The area now consisting of the Port Washington North was initially settled by European colonists in 1644, after they purchased land from the people of the Matinecock Nation.

[2] Manorhaven's annexation bid was unsuccessful due to how the residents in what would ultimately become Port Washington North preferred to incorporate as a separate village.

[2] In 1953, an uninhabited area occupied by a sand mine, located along Cow Neck Road, was annexed by the village.

[4] By the late 1950s, the Colonial Sand and Gravel Company began selling tracts of their land to developers.

[4] The name of the village reflects its geographic location in the northern part of the Greater Port Washington area.

[5] Additionally, Port Washington North is located on the northern half of the Cow Neck Peninsula.

[16] From a land use perspective, the village consists of a relatively-balanced mix of residential, business, waterfront, and industrial districts.

[18][19][20] Additionally, Publishers Clearing House was headquartered within the village until it moved to Jericho in the 2010s; the property was redeveloped into the Grumman Studios facility.

[20] Furthermore, the entire village is located within the Greater Port Washington Business Improvement District's boundaries.

[16][17] The industrial areas – officially designated as "Economic Development" and "Maritime Business" districts, consist of light manufacturing, offices, warehouses, and studios.

[16][17] The waterfront district, meanwhile, consists of the Bay Walk Park and boat launch & docking areas.

As of July 2024, the Mayor of Port Washington North is Robert Weitzner and the Village Trustees are Steven Cohen, Matthew Kepke, Michael Malatino, and Andrea Scheff.

[16][32] Port Washington North is located in New York's 3rd congressional district, which as of July 2024 is represented by Thomas R. Suozzi (D–Glen Cove).

[16][33] Like the rest of New York, Port Washington North is represented in the United States Senate by Charles E. Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D).

[34] In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the majority of Port Washington North voters voted for Kamala D. Harris (D).

[38] This village-operated park, which was constructed & opened in phases, also contains the village's Nautical Art Museum.

[38] Additionally, the Town of North Hempstead's Mill Pond Park is located within the village.

[44][45] PSEG Long Island provides power to all homes and businesses within Port Washington North.