The celebrities who live in the Hamptons don’t advertise their addresses. They buy through LLCs, build hedges tall enough to block helicopter shots, and time their grocery runs for 7 AM when the tourists are still sleeping off last night’s rosé. Yet the power map exists. It always has. And if you understand who owns what, where the real money clusters, and which villages attract which tribes, you start to see the Hamptons not as a beach destination but as an outdoor boardroom where billion-dollar deals get sketched on cocktail napkins.

This guide maps every major celebrity who lives in the Hamptons, organized by village. More importantly, it reveals why they chose their specific locations. Because in the Hamptons, your address says everything about who you are, who you want to become, and who you’d rather avoid.

Howard Sterns Real Estate Portfolio Southampton and Beyond
Howard Sterns Real Estate Portfolio Southampton and Beyond

East Hampton: Where Celebrities Who Live in the Hamptons Build Empires

East Hampton is the crown jewel. Always has been. The village attracts celebrities who’ve moved beyond proving themselves and now focus on legacy building. They’re not here to be seen. They’re here because they’ve earned the right to disappear.

The Georgica Pond Power Corridor

Georgica Pond functions as the Hamptons’ most exclusive address, a freshwater lake surrounded by estates that rarely hit the market. Beyoncé and Jay-Z anchored their East End presence here in 2017, paying $26 million for “Pond House.” The property sits adjacent to 17 acres of protected meadow preserve. Queen Bey recorded portions of her self-titled album in this house. The acoustics you hear on “Drunk in Love”? That’s Hamptons air.

Their neighbors include Steven Spielberg, who has owned on Georgica Pond for decades. McKinsey’s research on luxury real estate confirms what Hamptons insiders already know: properties on Georgica Pond appreciate faster than almost anywhere in America. Consequently, the pond has become a self-selecting filter for generational wealth.

Further Lane: The Billionaire’s Mile

Jerry Seinfeld purchased his Further Lane compound from Billy Joel for $32 million in 2000. Moreover, the 12-acre estate now includes a manor house, guesthouse, and a baseball diamond the comedian added himself. The property sits close to where the famous “Hamptons” episode of Seinfeld was filmed. Seinfeld’s car collection, reportedly worth over $150 million, includes a custom garage housing rare Porsches.

Steve Cohen, the hedge fund billionaire, paid $62.5 million for his Further Lane estate in 2013. If you watched Billions, you saw a fictionalized version of this purchase drive the show’s investigation plotline. Cohen demolished the original house and built something more suited to his scale.

The Creative Class of East Hampton

Alec Baldwin has been renting and buying in East Hampton since the 1980s. He purchased his current estate in 1995, and he and wife Hilaria have transformed it into a family compound. Additionally, Gwyneth Paltrow grew up summering in Amagansett, a hamlet within East Hampton, with her parents Bruce Paltrow and Blythe Danner. She now owns property there with husband Brad Falchuk, maintaining the family tradition for her children Apple and Moses.

Robert Downey Jr. owns the famous “Windmill Cottage,” a historic East Hampton property built in 1885. The house features a replica of a classic Hamptons windmill and served as a filming location for the movie Deathtrap. Furthermore, Neil Patrick Harris and husband David Burtka own a $5.5 million estate on 13.5 acres in East Hampton, complete with tennis court, pool, and cabana.

For those wondering where the Hamptons are located, East Hampton sits at the eastern end of Long Island’s South Fork, approximately 100 miles from Manhattan.

 

Southampton: Old Money Meets Media Moguls

Southampton attracts celebrities who live in the Hamptons for different reasons than East Hampton. Here, old money families mix with entertainment industry power players who appreciate the village’s slightly more formal atmosphere. The hedges are higher. The parties are more structured. The social rules are clearer.

Jerry Seinfeld Estate on Further Lane
Jerry Seinfeld Estate on Further Lane

Howard Stern’s Southampton Compound

Howard Stern purchased his Southampton oceanfront estate in 2005 for approximately $20 million. The three-level mansion spans 16,000 square feet with eight bedrooms, 12 bathrooms, a bowling alley, and a wine cellar with tasting room. The master bedroom alone covers 1,500 square feet. According to Forbes Real Estate Council, properties of this caliber in Southampton have appreciated 40% over the past decade.

Stern broadcast his SiriusXM show from the Southampton mansion throughout the 2020 pandemic. His wife Beth, a model and animal welfare advocate, has decorated the estate with her signature blend of coastal elegance and Manhattan sophistication.

The Southampton Fashion Set

Calvin Klein maintains a Southampton residence that reflects his minimalist aesthetic. Additionally, Tory Burch owns property in the village, often hosting fashion industry gatherings during the summer season. Donna Karan, creator of DKNY, has been a Hamptons fixture for decades, maintaining property in the area.

Kelly Ripa and husband Mark Consuelos bought their Southampton house in 2004 for $2.35 million, subsequently investing heavily in renovations. Glimpses from Instagram reveal a stunning pool and meticulously designed outdoor spaces. The couple even sold a TV drama about the Hamptons to Freeform, drawing from their years of experience in the community.

Understanding what defines a socialite helps explain Southampton’s appeal. The village’s social calendar remains more structured than East Hampton’s, with charity galas and club events that follow established protocols.

