Introduction to 112 Ocean Avenue
112 Ocean Avenue is a residential address most widely recognized as the location of the Amityville House, popularized in books and films about alleged hauntings. The property sits in Amityville, on the south shore of Long Island, New York, at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Hunting Lane. Since the 1970s, this ordinary suburban address has drawn sustained public interest due to stories of paranormal events reported by occupants. This evergreen explainer provides verified details, historical context, and practical information about the site and its surrounding community.
Address and Location Details
Below are key verifiable attributes of 112 Ocean Avenue. The data reflects the physical site and its municipal context as of public records.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Street Address | 112 Ocean Avenue | Municipal/Public Records |
| City | Amityville | Town Records |
| Town | Babylon | Town Jurisdiction |
| County | Suffolk County | County Records |
| State | New York | State Geocoding |
| Postal Code | 11701 | USPS Data |
| Property Type | Single-family residence | Assessor Data |
Geographic Context
The house occupies a small residential lot near the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Hunting Lane, close to Raynor Street. The neighborhood is characterized by detached single-family homes, typical of suburban Long Island. Nearby municipal boundaries place the property within the Town of Babylon’s jurisdiction, served by the Amityville Union Free School District and served by the Amityville post office for mail delivery.
Historical Background of the Property
The structure at 112 Ocean Avenue was built in the 1920s as part of post–World War I suburban expansion on Long Island. Originally constructed as a private single-family dwelling, it transitioned through multiple owner-occupants through the decades. In the early 1970s, it became the subject of widespread media attention after claims of hauntings and supernatural events were publicized. Subsequent ownership changes and extensive renovations altered the building’s footprint and systems while preserving its exterior shell. The site remains a private residence and is not open to public visitation.
Notable Events Timeline
Key dates related to the property are summarized below. Reported events describe occupant experiences and published accounts; independent verification of paranormal claims is not included.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | Construction of the house | Establishes the physical origin of the property |
| 1974–1975 | Publication and media coverage of haunting claims | Drives ongoing public interest and visitation interest |
| Late 1970s–1980s | Change in ownership and reported renovations | Alters interior while maintaining exterior form |
| 1990s–present | Continued private residency | Site remains occupied and not open to the public |
Common Questions and Clarifications
Because of its prominent place in popular culture, people often ask about visiting, legal access, and current status. The following answers are based on publicly available information and standard practices for private property.
- Can visitors tour the building? No. The house is a private residence and not open to public tours or media access without permission from the current owner.
- Is the address still associated with reported phenomena? Public discussion of experiences continues to reference the site, though current occupants have not widely shared active reports.
- Does the municipality mark or recognize the site differently? Address 112 Ocean Avenue is treated like any other property for municipal purposes; no special designation exists for paranormal associations.
- Have there been legal disputes over the property? Ownership changes in the late 20th century involved standard real estate transactions; no notable ongoing litigation pertains to the site’s reputation.
- Are there related locations nearby of interest? Neighboring properties in Amityville may appear in broader narratives, but 112 Ocean Avenue is the specific address most cited in historical accounts.
Cultural Impact and Public Interest
Since the mid-1970s, 112 Ocean Avenue has been framed within books, films, and documentaries as a locus of alleged hauntings. This narrative has generated sustained tourism interest, with visitors photographing the exterior and sharing experiences online. While the stories have generated significant media revenue, residents and local officials often emphasize the need to respect private property. The site persists as a case study in how local history, rumor, and commercial storytelling intersect over decades.
Evergreen Context and Relevance
The ongoing public curiosity about 112 Ocean Avenue reflects broader patterns in how communities narrate unusual events within ordinary landscapes. The property’s address remains stable, and its foundational facts—location, ownership status, and physical characteristics—are unlikely to change. This evergreen explainer focuses on durable, verifiable information that remains useful for researchers, visitors, and residents seeking clarity amid widespread speculation.
Summary of Key Facts
In short, 112 Ocean Avenue is a recognized address in Amityville, New York, associated with widely reported paranormal stories since the 1970s. It is a single-family home occupied privately, located within the Town of Babylon in Suffolk County. The house was built in the 1920s and has changed owners over time, yet its external appearance largely remains consistent. Understanding the distinction between cultural narrative and verified property information helps contextualize its lasting public profile.