Long Island is more than your everyday suburb. Not only does it provide easy access to NYC, but it’s a truly unique place to live. And many even choose to do so. The population of Long Island is 7 million, which includes Brooklyn and Queens. Without them, the population is 3 million.
If you’d like to join them, read on.
In this article, we’re going to explore the best neighborhoods in Long Island, what makes them great, and why you should consider moving there…
Let’s get started.
North Shore Vs. South Shore
A debate for the ages.
Long Island has two very different sides. On one side, you’ve got the peaceful North Shore. Here, you’ll find quiet streets and a unique old-fashioned charm, not to mention the stunning views of the water.
But then you have the lively South Shore. This part of Long Island is full of life and activity. It’s where you’ll find beautiful beaches and plenty of things to do. It’s much more suited for a more active lifestyle.
So, which side do you prefer? Do you prefer a peaceful vibe or a lively one? Not yet decided?
Not to worry, we’ve got recommendations for both. Here are our ten best-recommended neighborhoods from Long Island.
Oyster Bay
Situated on Long Island’s North Shore, Oyster Bay is celebrated for its rich history and warm, small-town atmosphere. One of its standout features is its excellent school system. The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District is known for its strong commitment to quality education and is highly regarded by residents.
Safety is a top priority in Oyster Bay. In fact, we scored Oyster Bay with a solid rating of 71/100 for Livability, where low crime rates played a significant part.
In terms of housing, Oyster Bay saw a median sold price of $1,570,000 for houses in the past year. This figure reflects the neighborhood’s desirability, with its scenic waterfront views and charming tree-lined streets.
It’s definitely a worthy contender for one of the best neighborhoods on Long Island.
Great Neck Gardens
Our next stop on this Long Island journey is Great Neck Gardens, a neighborhood that oozes comfort. Located on the North Shore, Great Neck Gardens offers residents a serene neighborhood.
The area offers more than just homes; it provides a sense of community. Allenwood Park, with its serene ponds and a meandering walking path, is a beloved spot for residents year-round.
For those considering a move to Great Neck Gardens, the neighborhood’s average home value stands at approximately $1,288,819, reflecting its appeal and value.
Great Neck Gardens scores a solid 69/100 for livability, with a significant contributor being its low crime rates. Safety is a top priority here, ensuring peace of mind for families and individuals.
Stony Brook
Our next area is another from the picturesque North Shore of Long Island. Stony Brook stands out as a neighborhood dedicated to education. It’s home to Stony Brook University, and its college-town vibe draws students and families alike.
Stony Brook University is the heart of this neighborhood. Its academic influence has shaped Stony Brook into a college city. Initially a tourist town, its charming houses and breathtaking landscapes attracted visitors from near and far. When SUNY Stony Brook set up its campus here, the town evolved into a thriving college city. For many Stony Brook alumni, this charming neighborhood becomes their forever home, a testament to its appeal.
Stony Brook scores a commendable 66/100 for livability, with low crime rates contributing to its desirability. For those considering settling in Stony Brook, the average home value stands at around $661,747. This reflects the neighborhood’s affordability, making it an attractive choice for many.
Valley Stream
Nestled on Long Island’s South Shore, Valley Stream is the place for commuters. It’s incredibly close to New York City, making it a favorite for those who work in the city but want a quieter suburban life. The diverse community and welcoming atmosphere make it a standout.
Valley Stream is a commuter’s dream come true. Tucked away in Queens, it’s easy to reach by subway and JFK Airport. Its proximity to the city is a real blessing for newcomers, and it offers remarkable convenience for all.
Valley Stream State Park is a local gem with great walking routes and plenty of parking. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and has even made appearances in films and TV series.
Valley Stream is affordable and accessible, offering the best of both worlds. It’s a busy and commuter-friendly place that’s also close to Manhattan. In fact, the average home value is around $650,085, making it an attractive choice for those looking for affordability.
Islip
Located on Long Island’s South Shore, Islip is a great place to live. This family-friendly neighborhood offers a mix of beautiful beaches and local parks.
Despite being the third-most populous city in New York, Islip retains a charming small-town ambiance. Even though it’s located on the South Shore, it’s a magnet for retirees and those seeking a slower pace of life. Here, you can indulge in golfing at scenic courses and access a selection of good schools. While Islip is typically peaceful, the summer months bring a livelier student nightlife.
