Shirley, located on the South Shore of Long Island, is home to the western terminus of Atlantic Crossing 1, a major submarine telecommunications cable linking the United States with Europe. Apartments for rent in Shirley offer residents access to a coastal community with a median household income of over $105,000. Originally named Tangiers after William "Tangier" Smith, this hamlet transformed from a summer bungalow destination in the early 1900s to the established residential area it is today.

The Smith Point Bridge provides Shirley residents with one of only two bridge crossings from Long Island to Fire Island, making beach access convenient without ferry transportation. Most rental homes are in the southern part of Shirley, served by the William Floyd School District, while northern neighborhoods (sometimes called East Yaphank) are served by the Longwood Central School District. The Mastic-Shirley Long Island Rail Road station connects commuters to the greater New York area.

Shirley's rental market includes single-family homes and apartment communities across approximately 12 square miles, with a population of about 27,000. The area maintains its suburban character while offering easy access to Smith Point County Park, the Great South Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean. Shopping centers along William Floyd Parkway serve residents' daily needs.