If you’re typing West Islip zip code into a search bar, you probably aren't just looking for five digits. You’re likely trying to figure out if a house is actually in the West Islip School District, wondering why your mail says "Bay Shore" even though you pay West Islip taxes, or maybe you're just scouting the South Shore of Long Island for a place to plant roots.
The number you're looking for is 11795.
It sounds simple. One zip code. One town. But honestly, Long Island geography is a mess of overlapping borders, unincorporated hamlets, and school district lines that don't care about your mailing address. West Islip is a powerhouse on the Great South Bay, but navigating the 11795 area requires knowing a bit more than just the postal code.
The 11795 Boundary Confusion
Geography is weird here. West Islip is technically a "census-designated place" (CDP) in the Town of Islip. Most of it falls squarely under 11795. However, you'll find people living on the fringes who have a West Islip mailing address but send their kids to Babylon schools. Or worse, people with a Bay Shore zip code (11706) who are technically within the West Islip fire district.
It’s confusing.
The 11795 zip code covers roughly 6.8 square miles. It’s bordered by Babylon to the west, Bay Shore to the east, and the massive expanse of the Great South Bay to the south. When you look at a map, it looks like a neat rectangle, but the social and economic borders are way more fluid. If you're buying a home, don't just trust the zip code on the listing. Check the tax map.
Why the West Islip Zip Code Matters for Real Estate
Real estate in 11795 is basically a sport. People move here for the water and the schools. Period.
You’ve got a massive range of housing stock. On the north side, near Sunrise Highway and the Southern State Parkway, you’ll find smaller Cape Cods and ranches built in the post-WWII boom. These are the "entry-level" homes, though in 2026, "entry-level" on Long Island still feels like a king's ransom to most people.
Then you go south of Montauk Highway.
The vibe changes. The streets get windier. The trees get bigger. The houses turn into sprawling colonials and waterfront estates with private docks. This is where the West Islip zip code carries the most weight. Living in 11795 south of the highway means you're likely minutes from Captree State Park or your own boat slip.
- Property Taxes: They are high. There is no way to sugarcoat it.
- Inventory: It's tight. People who move to West Islip tend to stay until they retire to the Carolinas or Florida.
- Waterfront Access: Unlike some neighboring towns, West Islip has a lot of "canal" property, not just open bay front. This means more protected dockage for boat owners.
The School District Factor (The Real 11795 Value)
For most families, the West Islip zip code is synonymous with the West Islip Union Free School District. This is the engine that drives property values in 11795.
The high school—home of the Lions—is a local landmark. You’ll see blue and gold everywhere. It’s not just about academics; the sports culture here is intense. Lacrosse is basically a religion in West Islip. If you don't have a stick in your garage, are you even living in 11795?
But here is the catch: Zip code 11795 and the West Islip School District are not perfectly aligned.
Some pockets of the 11795 zip code actually bleed into the Bay Shore School District or even North Babylon. If you are moving specifically for the schools, you must verify the district lines through the Islip Town Receiver of Taxes or the school district’s own boundary map. Never, ever rely solely on a Zillow blurb or a zip code search.
Commuting from 11795: The Gritty Reality
If you live in West Islip, you’re likely a commuter.
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The town doesn't have its own LIRR station. This is a point of minor annoyance for some and a point of pride for others who like the lack of "station traffic." Most residents in the West Islip zip code head to the Babylon station.
Why Babylon? Because it’s a hub. You get the express trains.
An express ride from Babylon to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison takes about 50 to 60 minutes. If you try to commute from the Islip or Bay Shore stations, you’re often looking at more stops and longer travel times.
Driving isn't much better. You’re sandwiched between the Southern State Parkway and Sunrise Highway. During rush hour, the "Oakdale Merge" to the east and the general congestion toward the city to the west make for a fun morning. Most locals know the back roads—using Union Boulevard or Montauk Highway to bypass the parkway mess.
Lifestyle and What’s Actually In 11795
What do you actually do in West Islip?
It’s not a "downtown" kind of town like Huntington or Babylon Village. It’s more spread out. You have shopping centers along Montauk Highway and Union Boulevard.
- Good Eats: You’ve got local staples like the West Islip Diner (a classic) and various Italian spots that have been there for decades.
- Outdoor Life: West Islip Beach and Marina is the local go-to. It’s smaller and more "neighborhoody" than the massive state beaches.
- Good Samaritan University Hospital: This is a huge deal. One of the largest employers in the area sits right in the 11795 zip code. Having a major medical hub in your backyard is great for jobs and emergencies, though the sirens can be a bit much if you live on the surrounding blocks.
Is 11795 "Wealthy"?
Wealth is relative, especially on Long Island.
West Islip is firmly upper-middle class. According to recent census data and local economic reports, the median household income in the West Islip zip code significantly outpaces the national average. However, it feels different than the "Old Money" vibes of the North Shore or the "Glitz" of the Hamptons.
It’s a blue-collar-done-good kind of wealth. You’ll see plenty of Ferraris and high-end SUVs, but you’ll also see a lot of work trucks. It’s a town of contractors, lawyers, NYPD officers, and business owners. There is a grit to West Islip that you don't always find in other "nice" zip codes.
Common Misconceptions About the West Islip Zip Code
People often think 11795 includes Robert Moses State Park.
Technically, it doesn't. While the causeway to the beach starts right at the edge of town, the beaches themselves are usually classified under different jurisdictions.
Another big one? People think West Islip is "The Hamptons Lite."
It’s not. West Islip is a suburban residential stronghold. It’s where people live year-round. It’s not a summer colony. The traffic on Friday afternoons in the summer is mostly people passing through West Islip to get to the beaches or further east. Locals know to stay off the road between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM on a July Friday.
Action Steps for Navigating 11795
If you are looking to move to or do business in the West Islip zip code, don't fly blind.
First, get a physical boundary map. Don't look at the digital pins on a real estate app; go to the Town of Islip website. You need to see where the 11795 zip code ends and 11706 or 11702 begins. This affects your garbage pickup, your library card, and your taxes.
Second, if you're a boater, check the canal depths. Some parts of 11795 have canals that silt up. You don't want to buy a house for your boat only to realize you can only leave the dock at high tide. Ask the neighbors or check with the local marina.
Third, visit the schools. If you’re moving for the 11795 lifestyle, the school spirit is the heartbeat of the town. Go to a Friday night game. You'll understand the town culture more in two hours at a stadium than in ten hours of reading online forums.
Finally, check the flood zones. Being in a waterfront zip code means FEMA has thoughts about your house. Check the latest flood maps before you sign a contract. 11795 took a hit during Sandy, and many homes have since been raised, but insurance costs are a real factor in the monthly budget here.
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West Islip is a powerhouse. It's a town that knows exactly what it is. It's 11795—and for the people who live there, there's nowhere else they'd rather be.