Sag Harbor: The Writer’s Village

Sag Harbor operates differently. The former whaling village attracts celebrities who live in the Hamptons for creative refuge rather than social positioning. The downtown is walkable. The restaurants are excellent. And the vibe is deliberately unpretentious, at least by Hamptons standards.

Billy Joel’s Sag Harbor Sanctuary

Billy Joel maintains a residence in Sag Harbor village, separate from his other Long Island properties. The Piano Man’s connection to Long Island runs deep. He grew up in Hicksville, worked as a shellfish digger in Oyster Bay as a teenager, and has cycled through multiple Hamptons properties throughout his career. His current Sag Harbor home consists of two historic buildings dating to the 1700s, which Joel spent years navigating through local boards to renovate and connect.

Joel recently purchased a horse farm in East Hampton for approximately $10.7 million, adding to a real estate portfolio that includes his famous Middlesea estate in Centre Island (listed at $50 million) and Florida properties. His net worth reflects decades of touring revenue and songwriting royalties that continue generating substantial income.

The Literary and Arts Crowd

Christie Brinkley is considered a Sag Harbor local, maintaining property in the village for decades. Julie Andrews also has ties to Sag Harbor. Additionally, Richard Gere owns property in the village, reportedly living near Jimmy Buffett’s former residence.

According to Harvard Business Review’s analysis of creative economy clustering, areas like Sag Harbor attract artists and writers because the community infrastructure supports their lifestyle. Bookstores, galleries, and independent restaurants create an ecosystem that nurtures rather than disrupts creative work.

Sag Harbor Hamptons celebrity village waterfront

Amagansett and Montauk: The Cool Kids’ Territory

Amagansett and Montauk attract younger celebrities and those who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The surf culture in Montauk creates a different energy. The farm stands in Amagansett offer genuine community connection. These villages appeal to celebrities who live in the Hamptons but want to feel like they’re somewhere else entirely.

Amagansett’s A-List Enclave

Sarah Jessica Parker and husband Matthew Broderick own property in the Hamptons, with strong ties to the Amagansett area. The Sex and the City star appreciates the village’s blend of bohemian charm and easy beach access. Scarlett Johansson purchased property in nearby Napeague in 2013, drawn by the area’s relative quiet compared to more populated villages.

Bobby Flay, the celebrity chef, has called Amagansett home for years. He acquired the property during his marriage to actress Stephanie March and retained it after their 2015 divorce. The location makes sense for Flay, who films in New York City and appreciates easy access to the Hamptons’ farm-to-table food scene.

Montauk: The End Attracts Rebels

Ralph Lauren paid $16 million in 2019 for a Montauk property that was previously home to playwright Edward Albee for over 50 years. The estate includes more than 200 feet of oceanfront. Robert De Niro owns a Montauk home gifted to him by his father nearly 30 years ago. Paul Simon maintains property in Montauk as well.

The area’s beaches remain less crowded than East Hampton or Southampton, attracting celebrities who prioritize outdoor activities over social obligations.

Where to Spot Celebrities Who Live in the Hamptons

If celebrity proximity factors into your Hamptons planning, certain locations deliver consistently. However, understand the unwritten rules: locals don’t ask for photos, don’t approach during meals, and definitely don’t follow anyone to their car.

Restaurant Strategy

Nick & Toni’s in East Hampton has served as the celebrity canteen since 1988. Jack Nicholson, Barbra Streisand, Brad Pitt, Tom Hanks, and Paul McCartney have all dined here. Book weeks in advance during summer season.

Le Bilboquet in Sag Harbor attracts the fashion crowd. Tutto il Giorno in Sag Harbor draws media executives and entertainment lawyers. For waterfront dining with potential sightings, try CowFish in Hampton Bays where locals grab casual meals.

Farm Stand Culture

Round Swamp Farm in East Hampton practically guarantees Kelly Ripa sightings during peak season. Balsam Farms in Amagansett attracts Scarlett Johansson and other Amagansett residents. Pike’s Farm Stand in Sagaponack has hosted Beyoncé selecting vegetables. Saturday mornings between 9 AM and 11 AM are prime time.

Fitness Spots

Tracy Anderson Studios in East Hampton and Water Mill attract fitness-focused celebrities. SoulCycle operates four Hamptons locations, each with its own loyal celebrity clientele.

The Economics of Celebrity Hamptons Real Estate

Understanding why celebrities who live in the Hamptons pay what they pay requires looking at the numbers. According to Bain & Company’s luxury market analysis, the Hamptons represents one of the most stable luxury real estate markets globally.

The average oceanfront property in East Hampton now exceeds $30 million. Southampton oceanfront starts around $20 million. Sag Harbor Village, constrained by historic zoning, commands premium prices for smaller footprints. Montauk remains relatively affordable by Hamptons standards, though $10+ million properties have become common.

For context, consider Howard Stern’s net worth and real estate portfolio: his Southampton estate alone is worth approximately $52 million today, having appreciated from his $20 million 2005 purchase price. Jerry Seinfeld’s fortune supports a Hamptons compound now valued at approximately $35 million.

The celebrities who live in the Hamptons aren’t just buying houses. They’re buying privacy, community, and membership in a network that opens doors money alone cannot. The real transaction happens after the closing, when introductions start flowing and deals get discussed over dinner.


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