Living on Long Island in the 1970s: A Simpler Time of Beaches, Best Friends & Bell Bottoms

Long Island in the 1970s was more than just a place—it was a vibe. Before smartphones and social media, life on the Island was full of sandy feet, booming dance floors, and the roar of a muscle car cruising down Sunrise Highway. Whether you grew up here or are just curious about the good old days, here’s a look back at what it was like to live on Long Island in the ‘70s.

Life Before Social Media: Playing Outside Until the Streetlights Came On

Forget TikTok and Instagram. In the 1970s, the only “posting” we did was sticking up flyers for garage sales or band gigs at the local record store. Kids spent hours riding bikes through neighborhoods, playing tag, stickball, or manhunt until moms yelled from the porch that dinner was ready. Friendships were built on front lawns and in basements, not DMs.

It wasn’t uncommon to knock on a neighbor’s door unannounced just to see if someone could come out and play. The local park was our hangout, and a game of kickball was the highlight of the day.

Summer Days on Long Island Beaches

Summers on Long Island in the ‘70s were pure magic. With no phones to distract us, the beaches were where memories were made. Jones Beach, Robert Moses, and the Hamptons were packed with locals rocking their best terry cloth shorts and oversized sunglasses. Boom boxes blasted Fleetwood Mac or Led Zeppelin as friends laid out towels, built sandcastles, or tossed a frisbee around.

Families would pack coolers with bologna sandwiches, icy Cokes, and maybe a six-pack for the adults. Sunscreen wasn’t a thing—baby oil was the tanning lotion of choice (yikes, right?).

The Club Scene: Long Island Nights Were Electric

When the sun went down, Long Island lit up. The club scene in the ‘70s was alive with disco balls, platform shoes, and funky dance moves. Legendary spots like Spit, OBI East, Hammerheads, and The 1890s Club brought the Studio 54 energy out east. You didn’t need to trek into Manhattan to party—Long Island had its own thriving nightlife.

The music? Think Donna Summer, The Bee Gees, and Earth, Wind & Fire pumping through the speakers while you danced the night away with your crew.

Cruisin’ the Island in Style

The streets of Long Island in the ‘70s were filled with iconic American cars. Camaros, Firebirds, Mustangs, and Dodge Chargers ruled the roads. Teenagers washed and waxed their rides every weekend, showing them off at drive-ins, diners, or cruising up and down the main strip.

And gas? You could fill up your tank for under $5—at around 60 cents a gallon in the mid-‘70s. Compare that to today’s prices, and it feels like a different planet.

The Price of Homes and Living

Back in the 1970s, Long Island was more affordable, especially for young families. The average home on Long Island cost between $30,000 and $45,000, depending on the area. Today, that same home could easily sell for over $600,000 or more.

Car prices were also drastically different. A brand-new car in 1975 cost around $4,000, and many families could comfortably afford a house, car, and even save for a summer vacation.

Final Thoughts: Why We Still Love Long Island

Living on Long Island in the 1970s was about connection—real, face-to-face connection. From the beach to the boardwalk, the backyard to the bar, every moment was experienced in full color and full presence. While times have changed, the memories made during that decade still linger like the smell of Coppertone and saltwater.

For those who lived it, it was a golden age of freedom, fun, and friendship. And for those just discovering Long Island’s rich history, the ‘70s were a time worth celebrating.