The historically Black-owned part of the Hamptons is located in Sag Harbor, specifically within the neighborhoods of Azurest, Sag Harbor Hills, and Ninevah Beach. Often called the "SANS" district, this area served as a thriving,, safe beachfront community for African-American families, professionals, and artists, beginning in the 1940s and 50s.
That's where most Black New Yorkers live now. The epicenter of the Black Hamptons is Sag Harbor. In 1640, the site of today's Sag Harbor was the Native village Wegwagoneck. English colonists called it Great Meadows.
During colonial times, the northwest of East Hampton village was the free black and Native Americans' enclave along the Indian path to Sag Harbor. When Sag Harbor became the first U.S. port of entry after Northwest Harbor in 1789, the Black and Native populations were relegated to Eastville, southeast of the town.
The Black Hamptons debuted as a four-part miniseries and was based on the novel by Carl Weber. It's set in Sag Harbor, New York, a village also referred to as The Black Hamptons and focuses on two rich families, the Brittons and the Johnsons.
Atlanta, Georgia has the most black millionaires in the country.
In recent years, Martha's Vineyard was given the nickname of “The Black Hamptons,” due to its popularity as a place for wealthy African-Americans to vacation. Members of the most esteemed black upper class organizations such as The Links, Sigma Pi Phi Boule, Jack & Jill and the Guardsmen gather there every year.
Yes, absolutely anyone can go to the Hamptons, but accessing some parts, especially beaches and parking, can be costly or require permits, while other areas offer more affordable options and public access via LIRR or bus, making it accessible for day trips or longer stays depending on budget and travel style. While known for wealth, the Hamptons have diverse areas, from expensive villages like Southampton to more budget-friendly spots like Montauk and Hampton Bays, with local shops and restaurants available for all, says Out East and Reddit users.
"Carl Weber's The Black Hamptons" is executive produced by Nikaya D. Brown Jones for Tri Destined Studios and Carl Weber for Urban Books Media, who also serves as the showrunners. Weber singlehandedly penned all of the content.
The biggest house in the Hamptons is Fair Field, an 110,000-square-foot estate in Sagaponack owned by billionaire industrialist Ira Rennert, featuring 29 bedrooms, 39 bathrooms, multiple pools, a 100-car garage, and a 164-seat theater, making it the largest private residence in the United States.
Hundreds of people lived, worked, and were enslaved at Hampton coinciding America's development as a nation. Explore more of their stories.
But while many Hamptons visitors are wealthy, not all are. Residents and visitors of varying ages and tax brackets come to the East End to spend time in notoriously expensive areas such as Sagaponack and Water Mill. But just as many find their place in more affordable areas like Montauk, Hampton Bays, and Westhampton.
The highest concentration of African Americans are in Brooklyn, Harlem, Queens, and The Bronx. New York City is also home to the highest number of immigrants from the Caribbean.
Denim That Doesn't Try Too Hard
Light-wash blues are always a safe bet, but there's something about white denim in the Hamptons that just makes sense.
Photos in Comments. Beyoncé and Jay-Z own a summer retreat in East Hampton. It is a 12,000 square foot mansion styled in East Hampton's fashion. It's nicknamed the Pond House and was designed by the same architects who worked on famous New York landmarks.
Montauk is geographically part of the Hamptons (the easternmost point) but offers a distinct vibe: while the Hamptons (Southampton, East Hampton) lean into traditional, high-end luxury with designer shops, Montauk boasts a more laid-back, surf-centric, bohemian feel with “mom and pop” shops, epic surfing, and a free-spirited energy, attracting surfers and nature lovers alongside beachgoers. Think "quiet luxury" in the core Hamptons versus "rugged cool" in Montauk.
To help mitigate those living costs, residents in the Hamptons also receive an average salary above the national average, with East Hampton boasting a median household income of $86,705 and Southampton reaching $125,054.
Located on Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, Highland Beach was established in 1893, offering elite Black families a sanctuary for relaxation and leisure.
The richest Black person in the world is Nigerian business magnate Aliko Dangote, founder of the Dangote Group, primarily known for his cement, sugar, and oil refinery businesses, with a net worth reported around $23.9 billion by Forbes in early 2025. Other prominent wealthy Black individuals include American investor David Steward and Robert F. Smith, alongside figures like Oprah Winfrey, Jay-Z, and Rihanna.
The world's 10 richest families