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.