Islip earns a commendable rating of 74/100 thanks to its low cost of living and low crime rate. It’s a place where residents can enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank.
For those considering a move to Islip, the median sale price for homes in East Islip averages around $600,000. This reflects Islip’s affordability compared to nearby areas.
Islandia
Next up, we have Islandia, a serene town with a population of around 3,600 residents. The area is nestled on the north side of Long Island. While it enjoys the tranquility of isolation, it also shares some of the amenities of nearby Islip, including access to schools and healthcare facilities.
With a commendable livability rating of 73/100, Islandia is a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life. It excels in terms of affordability, with a low cost of living, and boasts a low crime rate, ensuring your peace of mind.
For those considering Islandia as their home, the average price of homes sold here is around $545,000. It’s an affordable option for those looking for a tranquil haven.
Plainview
Plainview is a hamlet located on the North Shore of Long Island. It’s a small area with a population of less than 30,000. However, it is all about convenience. It has easy access to everything you need, from shopping and dining to excellent school systems.
Plainview is not only a convenient place to live but also an ideal spot to start and grow professionally. Its proximity to the Long Island Expressway makes commuting a breeze, opening up work opportunities in NYC. Weekenders seeking a break from the city sprawl are warmly welcomed to explore all that Plainview has to offer.
Additionally, there are plenty of family-friendly amenities. For example, Plainview-New Bethpage Community Park has been serving the community since 1960. It offers an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis courts, and numerous play areas,
For those considering Plainview as their home, the median price of a home in the area is around $933,000. It’s pricey but, compared to NYC standards, relatively affordable.
Plainview boasts a commendable livability rating of 66/100, with low crime rates contributing to its desirability.
Huntington
Our next best neighborhood of Long Island is Huntington. It is located on Long Island’s North Shore and is a beautiful town with stunning beaches and a lively downtown area.
Huntington earns a solid livability rating of 69/100, driven by its low cost of living and low crime rates.
For those considering Huntington as their home, the median home cost in the area is approximately $737,400. This reflects the neighborhood’s desirability and value.
Port Washington
We move on to another North Shore area of Long Island, which is Port Washington. It is well known for its stunning waterfront views and easy access to Manhasset Bay.
It is a family-friendly place to live, especially with its educational focus. Here, you’ll find excellent schools that prioritize your child’s future.
The town boasts a charming downtown area that’s perfect for leisurely strolls and local shopping.
For those considering Port Washington as their home, the average home value in the area stands at approximately $1,063,277.
Port Washington earns a commendable livability rating of 66/100, with low crime rates being a significant factor. Safety is paramount in this welcoming community.
Garden City
The final destination on our list is Garden City, an upscale community on the South Shore of Long Island. It stands out for its beautiful streets and elegant homes.
It’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a suburban lifestyle while maintaining easy access to Manhattan, thanks to its proximity to major highways and a Long Island Rail Road station.
The average home value in Garden City is approximately $1,071,019, reflecting the neighborhood’s upscale charm and value.
Garden City earns a commendable livability rating of 68/100, boasting a low cost of living and a low crime rate.
What is the best Long Island neighborhood for commuters?
The best Long Island neighborhood for commuters will require combining convenient transportation access with a comfortable lifestyle. So, areas near Long Island MacArthur Airport for easy air travel connections and neighborhoods along the Long Island Expressway are great areas to live in.
Which Long Island neighborhood is ideal for young professionals?
Areas like Long Island City, Huntington, and Patchogue offer great choices both in terms of affordability and convenience.
Which counties are part of Long Island?
Long Island comprises three counties: Suffolk County (The home of the now-closed Long Island Arena), Queens County (commonly known as Queens), and Nassau County (home to Jones Beach Park). These counties collectively form the diverse region of Long Island.
Is Long Island real estate valuable?
Yes, Long Island real estate is considered valuable. Long Island has great access to New York City and excellent schools, resulting in it consistently being a desirable area for real estate investment. The value of real estate on Long Island varies depending on the specific location within the island, but overall, it tends to hold its value well and often appreciates over time.
Bottom Line
There you have it. That’s our list of the best neighborhoods in Long Island that you should definitely consider moving to.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this article and that it has provided valuable insights for your future plans. If you’re seeking more informative content, please explore the rest of our site, where you’ll find a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.