The department store chain Abraham & Straus purchased 45 acres in South Huntington in 1956 to build a shopping mall and parking lot.

[8] Renovations at the mall took place in 1998, including changes to the main concourse and an elevated parking deck.

[13] According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 square miles (8.8 km2), all land.

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2009: $6,918 (1.6%) Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2009: $6,446 (1.6%)[17] St. Anthony's High School opened on Sept. 12, 1984 at the former site of Holy Family High School.

[18] Formerly an all-boys high school in Smithtown, St. Anthony's student body was moved to the new location in South Huntington when the Diocese of Rockville Centre decided to close Holy Family High School.

[20][21] The move of St. Anthony's to South Huntington sparked protests by parents and students.

Funding for the 48 classroom Walt Whitman High School was approved in February 1950.

[30][31] The construction of the library was funded by an $11.9 million bond referendum passed on December 5, 2000 by a margin of 1,532 to 1,493.

[32] Reasons for construction of the new library included need for additional space to house the library's collections, additional computers and updated technology for patrons and a larger community room for programs.

[32] An added feature on the grounds of the library is an outdoor garden with patio seating.

[33] The library was built on the site of the former Pidgeon Hill Elementary School.

[32] Walt Whitman Shops is a major hub for bus routes in the area.