Long Island is a densely populated island in southeastern New York State that extends into the Atlantic Ocean. It is the largest island in the contiguous United States. Long Island is 118 miles long and 23 miles wide. It includes the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn (Kings County) and Queens, as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. Long Island has a population of over 8 million people.
Long Island is known for its diverse culture and affluent communities, especially along the North Shore and the Hamptons. The island also boasts a rich history, a developed economy centered on biotechnology, engineering, and scientific research, and many natural areas, including beaches and the Pine Barrens. Key attractions include the North Fork Wine Trail, Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island, and the Montauk Point Lighthouse. Long Island's economy is robust, with a GDP of $526 billion as of 2023, and is based on service industries like education, healthcare, and tourism.
Recent developments include new housing projects aimed at increasing the availability of affordable and modern living spaces. Seven new industrial construction projects broke ground in 2025, adding 1.4 million square feet to the market. Long Island is also at the forefront of renewable energy, with offshore wind turbines planned to power millions of homes. The retail market is evolving with smaller footprints and diversified tenant mixes, adapting to changing consumer expectations.