriving by private boat or seaplane. Perhaps it’s that extra step that has helped the island preserve its character.

Shelter Island has earned nicknames like the “un-Hamptons,” the “anti-Hamptons,” and even the “introvert’s Hamptons,” and it’s easy to see why. Nature takes center stage here, with plenty to do beyond the beach, including paddling, cycling, and hiking. Nightlife is limited, crowds are sparse, and families return year after year. While you’ll still find wealthy homeowners here, they’re generally the type looking to escape the spotlight rather than embrace it like the celebrities farther south.

You’ll also typically spend much less on accommodations than you would in the Hamptons.

Interestingly, people searching for a more affordable alternative to the Hamptons aren’t always set on staying by the ocean. That’s part of what has made Litchfield County such a popular choice.

Litchfield has long been a summer retreat for the wealthy, but it lacks the widespread name recognition of the Hamptons. In fact, if you don’t live in the Northeast, there’s a good chance you’ve never even heard of it. What Litchfield lacks in oceanfront scenery, it makes up for with charm, relative affordability, and a far less commercialized atmosphere. It’s also an easy trip from New York City.

And don’t worry if your ideal summer getaway includes a beach. Litchfield County, and northwestern Connecticut more broadly, has plenty of freshwater beaches along its lakes, even if they’re not oceanfront.

Similarly, Lake Placid has long attracted wealthy travelers seeking lakefront summer escapes, but it has also become increasingly popular with visitors who may not be able to afford a sprawling mountain estate of their own.

Compact and walkable, with a public beach right off Main Street and mountain views in nearly every direction, the town offers excellent dining, shopping, history, culture, and outdoor adventure without requiring a luxury budget. It feels a world away from New York City, and much of downstate New York, despite being only about a half-day’s drive away.

If you’re eager to explore beyond the village, the surrounding Adirondacks offer easy access to hiking, paddling, camping, and charming nearby communities like Saranac Lake.

For those who like the convenience of Connecticut but aren’t willing to give up the ocean, Madison is another excellent option. The drive from Manhattan is often quicker than driving to the Hamptons, largely because you’ll avoid much of the notorious traffic, and the beaches are considerably less crowded.

The atmosphere is relaxed, with plenty of dining, shopping, and history to enjoy. The town dates back to the mid-1600s. Some visitors even argue that the beaches here surpass those in the Hamptons, with Hammonasset Beach State Park frequently topping the list. Others say Connecticut’s shoreline has better food, too.

Compared with many other Jersey Shore towns, Asbury Park feels more like a small city than a traditional beach town. Thanks to years of redevelopment, renovation, and thoughtful rebranding, it’s emerging as a luxury destination in its own right, and you can still experience it before prices climb even higher.

Stay in one of the boutique luxury hotels for a fraction of what you’d pay in the Hamptons. Enjoy the growing food scene, browse the local shops, and then make time for the city’s classic side by catching live music and strolling the iconic boardwalk.

For those willing to hop on a plane, the “Hamptons of the North” have become an increasingly appealing option. Fans of Heated Rivalry will recognize Muskoka as the setting for Shane Hollander’s “cottage,” and for those who haven’t seen the show, those quotation marks matter. The shoreline isn’t lined with rustic cabins. Instead, it’s home to sprawling, multi-million-dollar lake houses owned by actors, musicians, athletes, and other high-profile figures.

Fortunately, the atmosphere is far more relaxed and understated than what you’ll find in the Hamptons, and prices are generally more approachable as well. So, if the Hamptons are beyond your budget but you still want a destination with celebrity appeal, Muskoka may be exactly what you’re looking for.