The Hamptons refers specifically to the towns of Southampton and East Hampton on the South Fork, Suffolk County, New York on the east end of Long Island. According to the Census Bureau, the Hamptons have a land area of 552.14 km² (213.18 sq mi). Officially they also have 1,212.99 km² (463.34 sq mi) of water area. Their total population as of the 2000 census was 74,431 inhabitants. By far their most populous community is Hampton Bays. The next most populous are Springs, North Sea, and East Quogue. Enclaved within the Hamptons, but not a part of it, is the Shinnecock Indian Reservation.
As usual in a summer colony, parts of the Hamptons are well known as a playground for the rich who own summer homes there. Others are seaside resorts frequented by middle class residents of New York City particularly during the summer months for weekend getaways. The Montauk Branch of the Long Island Railroad, Montauk Highway, and the Hampton Jitney provide connections to the rest of Long Island and to the City, while ferries connect North Haven and Montauk to Shelter Island and New England, respectively.
