112 Ocean Avenue in Amitypacity, New York, is a private residential address known widely through books, films, and local discussion as a purported site of hauntings and reported paranormal events. This overview provides verified, factual context about the property, its status, and its public profile while distinguishing recorded history from anecdotal claims. The following details are based on public records, reputable news coverage, and municipal data available through the time of writing, emphasizing current, practical understanding over sensational retellings.
Property Basics and Verified Details
112 Ocean Avenue is a single-family home located in the hamlet of Amityville, within the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, Long Island. Property specifics such as structure type, year built, lot size, and current ownership are best confirmed via the Town of Babylon Department of Assessment online portal or recent county records. Key factual attributes are summarized below where publicly available and consistent across reliable sources.
Core Attribute Table
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Street Address | 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701 | USPS/County Tax Map |
| Municipality | Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York | Town of Babylon GIS |
| Property Type | Single-family residential | Public Property Records |
| ZIP Code | 11701 | USPS |
| Nearby Landmarks | Ocean Avenue runs along the south shore of Long Island; proximity to Captree State Park and Jones Beach State Park | NYSDOT/Local Maps |
Reported History and Public Narrative
Beginning in the late 1970s, authors and periodicals described 112 Ocean Avenue as the location of unusual occurrences, including apparitions, unexplained noises, and destructive poltergeist-like events. The 1977 book The Amityville Horror and its subsequent film adaptations brought international attention to the address, merging reported experiences with broader cultural interest in haunted houses. These accounts typically describe prior occupants, the Lutz family, leaving the home abruptly and alleging intense paranormal activity during their stay.
Notable Points in the Public Narrative
- 1974 incident: Ronald DeFeo Jr. shot six members of his household at a neighboring address at 112 Ocean Avenue, which preceded later occupancy and contributed to the site’s eerie reputation.
- 1975–1976 occupancy: The Lutz family reportedly resided at the property for approximately one year before departing, citing intense paranormal phenomena.
- Subsequent ownership: The home has changed hands multiple times; owners and residents since the 1970s have offered varied statements, some echoing paranormal themes and others describing typical residential experiences.
- Media adaptations: Numerous books, documentaries, and theatrical films have referenced the address, often emphasizing disputed accounts of hauntings.
Municipal and Legal Context
As a private residence, 112 Ocean Avenue is subject to local zoning, tax assessment, and building regulations administered by the Town of Babylon. The property has no officially recognized designation as a historic landmark based on paranormal reports; any such status would relate to architectural or historical criteria, not alleged supernatural events. Visitors are expected to respect privacy and local ordinances, as the home remains a private dwelling.
Separating Record from Report
Public records confirm the existence of 112 Ocean Avenue as a lawful residential property; however, claims of paranormal activity are not verified by empirical evidence and remain within the realm of anecdotal or cultural storytelling. Law enforcement and municipal agencies treat the location as a standard residential address, while interest persists due to the enduring popularity of the associated narrative. Potential visitors, researchers, or neighbors should distinguish between documented municipal data and reported subjective experiences.
Current Status and Practical Information
Today, 112 Ocean Avenue continues to function as a private home. Tax records, utility services, and local ordinances apply as they would for any residential property in the Town of Babylon. Individuals interested in property details, including ownership or assessment information, may consult the Town of Babylon’s official portal or third-party property databases. Those approaching the site are encouraged to observe standard residential courtesy and local guidelines.
Status and Activity Summary
- Current Use: Single-family residential
- Occupancy: Privately occupied; not designated as a museum, landmark, or public site
- Access: Public road access; respectful private visitation expected
- Notable Features: Ordinary residential structure; notable primarily through cultural narrative
Common Questions and Clarifications
Interest in 112 Ocean Avenue often generates questions that mix factual inquiry with the story’s cultural footprint. Addressing these points with clarity helps separate municipal fact from popular narrative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the house verifiable as haunted? No; claims of haunting are anecdotal and not substantiated by empirical or legal documentation.
- Can the public visit the property? The home is private; visitors are permitted on public rights-of-way but should not intrude on resident privacy.
- Are there official records of paranormal investigations? No municipal or official body maintains records of paranormal activity at this address.
- Has the narrative affected property value or status? While cultural attention can influence perception, municipal and tax records treat the property as a standard residential lot subject to normal market forces.
- What is the difference between this address and the neighboring incident at 112 Ocean Avenue? The 1974 incident occurred at this same numeric address; distinctions in narrative often refer to specific occupants and reported events rather than structural or legal differences.
Conclusion
112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, NY, is a real, verified residential address that has also become a prominent part of popular culture due to longstanding anecdotal reports of paranormal phenomena. Public records confirm its existence and status as a private home, while the broader narrative belongs to the realm of documented modern folklore. For practical, legal, and informational purposes, the property is best understood through municipal data and respectful engagement with its residents and local context.