The Mastics

The Mastics were originally inhabited by Native Americans, the Unkechaug, until the land was purchased by Colonel William "Tangier" Smith in 1691. The land was then settled by wealthy aristocrats of English descent such as the Woodhulls, the Floyds, the Nicolls. 

Although it has been largely ignored by most Long Island inhabitants, the Mastics have much to offer in terms of historic importance. William Floyd, who's estate still exists as a museum in Mastic Beach, was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.  William "Tangier"  Smiths'  home, known as the Manor of St. George, is also still standing as a museum.  The area is also home to the Poosepatuck Indian Reservation, one of only two Native American Reservations on Long Island

The area we know today is a result of development beginning in the 1920s and 30s with the establishment of the area as a Summer getaway community. Many of the former beach bungalows have been converted and year round residency is approximately 25000 for the combined communities of Mastic and Mastic Beach.

Shirley

Named after the developer, Walter T. Shirley, this community lies west of the William Floyd Parkway and is bordered by the Wertheim National Refuge. 

Walter Shirley bought much of the property in the area from the Smith and Dana estate after having seen it  while stationed at Camp Upton during the first World War. In 1941, Shirley then subdivided the land and was successful in selling small residential plots.  

Statistics:

Mastic

Area: 4.3 miles

Population: 14, 900

Median age: 29.5

Median income: 52,445

Median home value:126,917

Distance to NYC: 70 mile 

Mastic Beach

Area: 4.2 miles

Population: 10,540

Median age: 32.1 

Median income: 50,001

Median home value: 124,232

Distance to NYC: 70 miles

Shirley

Area: 10.9 miles

Population: 25,395

Median age: 31.3

Median