The East End has long been influenced by changing trends in desirability. For our panel of luxury real estate experts, predicting the “next big thing” is not guesswork. They focus on reading the signs before they become evident to the wider market. From subtle lifestyle changes to infrastructure improvements, new restaurants, or a steady flow of buyers, these early signals often highlight the areas that will show growth over the next five years.
While desirability remains high across the region, we asked our experts to predict any East End hamlet or neighborhood that may stand out as an “it” location over the next five years for buyers and sellers.
Susan Breitenbach, The Corcoran Group
This is a hard question to answer, as I think each part of the Hamptons is the “it” place to be for some — it all depends on your specific taste and lifestyle. With that in mind, I think it’s best to give a synopsis of all the areas, and your readers can pick what appeals to them. All boast their distinct vibe, and there is no wrong choice!
Southampton, especially this year, has great energy with fresh stores, restaurants, spas, salons, plus the new movie theatre, including an IMAX cinema, which is an excellent new addition! The estate section and beautiful ocean beaches, including Cooper’s — which the kids love — are a staple of our region as well. Sagaponack, Bridgehampton, and Wainscott, with their farm stands and country feel, are pretty special too, with apple and pumpkin picking for the kids. Many people appreciate the more rural feel. Meanwhile, East Hampton, with the Maidstone Club and Lily Pond Lane, is a world of its own with some spectacular high-end shopping. Water Mill is very under-the-radar and has some beautiful estates without a large village center, which some really like, and it’s in the middle of it all.
Amagansett is also lovely and reminds me of what the Hamptons were like 20 years ago! Then there is Montauk, very happening, especially for those who like parties and nightlife, although a little far out for some. All that said, Sag Harbor is one of my favorites and is busier than ever, with the quaint yet bustling village leading to a spectacular waterfront full of yachts. It’s full of delicious restaurants, unique shops, and a fun movie theatre. It simply has everything and will continue to thrive!
Hal Zwick, Compass
Water Mill is the community to watch over the next five years. It is special due to its unique blend of historic charm, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It is a prestigious hamlet in the Hamptons, known for being the only East End community with a working watermill and windmill, surrounded by farm fields, woodlands, and waterfront areas.
The area boasts a vibrant arts scene anchored by the Watermill Center and the Parrish Art Museum, which celebrate the region’s artistic heritage. Wealthy and celebrity residents are drawn to its quiet, upscale lifestyle with sprawling estates, modern waterfront homes, and access to beautiful, less crowded beaches like Flying Point Beach. The community’s emphasis on sustainable agriculture and preserving historic and natural resources adds to its appeal.
From a residential growth perspective, Water Mill is characterized by a strong demand for luxury and multi-generational homes. Multi-family townhouse communities have started to be developed, and additional ones will probably be added.
Commercial focus will be on sustainable, smart growth to avoid sprawl, with the evolution of the existing pedestrian-friendly shopping developments. I predict the downtown area will become a more integrated community, with new retail, food, and entertainment venues being added, making this a true destination.
In summary, for the next five years, Water Mill is expected to see continued demand for upscale residential properties, single-family, and townhouse communities. Commercial growth is likely to focus on enhancing lifestyle and retail experiences aligned with smart growth principles, maintaining the hamlet’s balance between exclusivity and community vitality.
Susan Lahrman, Saunders & Associates
From my experience, I am seeing “it” Hamptons trickling over to Shelter Island. While Shelter Island has already been in the mix as a popular second home destination for the savvy buyer, it is definitely on the radar of the market-wise younger demographic buyer now. I’ve noticed an uptick in listings on the Island, especially with new construction. With the Hamptons tight with inventory, you now have Shelter Island as an option with access to both the North Fork and the South Fork, while also offering buyers a remote destination with divine restaurants, beaches, and inns, while still maintaining the privacy they crave, which is a win-win!
Westhampton Beach is my pick for the next “it” Hamptons village. The downtown revitalization has transformed Main Street into a vibrant, walkable hub while preserving its small-town charm. It’s the closest true Hamptons village to the city, giving it an edge for weekenders, and prices remain more approachable than Southampton or East Hampton. Layer in pristine beaches, a growing dining and cultural scene, and a surge of year-round residents, and you have the recipe for a breakout market. In five years, I see Westhampton Village standing shoulder to shoulder in popularity with the East End heavyweights, only with easier access and a fresh energy that today’s buyers are craving.
Daintrie Zega, SERHANT
If I had to predict the next “it” destination in the Hamptons over the next five years, my money would be on Noyac and Springs — two historically overlooked neighborhoods showing early signs of transformation. These quiet bayside communities offer pristine beaches and stunning sunsets yet remain significantly more affordable than oceanfront counterparts. With inventory persistently low across the Hamptons, buyers are increasingly looking beyond East Hampton and Southampton’s traditional enclaves. Noyac’s proximity to Sag Harbor’s cultural scene and Springs’ Accabonac Harbor access provide an authentic maritime character while still offering development potential. Both areas attract the creative professionals and young families who previously transformed Montauk and Amagansett, positioning them perfectly for those wishing to have the true Hamptons experience.
