best places to live on long island
The Wantagh Union Free School District serves the residents of this region. Moving to a new city isn’t a “one size fits all” type of deal. These come in the form of Harbourview Shoppe, Americana Manhasset, Wheatley Plaza, the Suburban Shopping Center, and TJ Maxx. This region is connected to the LIRR network through the Ronkonkoma railroad station. While paying more than the asking price might work for some, walking away might be the order of the day if it comes to stretching your budget. Levittown Plaza, Levittown Mews, Nassau Mall, Gardiners Plaza, and Tri-County Mall give shoppers plenty from which to choose. Bellmore is also famous for being close to Jones Beach Park, one of the most popular beaches in the area. Public schools in the region are part of the Valley Stream Central High School District or the Elmont Union Free School District. The schools in this area are excellent, and there are also tons of family-friendy places that you can visit, too. This Mint Condition Ranch is located on a Quiet Culdesac in Manor Park. For shopping, residents of the area can turn to Lakeshore Plaza, Gatelot Plaza, Lake Grove Shopping Center, and Kohl's. Once you've narrowed down on the best neighborhood in Long Island for you, the next step is to look for a reliable mortgage lender and determine how much you can afford to borrow. West Islip is home to four elementary schools and two middle schools. https://patch.com/new-york/gardencity/best-places-live-long-island-2019 Mortgage rates have declined over the last year, experiencing a 0.96% drop in the 12 months from February 2019 to February 2020. For shopping, residents have easy access to Sunrise Mall, Holiday Park Shopping Center, Macy’s, HomeGoods, Marshalls, and Sears. The average median home value in Lake Ronkonkoma is around $353,900, which makes it suitable for millennials who are looking at buying affordable homes. It went on to become a major shipbuilding and whaling village in the late 1700s. Manhattan is only a quick drive away here, making it a commuter’s dream. East Meadow is a hamlet and CDP in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County. The Westbury Union Free School District is close by, as is the Hicksville Union Free School District. This region is home to many celebrities, including Randy Rainbow and Rosie O’Donnell. Though this is a suburb recognized for above-average schools, Islip still has its pull with younger crowds as well. With an area that covers over 1,400 square miles, Long Island has homes to cater to different needs. While the easy accessibility to New York City is definitely a boon, there’s much more you’ll find in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Roslyn. In selecting a mortgage lender, it is crucial that you look beyond the interest rate on offer. The Wildlife and Ecology Center Animal Preserve is located in Holtsville. Syosset has 11 schools, and public schools in the region are part of the Syosset Central School District. The Syosset Central School District and the Hicksville Union Free School District also offer some alternatives. It is situated between the villages of Farmingdale and Hempstead. It’s common to see alumni of Stony Brook choose this neighborhood as their hometown after graduation. And don’t forget: Queens and Brooklyn are also technically on Long Island, and both boroughs have sections that boast a charming, small-town vibe. 6. Great Neck Gardens. You get insight into the existing market, while also getting to identify the best places to live in Long Island-based on your specific needs. On the other hand, the average median home value of around $485,200 makes homes in the area affordable for millennials. Hauppauge Shopping Center, Maple Commons Shopping Center, and Nesconset Plaza offer numerous alternatives for shoppers. Eastern Long Island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the East Coast, making some of their camping locations a must-have experience for the RV traveler who enjoys beautiful Atlantic views. St. Thomas, and in particular the capital of Charlotte Amalie, can get overrun by tourists. People who are fans of nightlife, good food, and music will enjoy what they can get in Huntington. Plainview is a hamlet and CDP in the town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County. It consists of the Wantagh Elementary School, the Mandalay Elementary School, the Forest Lake Elementary School, Wantagh Middle School, and Wantagh High School. This can only bode as good news for prospective home buyers. If you plan to buy a home in foreclosure – either to live in or to fix and flip – you need to pay attention…, Even if you’re only just thinking about buying a new home now, it is important that you pay attention to aspects that might need your…, Data released by the National Realtors Association suggests that close to 90% of homebuyers in 2019 used the services of real estate agents. Small shops, restaurants stocked with food, and a local culture that is all about team-building is what you can expect here. Merrick is a hamlet and CDP in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County. The average median home value in Stony Brook is around $453,100. Oh, and the view from Lake Ronkonkoma? The annual Mathematical Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools takes place in Bellmore. The average home price here is $500,000, but around a quarter of all homes sold tend to fall into the $750,000 to $1 million range. That being said, there’s a lot of uniformity and simplicity in Islandia’s layout. Access to the Greenport Railroad Station ensures that you do not have to brave the expressway traffic when heading into or out of NYC. That being said, it’s not all glitz and glamor. When you're…. to stick to one of these places to find an amazing neighborhood in Long Island. Great Neck Estates. This town is recognized for having the best school system in all of Long Island, not to mention having highly respected grads. Copyright © 2021 Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified on company news and offers, NMLS# 177308 (see www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org), All borrowers subject to credit and underwriting approval. Nestled right next to Queens county, Valley Stream is one of the most commuter-friendly Long Island suburbs, boasting an amazing public transit system with easy access to NYC, and excellent proximity to JFK Airport. The school districts of Bellmore include the Bellmore School District, the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, and the North Bellmore School District. To create our list of the best places in New York to retire, we first used Census data to find all places in the Empire State -- 1186 cities and towns. It was rated as the second-best neighborhood in Long Island by Niche. These grounds are best known for the frequent PGA tour stop that is Bethpage Black golf course, but polo matches in this park are one of Long Island’s best-kept secrets as well. Depending on where you live, you could use the Hicksville, Bethpage, or Syosset LIRR stations. The John F. Kennedy International Airport is around 15 miles away. Fifty miles away from New York City is Smithtown, a town that is known for being the very definition of Main Street America. Now, its bustling harbor is home to scores of upscale yachts as well as small fishing boats. 7. The Bethpage Union Free School District and the Hicksville Union Free School District are nearby too. A good lender provides flexibility in terms and conditions. This region of New York has a nice array of different suburbs, each with its own splendid charm. Location on the northern side of Long Island, the number-one place to retire in New York is also the 12th-best place to retire in the country, according to our numbers. Its six elementary schools, as well as middle and high school alternatives, making it among the best places to live in Long Island when it comes to young families. While St. Thomas may be a nice place … Valley Stream has its LIRR station. However, the estimated existing home median sales price appreciation of less than 1% in 2020 serves as good news for prospective buyers. Remember that other prospective buyers might also be interested in buying the same home. It turns out that Long Island is the second most expensive place to live in … Islip is a town that people enjoy going to when they really, truly need a respite from all the noise and craziness of New York City. Students from Roslyn High School have a good acceptance rate across top colleges, and their average SAT scores are noticeably better when compared to scores of students from other parts of New York. Jericho - No. The highly-rated John F. Kennedy High School is open to Bellmore students. Residents who wish to make use of the LIRR may turn to Westbury, Hicksville, or Syosset stations. The local nightlife is excellent, and during the summer, you can always expect to see parties popping up nearby. If you love giving your kids a great future, Roslyn is a must-see. Whether you prefer to be close to the beach or have an easy commute to New York City, we'll explore the area's best places to call home. From first-time homebuyers to people who want to move into more spacious homes, there is something for everyone in Long Island. Merrick has its LIRR station. Please see our State Licenses page for more information. Now, most commuters from the region make use of the Medford and Ronkonkoma stations. The Best Long Island Neighborhoods for Millennials - Medowbrook. A simple rule of thumb is to limit your budget to three times that of your annual household income. Besides, the region boasts of some great schools. If you are limiting your search to affordable Long Island neighborhoods, Holtsville requires your attention as well. The history of Greenport dates back to the mid-1600s. Public schools in the area are part of the West Islip Union Free School District. How We Determined The Best Places To Retire In the Empire State for 2021. Ranked among the best towns to live in Long Island, Smithtown, in Suffolk County, lies along Long Island's north shore. The average median home value in Roslyn is around $961,700. Most people in this neighborhood live in a 500-house complex built by Levitt and Sons and get to enjoy the same school systems as Islip. If you’re looking for something to do, this neighborhood has your back. The Bellmore railroad station ensures that your commutes to NYC remain hassle-free. Long Island is the second most expensive places to live. Originally named "Jerusalem", this hamlet in Nassau County is in close proximity to the Jones Beach Island. Long Island towns dominate Niche's 2016 Best Places to Retire rankings for New York, with nine of the top 10 places on the island. It touches on the suburban experience without taking you too far outside of the city. Residents don’t have to venture far to shop, given that the area is home to shopping malls such as Jericho Commons, Jericho Atrium, and Jericho Executive Plaza. No matter whether you want your family to live in the lap of nature, or want your kids to have a great education, you get to choose from various Long Island towns, hamlets, and villages. Massapequa. All you have to do is search for it. Holtsville is fifty six miles from New York City. The list that follows gives you insight into some of the best places to live in Long Island. Jericho has four schools, and public schools in the region are part of the Jericho Union Free School District. Syosset is a hamlet and CDP in the Town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County. Massapequa has its railroad station, so getting to Manhattan is easy. So, don’t be too surprised if you end up having a star-studded run-in with a local here. Of course, Long Island isn’t just one big neighborhood. The median home value in Holtsville is $384,800, making it one of the most affordable suburbs in Long Island. Great Neck Plaza. No matter which of the Long Island neighborhoods you choose, working with a good mortgage lender is important. As you could imagine, that kind of price tag means there’s good reason to move here. Access to the LIRR network comes through Northport, Huntington, and Smithtown stations. 2020 Best Places to Live in Nassau County. The lakeside Lake Ronkonkoma County Park offers baseball fields, handball and basketball courts, a picnic area, as well as a fishing pier. Though the town is large, it remains a place where everyone knows your name and where people actively work together to make their future brighter. It’s Home to a Number of Historic Estates. 5 Amazing Long Island Neighborhoods | Great Moving Greenport. It is home to the popular Stony Brook School and Stony Brook University. Residents of East Meadow are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping. With all that said, these towns and neighborhoods are regularly cited as some of the most enjoyable places to live in Long Island. Kensington. For instance, some lenders let borrowers make weekly, fortnightly, or monthly repayments. It situated on the North Shore of Long Island. It seems as if everywhere we go we are burning through cash. The Best Places To Live On Long Island Massapequa. The Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp. guide to home buying will make the process easy all in one packet. Modest and yet remarkably charming in its own way, Ronkonkoma is known for having close access to public transit and being home to the Long Island MacArthur Airport. With exclusive areas and waterfront views, Long Island continues to be home to the rich and famous. Recognized as one of the best towns in Long Island, Stony Brook is served by the Three Village Central School District. Long Island City is in Queens County and is one of the best places to live in New York. The average median home value in Levittown is around $454,000, making it one of the best places in Long Island to live if you wish to buy a house without spending too much. Once you find a house that you like, make a competitive offer. Previously known as Island Trees, Levittown is a hamlet and CDP in the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County. The average median home value in Jericho is around $714,100. This elegant yet sparse Long Island town is nestled right near the beach, giving locals a great way to enjoy the sun and surf year-round. Roslyn might be up your alley if what you're after is an affluent and airy neighborhood. Commuters love Plainview too, and rightfully so. Driving to midtown could take around 40 minutes. Not getting preapproved, on the other hand, exposes you to deal breakers in the underwriting process after you have narrowed down on a house you wish to purchase. Plainview has seven schools. Jones Beach Park is nearby, and it hosts various concerts and events throughout the year. If you are looking for a top-grade school system, then Merrick is going to be your ideal destination. Merrick is also one of the best Long Island suburbs of NYC for commuters as it's only a 45-minute train ride on the LIRR to get to Penn Station. Public schools in the region are part of the Levittown Union Free School District or the Island Trees Union Free School District. The Avalon Park and Preserve is no more than a short drive away. Data suggest that there is a significant drop in the availability of entry-level homes, so people looking for affordable places to live in Long Island might have to deal with limited options. It offers a great opportunity to see adorable seals! Long Island has long been the summer resort for wealthy New York businessmen and celebrities. You will join a vibrant blend of cultures if you decide to live in this Long Island neighborhood. The great thing about real estate in Long Island is that there’s literally a home for everyone. Rated One of the Best Places to Live in America Oyster Bay and Huntington made it to the top 50 most livable towns in the US, rated by Money Magazine – and for good reason. It is situated near Long Island’s North Shore. In addition, some of the island's best vineyards are in Greenport. After all, the people here are friendly, and restaurants are very affordable here. Aside from the beaches, Long Island has plenty of places to head to for a day trip like Fire Island, Greenport, or Robert Moses State Park. For instance, how important is proximity to an LIRR station for you? In Long Island City there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Public schools in the region belong to the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District or the North Bellmore Union Free School District. Don’t be fooled by the name. It is located in the Long Island towns of Smithtown and Huntington, and both are a part of Suffolk County. Residents of Roslyn get several alternatives from which to choose when it comes to shopping. Residents benefit through several parks nestled between homes, which is one of the reasons that put it on the list of nicest neighborhoods in Long Island. Wantagh holds the distinction for being the only School District in the state in which all schools have been acknowledged as National Schools of Excellence. Bellmore Shopping Center houses several commercial establishments and shops. Jericho. Between the safe streets, fun attractions, and the overall gorgeous (yet affordable) community, it’s easy to see why. All you have to do is search for it. As you might expect, Merrick is also great for commuters. Long Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has 316,907 reviews of Long Island Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Long Island resource. It functions as the western terminus of the Greenport Branch and the eastern terminus of the Ronkonkoma Branch. Long Island has plenty of great neighborhoods and towns to live in. Though these towns are regularly cited as the best places to live in Long Island, the truth is that you don’t. This village in Nassau County is situated in the southwest part of the town of Hempstead. Another aspect that requires your attention is the level of customer service that any lender provides. However, Smithtown has a railroad station, so you may make good use of the LIRR as well. SUNY Old Westbury’s main entrance is located in Jericho. The average median home value in Jericho is around $831,800. Bellmore. The Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District and the Valley Stream 13 Union Free School District are nearby. The classic “South Shore” lifestyle that people think of when they’re in Long Island—elegant houses, sun, surf, nightclubs, and beachy activities are the norm here. Valley Stream has a total of 18 schools. Next 10 Cities. Lake Ronkonkoma is a part of the Long Island towns of Brookhaven, Smithtown, and Islip in Suffolk County. The more you pay as down payment, the lesser you end up paying as interest through the course of the loan. Some parts of the hamlet's peripheral neighborhoods are served by the Seaford Union Free School District, the North Bellmore Union Free School District, and the Levittown School District. The Long Island railroad station is located in Medford just two and a quarter miles away. Getting preapproved for a mortgage gives you a clear indication of how much you qualify to borrow, so you may limit your search to homes that match your budget. This CDP roughly corresponds to the hamlet with which it shares its name. Cherrywood Shopping Center, Wantagh Woods Plaza, and Willow Wood Shoppes are in close proximity. Every person will have their own unique needs they want to have met. Shopping alternatives come in the form of a Walmart Super Center, Green Acres Mall, Green Acres Commons, and Macy’s. While a major part of this census-designated place (CDP) is located in Brookhaven, the land that surrounds the actual lake is a part of Islip. One of the main reasons that put this village in Nassau County on the list of best neighborhoods in Long Island is the quality of its schools. Stony Brook is a unique blend between an educational hotspot and tourist town. Fortunately, paying attention to your requirements can make the process considerably simpler. The area's average annual salary, at $60,820, is nearly $9,000 above the national average of $51,960. Save as much money as you can to put toward the down payment. This 30-square-mile island has jungle cliffs that soar high into the sky and the turquoise sea is dotted with yachts of all shapes and sizes. The Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages are located in Stony Brook. Their options include East Meadow Mall, Clearmeadow Plaza, Meadowbrook Square, Stew Leonard's Plaza, Stop & Shop, Marshalls, and Walmart. Aspects that might require your attention when looking for the best places to live in Long Island include, but do not limit to: Even if you are limiting your search to Nassau and Suffolk counties, you still have a significantly large area to cover. Home to many celebrities and fans of lush living, Merrick is a neighborhood that is well known both in and outside of New York. Schooling aside, this neighborhood boasts a wide array of nature-based activities. Looking for the best place to live in Long Island for jobs in lower Manhattan new City Hall. In 2017, Valley Stream was ranked as the best place to live in Long Island by Money Magazine. The North Merrick Union Free School District and the Uniondale Union Free School District are in close proximity. This is a town that is hard to leave once you start living there. Now, ... Smithtown. Having to choose between two cities, over 10 towns, and more than 200 villages and hamlets, arriving at a decision might seem like a daunting task. Lush parks, low crime rates, and excellent amenities make this the perfect idyllic suburb for families who want it all. What also helps is that most experts expect mortgage rates to remain favorable in the near future. Residents of Merrick can find various shops and other commercial establishments at Merrick Mall and Merrick Commons. Though it’s easy to hit the city, many locals choose to stay nearby during the weekends. Meadowbrook Financial Mortgage Bankers Corp. All borrowers subject to credit and underwriting approval. While it was initially made as a tourist town thanks to its picturesque buildings and gorgeous landscapes, Stony Brook quickly became a major college town when SUNY Stony Brook moved in. Valley Stream is one of those rare, noteworthy gems. This top-rated neighborhood is notorious... Commack. Whether you're a single millennial, looking to settle down with your family, or need to commute into the city, here are some of the best places to live in Long Island. Robbie Plaza and Merrick Mall are easily accessible as well. We are a licensed mortgage lender approved by the banking departments in the States of AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, NC, PA, RI, VA, WA. The region is served by the Commack Union Free School District. Syosset Center, Syosset Plaza, Syosset Corners, and East River Plaza offer numerous options for shopping. The history of Greenport dates back to the mid-1600s. Even today, this area is known for having tons of athletes who enjoy healthy competition nearby. If you're looking for a Long Island neighborhood with a close-knit vibe, this might just be the place for you. If you’re looking for an affluent area that isn’t over-the-top about its wealth, you may want to check out Roslyn. Merrick has 14 primary and secondary schools. It went on to become a major shipbuilding and whaling village in the late 1700s. With the average annual household income of the region exceeding $110,000, Smithtown is among the more affluent Long Island towns. Located midway across the island, Smithtown offers a family-friendly atmosphere through its picturesque tree-lined streets. August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Long Island, while January and February are the least comfortable months. It also gives sellers an indication that you are a serious buyer. The area also has a HomeGoods store. Fire Island Lighthouse, one of four lighthouses on Long Island open to the public. The downtown area boasts of several restaurants and boutiques. The region's natural western boundary comes in the form of Hawley's Lake, Deer Lake, Sampawams Creek, and Swan Creek. Since the early 19th century, homes and estates built in prominent areas of Long Island have been inspired by the Jazz age, famed architects of the mid-twentieth century and modernists. The Wantagh State Parkway, the Sunrise Highway, the Seaford - Oyster Bay Expressway, and Merrick Road pass through Wantagh and have major intersections or entrances/exists here. The Nassau University Medical Center and Eisenhower Park are located in East Meadow. It comes as no surprise that many think of Greenport as the best place to live in Long Island. This top-rated neighborhood is notorious for its affluence as well as its excellent school systems. The average median home value in West Islip is around $414,000, making it one of the best areas in Long Island from an affordability point of view. What also helps is that the island has neighborhoods to suit different budgets. You get to choose from two basic types – government-backed and conventional loans. 45 reviews. Islandia is home to a Dave & Buster’s arcade, a casino, as well as several parks. These are the best places for budget-friendly nature & wildlife areas in Long Island: Avalon Park & Preserve; Bayard Cutting Arboretum; Sands Point Preserve; Mashomack Preserve; Holtsville Ecology Site; See more budget-friendly nature & wildlife areas in Long Island on Tripadvisor Career-oriented people are going to enjoy the amount of networking they can do in Commack. It’s incredible every day of the year. is a one-mile walk along the scenic boardwalk from Robert Moses. It is consistently ranked as the safest region on the island. Driving to Manhattan can take around an hour and a half. That alone makes many locals agree that it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Long Island’s beach scene. Islandia is one of those places that feels like it’s from a movie—known for its kind, hardworking people and for having a surprisingly down-to-earth vibe about it. Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District and Hicksville Union Free School District are close by. This hamlet on the north shore of the island in Suffolk County was founded as an agricultural enclave during the Colonial Era. Factors to consider-Want a nice, shorter commute to Manhattan/lower Manhattan-Close to LIRR or good transportation-Safe place, low crime rate-Some city features (good restaurants, nice stores) is nice Once you've weighed the pros and cons of homeownership and have narrowed down on a few nice neighborhoods in Long Island, you need to start looking for homes based on your specific needs. On that note, let’s dive into our list of scenic Long Island hikes. 1 Great Neck Gardens - No. Commack is home to the Hoyt Farm Nature Preserve, the Whitman Hollow Park, and the Hamlet Golf &Country Club. Don’t worry, though. The Massapequa Cove makes for an idyllic fishing spot and recreational area. The average median home value in Greenport is around $617,600. The 77,000 square meters Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park is located on Washington Avenue. Best Places 2020-2021 Rank: 65 Metro Population: 1,209,367 Median Home Price: $217,358 Average Annual Salary: $60,820. A number of Long Island communities fit the bill -- including some neighborhoods previously highlighted in the Best Places to Live series, such as Huntington, Great Neck and Stony Brook … The Southdown Marketplace in West Islip is a well-rated supermarket. The restaurant scene in and around Ronkonkoma is pretty great, so if you’re a food fan, you’ll enjoy this area. Though there are minor neighborhoods of Huntington on this list (like Commack), the truth is that we felt it was necessary to point out Huntington’s popularity as a whole, too. Homes in some of the best parts of Long Island might be subject to bidding wars, so prepare ahead of time. Long Island, KS Housing Market. That’s why we decided to create a list of the best neighborhoods in Long Island. As a result, it is important that you get prequalified before beginning your search for a suitable home. Incidentally, Long Island, despite the infamous the Long Island Expressway, has plenty to offer, of which the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) network is only one example. The average median home value in Plainview is around $603,900. Public schools in the region belong to the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District or the Bethpage Union Free School District. The town’s excellent school systems make Roslyn one of the hottest parts of Long Island real estate that money can buy. West Islip, a hamlet, and CDP in the Town of Islip are situated on Long Island's South Shore. Plainview Shopping Centre, Woodbury Plaza, and Manetto Hill Plaza are home to a number of shops and other types of businesses. If nothing else, Commack is a sports lover’s dream. These communities were nominated for green public initiatives, leading by example, locally grown products, preservation of green space and … The Islip station gives residents of the region easy access to the LIRR.