Looking for the best places to live on Long Island? Whether you’re searching for an affordable home for your family or great job opportunities, these are some of the top places to live on Long Island!
Photo via @sharfrealty
Known collectively as the “Old Village” among locals, Great Neck encompasses nine villages that create a region of the same name. This Long Island region has a strong sense of community and is a particularly great place for families to live, thanks to the excellence of Great Neck Public Schools. Great Neck also offers access to New York City and the Hamptons via Long Island Rail Road, as well as fun things to do within the village of Great Neck Plaza, area’s main hub and commercial district.
Attend an outdoor movie showing with the family or go ice skating during the winter months in Great Neck’s Park District. Head to the Great Neck Library to attend events like Jazz & Sketch Night or sign the kids up for a computer coding class. Make your way to the Autumn Treat event in Great Neck Estates to find delicious treats, desserts, and apple cider, as well as musical entertainment from bands. Visit the American Merchant Marine Museum in Kings Point to see historic artifacts and artwork that illustrate America’s maritime services. Experience the thrill of a challenging ropes course at the Alley Pond Adventure Course. Fill up on Chinese dishes like Wonton Soup, Chicken Kew, or Teriyaki Yaki at Cho-Sen Village. Grab a seat at Bistro Burger and enjoy a Bistro Beef Burger or a Pastrami Panini. Or treat yourself to desserts like an Apple Pie, Lemon Tart, or a Chocolate Danish at Sweet Temptations Desserts.
Photo via @debrarussellhomes
If you’re moving to Long Island in search of small-town living, Huntington may be the perfect place for you! Situated along Northport Bay, Huntington is an excellent home for anyone who loves being outside, getting on the water, or enjoying recreational activities like fishing or sailing! People of all ages call Huntington home because it offers a variety of employment opportunities in the technology, insurance, education, and manufacturing industries. But that’s not all the town has to offer! Huntington residents occupy themselves with museums, parks, and an entertainment scene bursting with hip bars, pubs, and fun nightlife events.
Spend a day fishing, kayaking, or swimming at Gold Star Battalion Beach. Visit The Heckscher Museum of Art to see exhibits like Eclipse of the Sun, which is a masterpiece of political art and has one the most significant paintings on Long Island. Learn more about Long Island’s history with the whaling industry at The Whaling Museum. Tee off at the scenic 18-hole golf course at Huntington Country Club. Enjoy Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, a Country Breakfast Skillet, or Loaded Breakfast Burrito at Hatch. Order a New York Jam Burger, Birdhouse Chicken Sandwich, or Vegan Wings at Vauxhall. Fill up on Fish & Chips or a Steak Sandwich at Finley’s of Greene Street. Or sip on drinks like the Passion Fruit Martini or Blackberry Coconut Mojito at IMC Restaurant & Bar.
Photo via @kwpointsnorth
A Long Island hamlet near Queens, Manhasset offers excellent amenities, including bike-friendly paths, golf courses, parks, and access to beaches. Most notable of these amenities is the Americana Manhasset—or Miracle Mile—an upscale shopping center with over 60 shops and restaurants located along Northern Blvd. Manhasset is also home to the acclaimed North Shore University Hospital, which is part of Northwell Health and one of the state’s largest healthcare providers and employers.
Stroll through nature or play a game of lacrosse with friends at Manhasset Valley Park. Swim in the outdoor pool, fly a kite, or go fishing at Whitney Pond Park. Hike through the nature trails near Downtown Manhasset at Leeds Pond Preserve. Get fresh apple or pumpkin pies, cider donuts, or decorate pumpkins at the Manhasset Fall Festival. Head to North Hills Country Club to go bowling, play golf, or practice your tennis skills. Grab tickets to see a drama movie at the Bow Tie Manhasset Theater. Start off your day with a Breakfast Crepe, Avocado Toast, or Belgian Waffle at Buttercooky Bakery & Cafe. Feast on dishes like White Tuna, Hamachi Yellowtail, or Steamed Vegetable Dim Sum at Pearl East. Or fill up on Italian favorites like Pasta Carbonara or Bolognese at Antonio’s Italian Restaurant.
Photo via @aaronbatesrealestate
Bordered by two nature preserves, Massapequa’s convenient South Shore location offers fantastic access to water recreation like boating in Great South Bay or fishing at Massapequa Cove. This Long Island hamlet is home to many bike-friendly trails, community parks like John Burns Park and Field of Dreams Park, and streets lined with large trees and Cape Cod-style houses. Massapequa is especially attractive for families, thanks to the highly-rated schools and sports programs within the Massapequa School District.
Embark on a scenic hike or go on a bike ride on the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail. Spend an evening catching fish, going for a jog, or checking out the wildlife at the Massapequa Preserve. Climb the rock wall, dance to live music, or shop from over 150 craft and merchandise vendors at the Massapequa Park Street Fair. Attend an intermediate art workshop or browse the nonfiction books at Massapequa Public Library. Learn more about the ecology of Long Island and check out animal exhibits at the Tackapausha Museum & Preserve. Stop by the Massapequa Diner to order a Tex-Mex Burger, Philly Cheese Steak, or Grilled Shrimp BLT. Indulge in Shrimp Parmigiana, Chicken Rollatini, or a Buffalo Pizza at Carmela’s. Feast on seafood dishes like Blue Point Oysters, Seafood Chowder, or Fried Calamari at Smuggler Jack’s. Or unwind with drinks like a Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Merlot, or Brooklyn Lager at the New York Burger Bar.
Photo via @sethlevyhomes
The hamlet of Merrick offers a suburban feel and low crime rates, making it a perfect place to live on Long Island—especially for young families. Growing households can send their children to quality schools within the Merrick Union Free School District or to private schools like Progressive School of Long Island and Grace Christian Academy. But this Long Island city isn’t just good for families. It’s also a great spot for young professionals seeking job opportunities in the healthcare, education, and finance industries.
Go kayaking, jog the trails, or birdwatch at the Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve. Let your pup play at the dog park or ice skate with the family at Newbridge Road Park. Sign up for an improv workshop or enroll the kids in a theatre class at the Merrick Theatre & Center for the Arts. Dance the night away while listening to live music at the Merrick Street Fair. Head to Anchor Down to try Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna, Littleneck Clams, or Crispy Fish Tacos. Enjoy dinner with a view and order Coconut Shrimp, Hawaiian Poke Bowl, or Seafood Risotto at SALT. Savor dishes like a Ramen Stir Fry or Spicy BBQ Steak Tacos at Street to Table. Or enjoy a night out on the town while sipping on drinks like The Blue Agave Mule at George Martin’s Grillfire.
Photo via @SarneyDesignGroup
Low crime rates, friendly neighbors, lush parks, and highly-rated schools within the Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District await you in Plainview! A small Oyster Bay hamlet located near Central Long Island, Plainview shares its school system and library with neighboring town Old Bethpage, along with prominent 209-acre historical museum, Old Bethpage Village Restoration. This Long Island area also has a strong labor market, thanks to top employers like Veeco, Kelta Inc, WE Transport, and Henderson & Bodwel, LLP.
Let the kids play on the playground, take a swim in the pool, or play a game of softball at Plainview Old Bethpage Park. Spend an afternoon rock climbing at Island Rock. Visit the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a huge history museum where you can immerse yourself in 19th century Long Island life or attend events like Marching Through History. Enjoy a movie night with the family at the ISH Events Outdoor Movies & Drive In. Attend a group fitness class like kickboxing or pilates at Mid-Island Y JCC. Dig into Shrimp Lo Mein, Sweet & Sour Pork, or Egg Drop Soup at Hunan Cottage. Try Penne Siciliana or Homemade Meatballs at La Famiglia. Or fill up on dishes like Taco Pizza, a Panini Caprese, or Eggplant & Ricotta Pizza at Mario’s Ristorante & Pizza.
Photo via @makenzie_coachrealtors
Originally a tourist town about halfway between the Hamptons and New York City, Stony Brook is now a great place to call home on Long Island for those looking for a tight-knit, suburban community. Though the town is a bit quieter than other areas of Long Island, there’s plenty going on in Stony Brook! Stony Brook Village is home to a variety of unique shops, restaurants, and marina for residents to enjoy, and there are several beaches nearby around Smithtown Bay. Not to mention, the area is home to Stony Brook University, which offers a liberal arts education and employment opportunities with Stony Brook University Hospital.
Dip your toes in the water or play beach volleyball at West Meadow Beach. Go paddle boarding or soak up some rays at Stony Brook Beach. Attend jazz performances from groups like the Sheryl Bailey Trio or the Jazz Loft Trio at The Jazz Loft. Stop by The Long Island Museum to see exhibitions like Fire & Form: New Directions in Glass or Tiffany Glass: Painting with Color & Light. Visit The Reboli Center for Art and History to see the works of local artist Joe Reboli, along with other contemporary artists. Enjoy Indian cuisine like Lamb Curry or Shrimp Vindalu at The Curry Club. Try a Mushroom & Onion Burger or Triple Decker Club Sandwich at the Country House Restaurant. