NASSAU COUNTY
County Offices
240 Old Country Road
Mineola 516-571-3000
www.nassaucountyny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
164 Main Street
Huntington 631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
As the birthplace of American suburbia, Nassau County claims a rich history and some of the wealthiest communities in the nation.
Services
Residents of Nassau County on Long Island enjoy an exceptional quality of life that includes state-of-the-art services in close proximity to the nation’s cultural center of New York City. Highly respected and award-winning public and private schools serve students from preschool through 12th grade with technologically advanced classrooms, innovative programs, and a wealth of opportunities for extra-curricular activities.
In spite of its relatively modest area in square miles, Nassau County is brimming over with educational resources. Adelphia University in Garden City, Briarcliffe College in Bethpage, Dowling College in Oakdale, Hofstra University in Hempstead, Long Island University in Brookville, Molloy College in Rockville Centre, and New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury provide a private college education in a wide range of disciplines. More specialized programs are also available at the New York College for Wholistic Health, Education & Research and the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The Webb Institute in Glen Cove is another unique, top-ranked undergraduate institution that focuses on one discipline: Naval architecture and marine engineering. The only public four-year arts, science, and business campus in the county is SUNY College at Old Westbury. However, Nassau Community College in Garden City ensures an affordable start on a four-year degree as well as career and vocational programs and associate’s degrees.
Healthcare is equally accessible and advanced throughout the county, anchored by hospitals and medical centers with a history of exemplary patient care and impressive contributions to the worldwide medical community. Franklin Hospital Medical Center, Island Medical Center, North Shore University Hospital, Long Beach Medical Center, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Massapequa General Hospital, Mercy Medical Center, Mid-Island Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, South Nassau Communities Hospital, and Winthrop University Hospital combine with skilled physicians and other healthcare professionals to meet every need close to home.
Lifestyle
Stretching between the tranquil waters of Long Island Sound to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, Long Island harmonizes diversity and affluence, sophistication and serenity. Picture-perfect images are waiting around every corner of Nassau County, where picturesque wharfs and seaside restaurants contrast with quaint colonial villages and the summer mansions of the wealthy. This water-oriented home encourages ocean water sports, boating, sailing, and fishing as well as golf, tennis, and horseback riding. Miles of white-sand beaches caressed by sea breezes, thoroughbred racing, major league baseball, and professional hockey appeal to the outdoor enthusiast or sports fan. Those who prefer an evening of cultural enrichment can look forward to dinner theater, concerts, live stage productions, popular night spots, and fine dining in elegant or casual settings.
Nassau County manages nearly 85 parks, preserves, museums, historic properties, and athletic facilities for a wide spectrum of attractions. Eisenhower Park in East Meadow covers 930 acres with premier sports facilities that include one of the finest aquatic centers in the nation. One of the three 18-hole golf courses hosts the Commerce Bank PGA championship, and Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre provides a full calendar of concerts and classic movies under the stars. Other popular destinations include the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve in Glen Cove and the two-acre jewel of Centennial Park recently renovated in Roosevelt. Cantiague Park has an outstanding indoor skating rink that once served as the practice site for the New York Islanders and more recently hosted Olympian Nancy Kerrigan. Both Christopher Morley and Grant parks have outdoor skating rinks. Other highlights include the playground at Cedar Creek Park and the superb facilities at the Mitchel Athletic Complex. In a densely populated area like Nassau County, a well-managed parks system greatly enhances the quality of life for residents of all ages. In addition to natural habitats that offer a window into Long Island’s environs, museums like The African American Museum and the Aviation Museum preserve the region’s rich heritage.
Newcomers to Nassau County will discover a kaleidoscope of communities, from bustling cities to cozy villages and hamlets or long-established towns. The entire county is divided into three towns—Hempstead, North Hempstead, and Oyster Bay—and the cities of Long Beach and Glen Cove. Within the three towns are 64 incorporated villages, although another 100 unincorporated communities dot the county. Home settings and architectural styles vary as widely as the lifestyles, ranging from exclusive manors and mansions to bungalows and historic properties. Regardless of where you choose to live on Long Island, the glittering “Big Apple” of Manhattan will be a short commute from home, ensuring easy access to some of the finest cultural attractions and dining opportunities in the world.
HEMPSTEAD TOWNSHIP
Atlantic Beach, East Atlantic Beach
Municipal Offices
516-371-4600
www.villageofatlanticbeach.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-432-6000
www.thelongbeachchamber.com
Atlantic Beach features a bridge link to the Nassau Expressway, the major thoroughfare in the Five Towns area of Nassau County. This drawbridge crosses the Reynolds Channel that separates the Long Island mainland from the Long Beach peninsula. The village occupies the western end of the barrier island dominated by the city of Long Beach, but 100 years ago it did not exist. Atlantic Beach was a sandbar that grew when tons of sand were dredged from the channel to form solid ground for a quiet and exclusive ocean resort. Blending resorts and vacation properties with permanent homes, the village incorporated in 1962 to maintain greater autonomy when North Hampstead decided to open town beaches to all residents. The exclusive oceanfront community of East Atlantic Beach shares the idyllic Long Beach area location, drawing summer visitors to activities like sand volleyball, surfing, cycling, boardwalk jogging, arts and crafts fairs, and outdoor concerts.
Baldwin
Municipal Offices
516-571-2660
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3237/Baldwin
Chamber of Commerce
516-223-8080
www.baldwinchamber.com
Located in the town of Hampstead, the small community of Baldwin began as a center of port activity and recreation for the town that later grew into a residential hamlet with its own unique identity. The legacy of this area, once home to the ever-popular Nunley’s Amusement Park that closed its doors in 1995, continues today in outstanding recreational amenities. In fact, the historic attraction of Nunley’s Carousel has been returned to Baldwin as part of the community’s proud past. This stunning 1912 carousel that delighted generations of South Shore residents and visitors since 1939 is now at home in the beautiful waterfront facility of Baldwin Park. Other attractions in this centerpiece of the community include baseball fields, playgrounds, a new skate park, tennis courts, handball and basketball courts, and a roller hockey rink. The community has garnered many awards over the years for its exemplary services, environmental awareness, and commitment to historic preservation.
Bellerose, Bellerose Terrace
Municipal Offices
516-354-1000
www.bellerosevillage.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-487-2000
www.greatneckchamber.org
The beautiful, idyllic community of Bellerose Village claims an unusual genesis, founded by a wealthy woman of vision in the early 1900s. The village owes much of its early development and charm to Helen Marsh, who was years ahead of Long Island legends Levittown and Betty Friedan. Her dream was a model community of modestly priced houses, and she lived in each one of the first 22 homes to make sure they were built to her standards. Laying out boulevards, streets, and houses around circular flowerbeds was one of Marsh’s concepts. The unpretentious 600-home residential community of Bellerose Terrace was originally built in the 1920s, hugging the Nassau-Queens border. However, the construction of the Grand Central Parkway later sliced Bellerose Terrace in half.
Bellmore, North Bellmore
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-679-1875
www.bellmorechamber.com
The charming and family-oriented communities of Bellmore and North Bellmore are unincorporated areas in the town of Hempstead. Bellmore is reviving its rich history, reclaiming yesterday’s glory with an old-world village district setting for the downtown business district. Vintage colors, period awnings, and hand-carved gold leaf designs are an ideal complement to the area’s fine neighborhoods and handsome homes. Single-family homes dominate the housing selection, ranging in style from Cape Cods to exclusive waterfront mansions. First settled by the Dutch in the 1600s, these communities went through a number of name changes including Smithville for the many residents named Smith. Today’s residents are able to celebrate the legacy of this colorful past each year during the Bellmore Family Street Festival. For more than a decade, thousands have turned out for this old-fashioned event that provides entertainment for all ages.
Bethpage
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The well-balanced community of Bethpage nestled in the town of Oyster Bay boasts some of New York State’s highest-performing public schools with recognized leadership in academics, sports, technology, and the arts. The presence of Briarcliffe College has no doubt set a high benchmark for academic achievement within the community, widely acclaimed for its computer and business programs. The Northrop Grumman History Center serves as an archive that documents the crucial role Bethpage played in our nation’s history. In addition to other important aircraft, the lunar module that landed on the moon in 1969 was built in Bethpage. Neighborhoods in this area feature beautiful homes and meticulously manicured properties. Recreational amenities are equally outstanding, crowned by the golf course at Bethpage State Park—host of the 2002 U.S. Open and future host of the 2009 U.S. Open.
Cedarhurst
Municipal Offices
516-295-5770
www.cedarhurst.gov
Chamber of Commerce
516-292-3800
www.hempsteadchamber.com
“Concerts under the Gazebo” is only one of many charming aspects of Cedarhurst, one of the incorporated villages in Nassau County. The village has earned a reputation as the commercial hub of the Five Towns, drawing residents of the area to its fine shops, convenient services, and first-rate restaurants. In spite of this modern development into suburbia, Cedarhurst has managed to preserve much of the appeal of yesterday. Newcomers will discover a comfortable, quaint, and friendly village complete in just one square mile. The village park often serves as a regional cultural-recreational center, hosting colorful fairs and carnivals as well as musical programs. Cedarhurst is part of the Lawrence Public School system and community is served by the Peninsula Public Library.
East Meadow
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-794-3727
www.eastmeadowchamber.com
From its roots at a grazing area and wool supply center, East Meadow experienced explosive growth in the post-World War II growth era. Farmers were quick to sell their land to developers, and the population soared to create a suburban community. Nassau County’s premier recreational site, Eisenhower Park, is located in East Meadows. This 930-acre parcel is larger than New York City’s Central Park, brimming over with first-rate amenities. East Meadows evolved through the development of single-family homes, offering rich cultural diversity and community pride that ensures a bright future. Residents enjoy a strategic location within an easy driving distance of beautiful shorelines, professionally designed golf courses, and many of New York’s most prestigious colleges.
East Rockaway
Municipal Offices
516-887-6300
www.villageofeastrockaway.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-766-0666
http://rockvillecentrechamberofcommerce.com
Located in the town of Hampstead, East Rockaway offers a hometown atmosphere and a progressive attitude toward restoration and revitalization. The Waterfront Revitalization program has added a fishing pier and floating docks at the Talfor Boat Basin as well as a boardwalk and railing around White Cannon Point. Commuters are enjoying the new parking field just south of the East Rockaway Railroad Station. Downtown improvements that include new curbs, sidewalks, and paving stones as well as vintage street lights and benches have been successful in attracting new businesses. The new recreation center, the Haviland-Davison Grist Mill historic site in Memorial Park, the upgraded John Street Recreation and Ballfield Complex, expansion of recreation programs for all ages, and the expansion of the senior center are a few of the highlights in this proud community.
Elmont
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-766-0666
http://rockvillecentrechamberofcommerce.com
The hamlet of Elmont in the town of Hampstead is proud of its diverse population and the well-defined zones that separate tree-lined residential neighborhoods and commercial or light-industrial development. A variety of retail shops and services ensure a convenient lifestyle while adding to the tax base of the community. Elmont is most famous as the home of the Belmont Park Race Track, the world’s largest thoroughbred racecourse and the site of the Belmont Stakes. However, the similarity between the name of the town and the racetrack are coincidental. In fact, residents decided to change the name from Foster’s Meadow to Elmont a full 20 years before the track even opened in 1905. The event was pivotal in placing Elmont on the fast track of transformation from an agricultural area into a suburban community, and many of the first waves of homes were sold to racetrack employees.
Franklin Square
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
Online Contact Information
https://www.fschamberofcommerce.com/
Closely associated with Garden City South and West Hempstead, the unincorporated community of Franklin Square is located in the town of Hempstead. Garden City Village provides many of the attractions and amenities that are available within close proximity to this residential hamlet. One of the most outstanding features of Franklin Square is simply the lack of exceptional features. This three-square-mile hamlet blends quietly into the landscape of surrounding communities, offering an extremely stable community of single-family homes that are frequently brick faced. Capes and ranches dominate in this area that offers a bridge between nearby Queens and the suburbs. Deep family attachments, sports and civic groups, excellent schools, and uniformity in the housing market contribute to the overall stability of Franklin Square.
Freeport
Municipal Offices
516-377-2200
www.freeportny.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-223-8840
https://freeportchamberofcommerce.org/
The unique and welcoming community of Freeport began billing itself as the “Boating and Fishing Capital of the East” as long ago as the 1940s. Today, the community is known for its dramatic waterfront locations, tree-lined residential neighborhoods, and the liveliness and convenience of the downtown district. More than 45,000 Long Island residents are at home in Freeport, which ranks it as the second largest village in the entire state of New York. The diversity that began to mark Freeport in the latter half of the 20th century continues to shape and transform the area. Visitors flock to Freeport to fish on charter boats or dine in seafood restaurants at the picturesque harbor. While Freeport has numerous claims to fame, the most famous native son is Guy Lombardo. The talented band leader owned a local restaurant and was often called “Mr. Freeport.”
Garden City
Municipal Offices
516-465-4000
www.gardencityny.net
Chamber of Commerce
516-746-7724
www.gardencitychamber.org
Home to Adelphia University, Garden City Village provides a welcoming, attractive setting for bustling retail centers and lovely residential neighborhoods. Graceful, formal homes along tree-shaded lanes combine with some of the most respected retailers in the world along the Franklin Avenue corridor. Service establishments are equally well developed for a truly convenient lifestyle, and dining opportunities are among the finest on Long Island. Recreational amenities within the community include a public swimming pool, a senior recreation center, tennis programs, the Garden City Athletic Association, a soccer organization, and lush parks brimming over with sports facilities. Today’s more modern but less ostentatious version of yesterday’s glorious Garden City Hotel is still considered to be the crown jewel of Long Island.
Hempstead, Hempstead Village, South Hempstead
Hempstead Town Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Hempstead Village Offices
516-489-3400
www.villageofhempstead.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-292-3800
www.hempsteadchamber.com
Hempstead is first and foremost a town of villages—one of which is Hempstead Village, the oldest in Nassau County. For more than two centuries, Hempstead Village served as Long Island’s “shopping center.” The town of Hempstead claims more villages, both incorporated and unincorporated, than any other town on Long Island. One of these is South Hampstead, a small hamlet in close proximity to Hempstead Lake State Park and Hempstead Gardens. Commuting ease changed the face of the town as the rich and powerful flocked to the suburbs, building lavish waterfront mansions and inland equestrian properties. The villages were first established to regulate power and set zoning restrictions. Eventually, beach resorts became year-round communities, the great estates were sold to developers, and Hempstead Village lost its status as “The Hub” when major stores moved to modern malls scattered throughout Long Island. Today, Hempstead is readily recognized in academic circles as the home of the internationally recognized Hofstra University.
Hewlett, Hewlett Neck, Hewlett Bay Park
Municipal Offices
516-295-1400
http://hewlettneck.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-763-9177
www.oceansidechamber.org
The small, one-square-mile unincorporated community of Hewlett in the town of Hempstead is actually one of the four “Hewletts.” Three incorporated villages were created during the 1920s building boom. Hewlett Harbor was established on the former private Seawane Club as a home to prestigious and wealthy families. The smallest of the villages at three-quarters of a square mile, Hewlett Neck was established from a section of Woodmere. Hewlett Bay Park was incorporated in the same timeframe and began as a community with guarded entrance gates. True to their roots as desirable and exclusive enclaves for affluent residents, the three Hewlett villages consistently claim some of the highest median family incomes on Long Island and offer exceptionally attractive homes.
Island Park
Municipal Offices
516-431-0600
www.villageofislandpark.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-483-2000
www.hempsteadchamber.org
The small village of Island Park in the town of Hempstead covers only half a square mile and claims a picturesque location by the ocean. This primarily residential haven has developed its own library on Long Beach Road, a valued resource for the community. In addition to specialty shops and services, Island Park is home to several hospitality suites and a number of fine restaurants that serve a variety of international cuisine. Boating and fishing charters are major businesses in this water-oriented community. Large luxury homes, some that command spectacular waterfront views, tend to dominate the Island Park housing selection. More modest homes are scattered throughout the area, which began as a summer resort colony and transformed into a small, year-round permanent community.
Lawrence
Municipal Offices
516-239-4600
www.villageoflawrence.org
Chamber of Commerce
631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
Distinguished as one of Long Island’s showcase communities, Lawrence is further recognized as the most heavily populated of the six villages in the Five Towns area. The community has remained a bastion of architectural elegance since its founding in the late 1800s. Lawrence is justly proud of its outstanding 18-hole golf course, ranking among the finest village-owned courses in New York. The sprawling Rockaway Hunting Club has been an icon for wealthy families who have enjoyed fox hunts, steeplechases, polo, golf, tennis, and skeet shooting over the past 120 years. The list of Lawrence residents reads like a “Who’s Who” of American prestige and affluence. Rock Hall, a splendid 1767 Georgian mansion originally built as a plantation, serves as a Hempstead Town museum in the heart of the village.
Levittown
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-520-8000
www.levittownchamber.com
Located in the town of Hempstead, the community of Levittown is well known as the “birthplace of suburbia,” a sprawling area that occupies nearly 7.0 square miles. Levittown gained notoriety as the model that was used as the basis for scores of World War II suburban communities, an experiment in low-cost, mass-produced housing. Because of its revolutionary legacy, Levittown is arguably the most famous suburban development in the world. Today, scores of businesses and services create a convenient lifestyle within commuting distance of Manhattan’s glittering attractions. Levitt himself dubbed the community Island Trees, but residents voted to honor his vision by calling their home Levittown. The simple yet adaptable “Levitt Cape” home model was a blank canvass for those who desired to expand and individualize their homes.
Lido Beach
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
The unincorporated community in the town of Hempstead known as Lido Beach was once just an uninhabited, barren sandbar. Lido had its genesis when William Reynolds dredged the channel that bears his name and added tons of sand to create the resort of Long Beach and open the island to pleasure boats. The completion of the Loop Parkway in 1934 made Lido Beach more accessible to road travelers, but the area never really developed into a major resort like Long Beach. The hotel that gave the community its name was converted to residential condominiums in the 1960s, leaving the serene seaside haven of Lido Beach almost entirely residential with the exception of a scattering of night spots and bathing clubs.
Lynbrook
Municipal Offices
516-599-8300
www.lynbrookvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-242-4649
www.lynbrookusa.com
Named Lynbrook as an anagram for Brooklyn, the village was once named after one of Long Island’s most distinguished families, the Pearsalls. The village began to mature around the turn of the century, adding the infrastructure needed for rapid development in the early 1900s. By 1929, Lynbrook had already grown to its current size. The increase in population brought with it convenient services and local shops. Through the decades, the village added a public library, a village swimming pool and aquatic activities, a well-equipped high school, and cultural attractions including several theatres and the Bates Opera House. Today’s multicultural population enjoys a pleasant suburban community with good schools and active social and civic organizations that add to the quality of life. One of the popular European-style restaurants even draws patrons from neighboring towns.
Merrick, North Merrick
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-771-1171
http://merrickchamber.org
Merrick and North Merrick in the town of Hempstead share a name of Native American origin that means “peaceful.” The moniker is still appropriate, since the area’s calm and serene ambiance near the sea is attractive to retirees and empty nesters. Many young professionals and families call this area home as well, creating a balanced environment. Merrick and North Merrick developed separate identities with suburban growth after World War II. Merrick retains its original seaside qualities with the flavor and charm of an older community complete with 19th-century architectural examples. Due in part to its prime location and fine schools, the Merrick area remains one of the more affordable and yet desirable of the South Shore communities.
Mineola
Municipal Offices
516-746-0750
www.mineola-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
516-408-3554
www.mineolachamber.com
Covering an area of two square miles, the village of Mineola combines desirable residential neighborhoods with a thriving business and commercial sector for a pleasing suburban setting. The local chamber of commerce is one of the largest on Long Island and plays an active role in the community. Mineola was once a center of Nassau County agricultural activity and the site of a popular fair that ran for more than 100 years. Revived in 1991 by the chamber and village leaders, the fair is once again wildly popular. Just 20 miles from New York City, the village combines great restaurants and lush parks filled with recreational amenities with excellent services. The teaching institution of Winthrop University Hospital has served as a major healthcare provider with a deep commitment to medical education and research for more than a century. Mineola has long been associated with daring young aviators who took off from the area’s fields, including Charles Lindbergh on his historic flight to Paris in 1927.
New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park
Municipal Offices
516-354-0022
www.vnhp.org
Chamber of Commerce
888-400-0311
www.nhpchamber.org
Distinguished as a center of excellence in Nassau County, New Hyde Park Village meets the highest standards of suburban life. One of the crowning jewels that reflect the community’s unusual sense of pride and perfectionism is the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The superb school system and Hillside Public Library are equally impressive in their services and resources. Sports and hobby clubs as well as civic and social organizations receive resounding support, boosted by a strong spirit of volunteerism. The diversity of the local economy is reflected in the active chamber of commerce in this small but densely populated village. The variety of cuisines and settings in the local cafes and restaurants is so impressive that the entire village can seem like an upscale food court to the casual observer. Neighboring North New Hyde Park remains an unincorporated part of the town of North Hempstead.
Oceanside
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-763-9177
www.oceansidechamber.org
Oceanside is one of the unincorporated communities in the town of Hempstead, claiming a rich and varied history that includes everything from oysters to oil. Residents are well above the state average in income and education, creating an affluent and pleasant environment. This stable area claims many life-long residents, although commuters are drawn to the convenient location and the half-hour commute to New York City. Schools are excellent, the library is first-rate, and Oceanside is home to South Nassau Communities Hospital. One of the retail highlights in this area is the collection of exotic antique shops. Private clubs, a delightful array of restaurants, and popular night spots ensure ample opportunities for socialization. Oceanside is also home to the Long Island Motion Picture Arts Center & Museum.
Rockville Centre
Municipal Offices
516-678-9300
www.rvcny.us
Chamber of Commerce
516-766-0666
http://rockvillecentrechamberofcommerce.com
The bustling village of Rockville Centre emerged as a hub for commerce and finance as long ago as the early 1900s. In spite of the community’s modest three-square-mile area, the town has preserved no less than 150 acres for parks and playgrounds. Leaders also acquired more than 100 acres of the Donald Browne Park from the state. Model-boat racing, hiking, camping, skating, fishing, and picnicking are all common activities. Foresight and attention to detail in the planning of the community has resulted in an unusually high quality of life and a professional approach to urban development, complete with a charming Village Green that hosts festivals and concerts. Services are first rate, and Rockville Centre is one of few communities in the nation where electricity remains a municipal function.
Seaford, Wantagh
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Seaford Community
www.seaford.li
Wantagh Community
www.wantagh.li
Chamber of Commerce
516-242-6910
www.seafordchamberofcommerce.com
Located in the town of Hempstead, the communities of Seaford and Wantagh share a homeowner’s association and outstanding recreational amenities. Seaford is a delightful village that showcases a rare collection of natural history specimens at the Tackapausha Museum and Preserve. Delightful nature trails through virgin woods surround the museum in one of Nassau County’s finest preserves. Wantagh bills itself as the gateway to Jones Beach, providing a wealth of suburban amenities and superb recreational areas in less than four square miles. Picturesque scenery, wonderful dining experiences, beaches and nature parks, and a quaint museum are among the highlights. Jones Beach, with its landmark tower and six miles of white-sand Atlantic beachfront and a shorter stretch along Zach’s bay, has been a popular destination since the 1920s. Boardwalk attractions, fine food, and water-sport activities continue to make this one of Long Island’s best beaches.
Stewart Manor
Municipal Offices
516-354-1800
http://stewartmanor.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-766-0666
http://rockvillecentrechamberofcommerce.com
The incorporated village of Stewart Manor is so closely associated with the village of Floral Park that the two communities are divided by the commercial corridor of Covert Avenue. Serving as a focal point for both communities, Covert Avenue is the site of a street fair each autumn, the holiday tree-lighting ceremony, and a summer “after dark” celebration. Other suburban communities surrounding Stewart Manor include South Floral Park, Bellerose Terrace, and Garden City South. The famous horse racing track of Belmont is nearby. Other regional recreational sites that are close to home include North Hempstead Town Park and Hempstead Lake State Park and Hempstead Gardens. Entertainment centers, restaurants, shopping, services, and cultural attractions in this area make Stewart Manor a convenient and desirable address.
Uniondale
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-746-7724
www.gardencitychamber.org
The unincorporated community of Uniondale is located in the town of Hempstead in an area that claims a lengthy military history from the revolutionary era through the 20th century. The establishment of Mitchell Field on its northern edge grew into an Army Air Corps base during World War II and served as an Air Force base until 1961. Diversity marks the modern population, and the community is home to the important business hub of Long Island Marriott Hotel and Conference Center. The hotel is adjacent to another landmark, the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the scene of a wide variety of entertainment and sports attractions including NHL football and arena football. In fact, Uniondale is synonymous with Long Island major league sports.
West Hempstead
Municipal Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-746-7724
www.gardencitychamber.org
The four-square-mile unincorporated community of West Hempstead is nestled in the town of Hempstead, providing a suburban home for an exceptionally diverse population. While residents are not lacking in material assets, the real wealth of West Hampstead rests in a caring and supportive community life. Resources and services are first rate and continually updated, from the well-stocked library to recreational facilities. The Hempstead Lake State Park encourages fishing, hiking, sports play, and child play with playgrounds and a carousel. Echo Park features baseball, an outdoor pool, a sauna, and a weight room. Civic and social organizations are exceptionally active, enriching the community and enhancing the quality of life.
Woodmere, Woodsburgh
Hempstead Town Offices
516-489-5000
https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/
Chamber of Commerce
516-763-9177
www.oceansidechamber.org
The unincorporated community of Woodmere is the largest in the Five Towns area, offering a bustling business district around Broadway. The tiny incorporated village of Woodsburgh, once part of Woodmere, is strictly residential. Both of these elegant suburban enclaves for affluent residents feature meticulously manicured properties and picturesque streets and lanes lined with stately homes and estates. In addition to excellent public schools, Woodmere is home to the respected private school of Lawrence Woodmere Academy. This area attracts many families who are committed to strong community connections. Fine dining, shopping, and private clubs add to the quality of life. From its roots as a resort of choice for wealthy New Yorkers, the area emerged as an exclusive suburb with a sense of rustic charm in close proximity to the city and white-sand beaches.
NORTH HEMPSTEAD TOWNSHIP
Albertson, Searingtown
Municipal Offices
516-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-739-1943
www.chamberofthewillistons.com
The adjacent communities of Albertson and Searingtown in the town of North Hempstead share a similar history of development. This area remained rural for three centuries before builder William J. Levitt purchased acres of Albertson farmland in 1946 and covered it in mass-produced homes. The following year, he used the methods he had perfected in this area to build his namesake of Levittown. The remaining farmland soon vanished as other developers followed suit, transforming the area into a highly developed suburb that resembled older Nassau County communities. Highlights in this area include Long Island’s oldest Methodist Church founded in the 1700s and the Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson.
East Hills
Municipal Offices
516-621-5600
www.villageofeasthills.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
In the early days of its development, East Hills was an exclusive home for a few wealthy residents who claimed large parcels of land for their mansions and country manors. The grandest was Harbor Hill, where the Clarence Mackay family welcomed guests like the Prince of Wales and Charles A. Lindbergh. The mansion was later demolished to make way for the Country Estates development, just as the East Hills polo field became the Fairfield Park residential neighborhood. These transformations epitomize the story of East Hills, today offering a gracious home to many instead of an elite few. Less than 2 percent of the land remains undeveloped. More than half of the village residents live within the borders of the Town of North Hempstead, although a tiny piece of the village falls within the jurisdiction of Oyster Bay. Just a short commute from New York City, this sought-after community offers a small-town atmosphere with excellent schools, elegant homes, and easy access to magnificent North Shore beaches and golf courses.
East Williston, Williston Park
East Williston Offices
516-746-0782
www.eastwilliston.org
Williston Park Offices
516-746-2193
www.villageofwillistonpark.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-739-1943
www.chamberofthewillistons.com
Closely aligned in proximity and spirit, “the Willistons” share an active chamber of commerce and a similar historical timeline of development. Both communities provide long-established village atmospheres that are steeped in tradition and enriched with the involvement of their residents in social and civic organizations. Annual events and seasonal traditions create a warm, close-knit spirit. The Village Green in East Williston is the scene of activities that bring the community together, located just across from the railroad station. Easter festivities, the volunteer fire department’s Harvest Festival, Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Services, and the village tree lighting ceremony all take place on the town green. Neighboring Williston Park experienced a phenomenal development boom in its first four years of incorporation. Many of the first model homes, known as Happiness Homes, remain today as updated and expanded residences.
Floral Park
Municipal Offices
526-326-6300
www.fpvillage.org
Chamber of Commerce
888-400-0311
www.nhpchamber.com
Floral Park was originally named for the brilliant flower gardens and the thriving seed-order business that sprang up in this area in the late 1800s. Some of the first deed covenants in the village required builder quality, creating neat residential neighborhoods that remain today. During the last half of the 20th century, many older homes were razed and replaced with offices and services for a more suburban appearance. The Floral Park Conservation Society plays an active role in the community, most recently developing the Centennial Gardens Bird Sanctuary as a tribute to the victims and families of the September 11 terrorist attack. One of the most popular amenities in the village is the recreation center, featuring a self-sustaining swimming pool, tennis courts, sports fields and courts, and other facilities. Memorial Park also hosts art shows and musical concerts.
Flower Hill
Municipal Offices
516-627-5000
http://villageflowerhill.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-883-6566
www.pwcoc.org
The affluent village of Flower Hill is divided into Manhasset, Port Washington, and Roslyn. It is possible that a resident could pay school taxes to Port Washington, have a Manhasset telephone exchange, and a Roslyn mailing address. Even neighboring children might attend different school districts, depending upon the dividing lines along the winding roads of the village. Densely planted with flowering trees, the community streets are lined each spring with flowering cherry trees and wild violets. Most homes are well-built to high standards, and even some of the newer colonials were designed to harmonize with beautiful vintage properties. Driving north on Port Washington Boulevard from Northern Boulevard, the St. Francis Hospital complex is visible at the edge of Flower Hill.
Garden City
Municipal Offices
516-465-4000
www.gardencityny.net
Chamber of Commerce
516-746-7724
www.gardencitychamber.org
Home to Adelphia University, Garden City Village provides a welcoming, attractive setting for bustling retail centers and lovely residential neighborhoods. Graceful, formal homes along tree-shaded lanes combine with some of the most respected retailers in the world along the Franklin Avenue corridor. Service establishments are equally well developed for a truly convenient lifestyle, and dining opportunities are among the finest on Long Island. Recreational amenities within the community include a public swimming pool, a senior recreation center, tennis programs, the Garden City Athletic Association, a soccer organization, and lush parks brimming over with sports facilities. Today’s more modern but less ostentatious version of yesterday’s glorious Garden City Hotel is still considered to be the crown jewel of Long Island.
Glenwood Landing
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-676-5490
www.glencovechamber.org
An unincorporated community in the town of Oyster Bay, Glenwood Landing has the unique distinction of having an established post office that has never delivered mail. Residents still visit the post office in person to pick up letters and packages, a tradition that long-established residents seem determined to continue. Few decisions could contribute more to fostering a close-knit community spirit than joining neighbors and friends for the daily postal errand. Adjacent to Roslyn Harbor, the community also enjoys close proximity to Glen Head, Greenvale, Roslyn, and Sea Cliff. Country clubs, recreational amenities, major healthcare institutions, excellent public and private schools, outstanding shopping, fine beaches, marinas, and lovely homes characterize this North Shore area.
Great Neck, Great Neck Plaza, Great Neck Estates
Great Neck Offices
516-482-0019
www.greatneckvillage.org
Great Neck Estates Offices
516-482-8283
www.vgne.com
Great Neck Plaza Offices
516-482-4500
www.greatneckplaza.com
Chamber of Commerce
526-487-2000
www.greatneckchamber.org
The “Great Neck” villages join several unincorporated areas and other villages on the Great Neck Peninsula. Great Neck Village is one of the earliest settlements, and many still refer to it as “the old village.” The dawning of direct rail service to New York City was the largest single influence in development of the Great Neck region, although the area represented prime real estate for centuries before celebrities or captains of industry or even commuting suburbanites made it the western anchor of the Gold Coast. Penned in Great Neck Estates, “The Great Gatsby” immortalized the society scene that once prevailed. Today, density and growing diversity characterize the area. In fact, newcomers will discover an atmosphere that is more delightfully cosmopolitan and lively than most of Long Island.
Greenvale
Municipal Offices
526-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-676-6666
www.glencovechamber.org
The tiny, quiet community of Greenvale is one of the unincorporated areas in the town of North Hampstead. In the early 1900s, many wealthy landowners purchased farms from the original settlers and created extravagant country manors and rural estates. Opportunities to work the land and construct these palatial residences drew many Italian and Polish laborers to the area, and many residents of modern Greenvale are actually descendants of these working-class heroes. Long Island University in neighboring Brookville is so close to Greenvale that it used the community name as its postal designation for more than four decades.
Kings Point
Municipal Offices
516-504-1000
www.villageofkingspoint.org
Chamber of Commerce
526-487-2000
www.greatneckchamber.org
Like many of the small villages that were incorporated on the Great Neck peninsula, Kings Point was home to residents who wanted to preserve the rural charm and identity of their community. Although many of these visionaries were driven by environmental concern that was far ahead of its time, the area also attracted glamorous residents who enjoyed extravagant jazz parties as depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous novel, “The Great Gatsby.” In the book, Kings Point was called West Egg. It was a former Chrysler estate that eventually became the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the 35-room marble mansion now serves as the administration hall. Today, the exclusivity of the area is still evident in the quality and character of the exceptional properties.
Manhasset, Munsey Park, North Hills
Munsey Park Offices
516-365-7790
www.munseypark.org
North Hills Offices
516-627-3451
www.villagenorthhills.com
Chamber of Commerce
www.manhassetny.org
Defying classification as a town or a village, Manhasset is actually four square miles of suburbia in the town of North Hempstead. This bustling commercial area shares a peninsula with Port Washington and encompasses several villages, offering close proximity to Manhattan, fine beaches, county parks, renowned universities, and major airports. Within the boundaries of Manhasset are the affluent communities of Munsey Park, Plandome Village, Plandome Heights Village, Plandome Manor Village, Flower Hill, and North Hills. Many of the homes in this area were designed by architects and custom built with master craftsmanship. The retail corridor between Shelter Rock Road and Searington Road is known as the “Miracle Mile,” showcasing internationally famous boutiques and shops. Yacht and country clubs, town parks, pools, tennis courts, and golf courses are just a few of the nearby recreational amenities. Historical points of interest include the Science Museum of Long Island and the Onderdonk House.
Mineola
Municipal Offices
516-746-0750
www.mineola-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
516-408-3554
www.mineolachamber.com
Covering an area of two square miles, the village of Mineola combines desirable residential neighborhoods with a thriving business and commercial sector for a pleasing suburban setting. The local chamber of commerce is one of the largest on Long Island and plays an active role in the community. Mineola was once a center of Nassau County agricultural activity and the site of a popular fair that ran for more than 100 years. Revived in 1991 by the chamber and village leaders, the fair is once again wildly popular. Just 20 miles from New York City, the village combines great restaurants and lush parks filled with recreational amenities with excellent services. The teaching institution of Winthrop University Hospital has served as a major healthcare provider with a deep commitment to medical education and research for more than a century. Mineola has long been associated with daring young aviators who took off from the area’s fields, including Charles Lindbergh on his historic flight to Paris in 1927.
New Hyde Park, North New Hyde Park
Municipal Offices
516-354-0022
www.vnhp.org
Chamber of Commerce
888-400-0311
www.nhpchamber.com
Distinguished as a center of excellence in Nassau County, New Hyde Park Village meets the highest standards of suburban life. One of the crowning jewels that reflect the community’s unusual sense of pride and perfectionism is the Long Island Jewish Medical Center. The superb school system and Hillside Public Library are equally impressive in their services and resources. Sports and hobby clubs as well as civic and social organizations receive resounding support, boosted by a strong spirit of volunteerism. The diversity of the local economy is reflected in the active chamber of commerce in this small but densely populated village. The variety of cuisines and settings in the local cafes and restaurants is so impressive that the entire village can seem like an upscale food court to the casual observer. Neighboring North New Hyde Park remains an unincorporated part of the town of North Hempstead.
North Hempstead
Municipal Offices
526-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
The sprawling town of North Hampstead covers nearly 60 square miles with suburban development, encompassing scores of upscale villages and welcoming communities as well as commercial development. The western border of the township is approximately 14 miles from Manhattan, ensuring a convenient lifestyle for commuters to the city and easy access to world-class attractions. The town is bordered on the north by beautiful Long Island Sound and on the south by the town of Hempstead. The borough of Queens lies to the west and the town of Oyster Bay forms the eastern border. The northern land boundaries are extensively arranged along the Little Neck and Manhasset Bays as well as and Hempstead Harbor. The town provides an extensive park system that includes a fine new golf course created by a leading golf-course architect.
Old Westbury
Municipal Offices
516-626-0800
www.villageofoldwestbury.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
The crowning jewel of Old Westbury is The College at Old Westbury, one of the campuses for the State University of New York. Also known as SUNY at Old Westbury, the college sprawls over a 600-acre wooded campus just 20 miles from the heart of New York City. Like many Long Island villages, Old Westbury had its first development boom and claim to fame with the Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions. The area’s original farms were replaced by palatial estates, one of which serves today as an exquisite home for the Old Westbury Gardens museum and arboretum. The village is also home to the New York Institute of Technology, created in 1963 from the former estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. Residents of the area enjoy easy access to a wealth of recreational and entertainment attractions, including the North Fork Theatre at Westbury.
Plandome, Plandome Heights, Plandome Manor
Plandome Offices
516-627-1748
www.villageofplandome.org
Plandome Heights Offices
516-627-1136
www.plandomeheights-ny.gov
Plandome Manor Offices
516-627-3701
http://plandomemanor.com
Chamber of Commerce
www.manhassetny.org
Nestled in the attractive suburban area known as Manhasset, the Plandome villages share an ideal location in the town of North Hempstead. The bustling commercial area that surrounds the residential villages shares a peninsula with Port Washington. Close proximity to New York City attractions, fine beaches, county parks, shopping centers, entertainment and nightlife, colleges and universities, and major airports add to the quality of life. Many of the beautiful older homes in this area were designed by respected architects and custom built, sparing no expense or elegant detail. Even the newer homes were required to meet strict standards, for which the villages first incorporated, to maintain the value and visual appeal of this desirable area.
Port Washington, Baxter Estates, Manorhaven, Port Washington North, Sands Point
Baxter Estates Offices
516-767-0096
www.baxterestates.org
Manorhaven Offices
516-883-7000
www.manorhaven.org
Port Washington North Offices
516-883-5900
www.portwashingtonnorth.org
Sands Point Offices
516-883-3044
www.sandspoint.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-883-6566
www.pwcoc.org
The picturesque area known as Port Washington encompasses several villages near Manhasset Bay that are unified by a zip code and a first-rate school district. Decades of economic change and migrations have resulted in a diverse and attractive seaside community that continues to charm newcomers with its natural beauty, country appeal, continuing prosperity, and colorful cultural mix. Wonderful shops and antique dealers combine with “restaurant row” to complement attractive neighborhoods of lovely homes. The exclusive Sands Point village features Gold Coast mansions and a private country club. Homes in the Port Washington area range from historic mansions to waterfront manors with beach, mooring, and water rights. Recreational amenities are superb and include nearby beaches, yachting centers, golf clubs, swimming pools, and lush parks. The architectural treasure of the restored Jeanne Rimsky Theater offers comfort and high technology in a vintage atmosphere. Port Washington is a study in contrasts, from the antiques row on Main Street to modern suburbia, from Gold Coast opulence to tree-shaded neighborhoods.
Roslyn, Roslyn Estates, Roslyn Harbor
Roslyn Offices
516-621-1961
www.historicroslyn.org
Roslyn Estates Offices
516-621-3541
www.villageofroslynestates.com
Roslyn Harbor Offices
516-621-0368
www.roslynharbor.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-883-6566
www.pwcoc.org
The historic and picturesque village of Roslyn is only one of several villages and unincorporated communities in the Greater Roslyn area. Roslyn is one of the oldest of the Long Island villages, boasting more than 100 historic sites. Many of the homes and buildings are included in the Landmark Society’s home tour. The Roslyn Duck Pond and 24-acre park, the nearby 1895 Ellen E. Ward Clock Tower, outstanding restaurants, and the Roslyn Claremont Hotel are unique treasures. Many families in Roslyn have called the area their home for generations, creating a stable and close-knit atmosphere. It was the desire of early residents to gain zoning control that drove the formation of Roslyn Harbor and Roslyn Estates in 1931, with the village of Roslyn following suit in 1932. Rosyln Estates began as a large-scale housing development along winding streets graced by ponds.
Roslyn Heights
Municipal Offices
526-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-883-6566
www.pwcoc.org
The unincorporated community of Roslyn Heights that perches above historic Roslyn Village, along with sections of East Hills and Flower Hill, completes the Greater Roslyn area. This upscale residential enclave is unrivaled for the scenic surroundings that surround handsome homes and estates. Roslyn amenities and commercial convenience add to the quality of life in this small area of 1.5 square miles. One of the most distinguishing features of Roslyn Heights is the strong influence of Jewish culture and faith, crowned by Temple Sinai and the Herbert Tarr-North Shore Institute for Adult Education. The Chabad-Lubavitch movement has an important base in Roslyn Heights and is a powerful voice for the Jewish community. A number of highly successful businesses are also based in Roslyn Heights, and residents of this area tend to be exceptionally well educated.
Westbury, Carle Place
Municipal Offices
526-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
The communities of Westbury and Carle Place share a strategic location near the business and financial district in the heart of Nassau County. Many residents live within walking distance to services and amenities like great shopping and fine dining. The Long Island railroad station to New York City is easily accessible, making this area attractive to commuters to the city. Major Long Island attractions like the Nassau Coliseum, Roosevelt Field Mall, and Jones Beach Theatre add to the quality of life. Formerly known as Westbury Music Fair, the North Fork Theatre at Westbury continues to delight audiences with live entertainment “in the round.” Carle Place was one of several rural communities that began its transformation into suburbia with a flurry of inexpensive home construction by William J. Levitt in the 1940s.
OYSTER BAY TOWN, GLEN COVE, LONG BEACH
Bayville
Municipal Offices
516-628-1439
http://bayvilleny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
Committed to preserving a family-friendly atmosphere and high quality of life, the prosperous village of Bayville offers suburban tranquility and small-town charm. Parents appreciate the outstanding school system, while seniors can choose from a wide variety of clubs and organizations. This Oyster Bay area community boasts its own library and the Bayville Historical Museum. West Harbor Memorial Beach, Soundside Beach, and the Creek Beach and marine facility are other highlights in this water-oriented, intergenerational community. Residents enjoy excellent commuter facilities and close proximity to Atlantic Ocean recreation and water sports. Elite in many respects, Bayville features impressive waterfront properties, a serene setting, and a quality of life that grows richer with each passing year.
Bethpage
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The well-balanced community of Bethpage nestled in the town of Oyster Bay boasts some of New York State’s highest-performing public schools with recognized leadership in academics, sports, technology, and the arts. The presence of Briarcliffe College has no doubt set a high benchmark for academic achievement within the community, widely acclaimed for its computer and business programs. The Northrop Grumman History Center serves as an archive that documents the crucial role Bethpage played in our nation’s history. In addition to other important aircraft, the lunar module that landed on the moon in 1969 was built in Bethpage. Neighborhoods in this area feature beautiful homes and meticulously manicured properties. Recreational amenities are equally outstanding, crowned by the golf course at Bethpage State Park—host of the 2002 U.S. Open and future host of the 2009 U.S. Open.
East Hills
Municipal Offices
516-621-5600
www.villageofeasthills.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
In the early days of its development, East Hills was an exclusive home for a few wealthy residents who claimed large parcels of land for their mansions and country manors. The grandest was Harbor Hill, where the Clarence Mackay family welcomed guests like the Prince of Wales and Charles A. Lindbergh. The mansion was later demolished to make way for the Country Estates development, just as the East Hills polo field became the Fairfield Park residential neighborhood. These transformations epitomize the story of East Hills, today offering a gracious home to many instead of an elite few. Less than 2 percent of the land remains undeveloped. More than half of the village residents live within the borders of the Town of North Hempstead, although a tiny piece of the village falls within the jurisdiction of Oyster Bay. Just a short commute from New York City, this sought-after community offers a small-town atmosphere with excellent schools, elegant homes, and easy access to magnificent North Shore beaches and golf courses.
East Norwich
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
Nestled in the town of Oyster Bay, the unincorporated community of East Norwich began with a scattering of old family farms that were transformed by the turn of the century into estates. East Norwich has reaped both advantages and setbacks from the construction of highways into the community. The highways that led to its development were later widened, destroying many of the historic properties along Route 25A. Fortunately, the John Layton store was relocated to Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Today, the community offers a quiet village atmosphere in close proximity to a wide range of Long Island amenities and attractions.
Farmingdale, South Farmingdale
Municipal Offices
516-249-0093
www.farmingdalevillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-286-7800
www.farmingdalenychamber.org
Located in the town of Oyster Bay, the area that surrounds the incorporated village of Farmingdale and the unincorporated community of South Farmingdale has a long history of manufacturing and industrial activity. Although the early farms prompted the state to establish the Agricultural and Technical College in the early 1900s, most of those that remained after World War I were purchased by companies looking for manufacturing space. Unlike many of the Long Island villages that grew with residential development, Farmingdale’s first boom was driven by industrial expansion. The rest of the open space quickly vanished in the post World War II building boom. Today’s residents enjoy a well-balanced community that offers convenient shopping, services, dining opportunities, civic and social groups, tree-lined neighborhoods, and a close-knit atmosphere. Bethpage State Park provides outstanding recreational opportunities.
Glen Cove City
Municipal Offices
516-676-2000
www.glencove-li.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-676-6666
www.glencovechamber.org
One of the few cities on Long Island, Glen Cove provides a beautiful blend of modern development, historic preservation, nautical features, serene neighborhoods, and bustling commerce. Cultural highlights include the Garvies Point Museum and the Nassau County Holocaust Memorial and Education Center. Yesterday’s lavish Gold Coast estates with their opulent homes are now serving as the Webb Institute and Harrison House Conference Center as well as Killenworth, a long-established retreat for Russian delegations to the United Nations. Recreational amenities include the Glen Cove Municipal Golf Course, Morgan Park, picturesque marinas, three beautiful beaches, and the Glen Cove Yacht Club. Waterfront revitalization is adding new marinas, restaurants, and entertainment centers to an already impressive list of city attributes.
Glen Head
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The unincorporated community of Glen Head is located in the town of Oyster Bay, one of the North Shore communities. Exclusive golf and country clubs, nautical and water-sport features, beautifully preserved architecture and traditions, and modern suburbia are all elements in the area’s multi-faceted profile. Retirees and empty nesters are drawn to the area’s serenity. At the same time, families with small children find a welcoming and comfortable home and young professionals can enjoy a lively nightlife. Historic buildings often offer elegant boutiques, and the private Glen Head Country Club adjoins a municipal peer. Diversity marks the population as well, blending centuries of development and change. Fine dining and unique shopping experiences are just a few of the delights waiting in beautiful Glen Head.
Greenvale
Municipal Offices
526-869-6311
www.northhempstead.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-676-6666
www.glencovechamber.org
The tiny, quiet community of Greenvale is one of the unincorporated areas in the town of North Hampstead. In the early 1900s, many wealthy landowners purchased farms from the original settlers and created extravagant country manors and rural estates. Opportunities to work the land and construct these palatial residences drew many Italian and Polish laborers to the area, and many residents of modern Greenvale are actually descendants of these working-class heroes. Long Island University in neighboring Brookville is so close to Greenvale that it used the community name as its postal designation for more than four decades.
Hicksville
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-931-7170
www.hicksvillechamber.com
One of the incorporated communities in the town of Oyster Bay, Hicksville once had such a strong German population that its first newspaper was printed in German. Former agricultural activity quickly transformed into residential development in the post World War II building boom, transforming Hicksville into a bustling suburb filled with commuters. Even today, the train station in Hicksville is the most heavily used east of Jamaica. One of the most famous of Hicksville’s native sons is the world-renowned musician Billy Joel. This area is also home to Hicksville Gregory Museum, showcasing the largest rock and mineral collection on Long Island along with more than 5,000 butterfly and moth specimens. The museum also offers educational programs in earth and natural sciences and Long Island history.
Jericho
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
Located on the historic turnpike that bears its name, Jericho enjoys a central location in Nassau County and easy access to the Long Island Expressway. This unincorporated area in the town of Oyster Bay is an exclusive community that boasts some of the leading public schools in the nation. Jericho features unusually attractive homes and properties, ranging from contemporary estates to turn-of-the-century homes that reflect the grandeur of the area’s rich history. Just 45 minutes from New York City, Jericho offers easy access to popular Long Island attractions like the Nassau Coliseum, Belmont Park, the North Fork Theatre at Westbury, and Jones Beach Open Air Theater. Married couples and families tend to dominate the demographics, attracted at least in part by the reputation of the educational system.
Lattingtown
Municipal Offices
516-676-6920
www.villageoflattingtown.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The small village of Lattingtown in Oyster Bay Town is known for the atmosphere of grandeur created by stately mansions graced by meticulous landscaping. Remaining isolated farmland for centuries, the area was transformed at the turn of the century into lavish estates by wealthy industrialists. One of the largest of these properties covered 300 acres. Two of the affluent founders sealed the high-brow image of the village as long ago as the 1930s by purchasing and razing the small commercial district that had historically served the area. Today, as then, Lattingtown remains an exclusively residential enclave within the Oyster Bay region. Ironically, one of yesterday’s opulent 118-acre estates was transformed into St. Josephat’s Monastery—a home for monks who take a vow of poverty.
Laurel Hollow
Municipal Offices
516-692-8826
www.laurelhollow.org
Chamber of Commerce
631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
The water-oriented village of Laurel Hollow in the town of Oyster Bay is closely associated with Cold Spring Harbor. Like many villages in this area, Laurel Hollow became the home of choice for affluent New Yorkers around the turn of the century, including Louis Comfort Tiffany, the world-famous stained-glass artisan. These industrialists established sprawling estates, spurring Oyster Bay Town to engage in bitter legal battles over public access to the waterfront. Two of the most elaborate of these estates failed to stand the test of time, including Tiffany’s. Landmarks that remain in Laurel Hollow include St. John’s Episcopal Church erected in 1836 and New York’s second permanent fish hatchery, opened three years earlier. Laurel Hollow is also home to the 107-acre Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an internationally recognized genetic and cancer research center that is on the National Register of Historic Places.
Long Beach City, Long Beach
Municipal Offices
516-431-1000
www.longbeachny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
631-423-6100
www.huntingtonchamber.com
From its roots as a resort for the affluent New York vacationers, Long Beach has evolved over the decades into a unique residential and beach community just 45-minutes by passenger rail from New York City. Often called the “Gold Coast,” Long Beach is actually a barrier island on the south shore of Long Island. One of only two cities on Long Island, it boasts five miles of white-sand beaches and an impressive 2.5-mile boardwalk. Homes are never more than a few hundred yards from the ocean, since the city is only a half-mile wide at the widest point. The bay side is lined with single-family homes and private docks, although waterfront homes also hug the canals that connect Long Beach with the bay. The real heyday of Long Beach dates back to the 1920s, but much of the city is undergoing a renaissance and housing options are diverse.
Massapequa, Massapequa Park, North Massapequa
Municipal Offices
516-798-0244
www.masspk.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-541-1443
http://massapequachamber.org
The unincorporated Massapequa area in the town of Oyster Bay encompasses the incorporated village of Massapequa Park. Like many villages on Long Island, the initiative to incorporate was spurred by a desire for greater control over zoning and development. Massapequa Park was originally developed by three Irishmen, and many of the street names reveal “a bit of the Erin.” Today, this South Shore community offers a close-knit atmosphere and a balanced hometown environment. The Massapequa area harmonizes bustling retail centers and extensive commercial development with lovely parks, shoreline vistas, recreational amenities, and tree-lined neighborhoods. Area beaches as well as the John J. Burns Town Park and Marjorie R. Post Community Park are popular destinations. The Massapaquea Park Bicycle Club with its 400 passionate members is a symbol of the town’s sprit and its love for the open and for fitness. Famous native sons are Alec Baldwin and his actor brothers, comedian Jerry Seinfeld, and composer Marvin Hamlisch.
Matinecock
Municipal Offices
516-671-7790
www.matinecockvillage.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
Nestled in the town of Oyster Bay, the affluent community of Matinecock was one of several villages that became incorporated in the 1920s to give wealthy developers more control of their environment. This idyllic, completely residential enclave with a population that is still counted in the hundreds recently hit the national spotlight when it was suggested by Worth magazine that it might be the most expensive place in the nation. Certainly, the median home price in Matinecock is difficult to top—which is also true of the median household income. The village is home to the legendary Piping Rock Club, founded in 1912. In the early decades of the 20th century, the club played host to heads of state and royalty. Today, simple wealth is the norm.
Mill Neck
Municipal Offices
516-922-6722
http://millneckvillage.com
Chamber of Commerce
526-487-2000
www.greatneckchamber.org
One of several exclusive villages on Long Island’s famous Gold Coast, Mill Neck was once home to powerful, wealthy, and prestigious families like the Vanderbilts, Whitneys, Rockefellers, and Levitts. Many of these lavish estates have stood the test of time in spite of dramatic changes in ownership and use. The 1923 English Tudor mansion of Lillian Dodge, for example, became the Mill Neck Manor School for Deaf Children in the 1950s. In some cases, a new-generation mogul will purchase a legendary estate, like the 1906 mansion once owned by Abby Rockefeller. Ironically, the 1964 estate of developer William J. Levitt, known for his innovation of mass-produced subdivisions, has been subdivided. Film producers are frequently drawn to the idyllic and unique Mill Neck area.
Muttontown
Municipal Offices
516-364-3476
www.villageofmuttontown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
Characterized as a small village of picturesque hills and majestic estates in northern Oyster Bay Town, Muttontown offers an exclusive residential haven with one of Long Island’s highest median household incomes. Nestled in the town of Oyster Bay, it is one of the North Shore communities with East Norwich to the north and Jericho on the south. Just 25 minutes from Manhattan, the village is served by Routes 106 and 25A. Muttontown was originally developed as part of “Gold Coast” fever around the turn of the century, and several of its former opulent estates serve today as major private sanctuaries: Woodcrest Club and the Muttontown Golf and Country Club. Muttontown Preserve, owned by Nassau County and open to the public, was once part of the lavish Knollwood Estate. Unlike many affluent Long Island villages that developed to capacity within a few short decades, Muttontown sharply increased in population over the last four decades of the 20th century.
Old Bethpage, Plainview
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-937-5646
https://pobcoc.com
Old Bethpage and Plainview, unincorporated suburban communities in the town of Oyster Bay, are closely enough aligned to share a school district and a chamber of commerce. Housing is in high demand in this area, from luxurious properties priced into the millions of dollars to more modest homes. The median income and educational level are both significantly higher than average, the location is advantageous, and the quality of life is outstanding. Many fine hotels are at home in the Plainview area, a further testament to the area’s prime location. In addition to well-developed retail, recreational and entertainment attractions, the area offers good schools, one of the finest libraries in Nassau County, and major healthcare facilities. One of the unique attractions in this area is the Old Bethpage Restoration Village, a recreation of a 19th-century Long Island community. The Plainview-Old Bethpage area also enjoys access to all major highways.
Old Westbury
Municipal Offices
516-626-0800
www.villageofoldwestbury.org
Chamber of Commerce
516-997-3966
www.wcpchamber.com
The crowning jewel of Old Westbury is The College at Old Westbury, one of the campuses for the State University of New York. Also known as SUNY at Old Westbury, the college sprawls over a 600-acre wooded campus just 20 miles from the heart of New York City. Like many Long Island villages, Old Westbury had its first development boom and claim to fame with the Gatsby-era Gold Coast mansions. The area’s original farms were replaced by palatial estates, one of which serves today as an exquisite home for the Old Westbury Gardens museum and arboretum. The village is also home to the New York Institute of Technology, created in 1963 from the former estate of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney. Residents of the area enjoy easy access to a wealth of recreational and entertainment attractions, including the North Fork Theatre at Westbury.
Oyster Bay, Locust Valley
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The town of Oyster Bay claims one of the most revered suburban environments in the nation. This area encompasses villages that are famous for their beautiful homes, manicured lawns, shopping centers, and quaint retail areas. Acclaimed attractions include the Bailey Arboretum, the collections of the historical society, and the 500-acre John Kennedy Memorial Sanctuary with its pristine natural surroundings. Another 400 acres are reserved for the Planting Fields. Bathing and picnic areas and sports facilities grace the white-sand beaches. The charming unincorporated hamlet of Locust Valley harmonizes quaint shops, landmarks, fine restaurants, and lovely homes that include some elegant estates. Two private schools complement the excellent public school system in this area.
Oyster Bay Cove
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-922-6464
www.visitoysterbay.com
The small village of Oyster Bay Cove is cradled between Oyster Bay and the Cove Neck peninsula. Well-preserved colonial homes line the picturesque country roads in this area that was known simply as “The Cove” in the Gold Coast heydays of the late 1800s. In fact, it was a desire to control the unbridled construction boom of the 1920s that drove Oyster Cove to incorporate as a village. Residents enjoy a serene residential setting in close proximity to the first-rate suburban development that covers the surrounding town of Oyster Bay. Interesting museums, lush parks, recreational amenities, cultural attractions, and first-rate shopping opportunities combine with exceptional services to create an unrivaled quality of life.
Sea Cliff
Municipal Offices
516-671-0080
www.seacliff-ny.gov
Chamber of Commerce
516-676-6666
www.glencovechamber.org
Just 25 miles east of Manhattan, a prominence of rock off Long Island’s North Shore forms the one-square-mile village of Sea Cliff. Natural beauty and civic excellence combine in this delightful suburb where the median income is nearly twice the national average. No less than 16 lush parks grace the community, the most scenic being Memorial. Each green space has its own attraction, such as the stage at Elm Park that offers Shakespeare plays in season. The community beach along the Gold Coast is a focal point of life in the warmer months, and a community picnic kicks off the summer season. Village homes showcase Queen Anne, Carpenter Gothic, and Victorian architecture, an ideal complement to the area’s dramatic seaside beauty. Many artists call Sea Cliff their home, and the area celebrates the arts and crafts in a number of colorful and well-attended festivals.
Syosset, Woodbury
Municipal Offices
516-624-6350
www.oysterbaytown.com
Chamber of Commerce
516-937-5646
https://pobcoc.com
Although Syosset has remained one of the unincorporated communities in the town of Oyster Bay, it has emerged as a center of excellence in education and healthcare. The public school district and area private schools are highly regarded, and the local library is an outstanding resource for all ages. Syosset Hospital continually ranks near the top of non-profit healthcare institutions of its size and type. Massapequa General and the North Shore University Hospitals are also located in Syosset. Woodbury neighbors Syosset, and the two communities share a fire department, a school district, and a chamber of commerce. They also share a location near a number of lush parks and recreational open space. Along with its lovely residential neighborhoods, Woodbury is home to a number of businesses and corporations, primarily along Jericho Turnpike and the Long Island Expressway.
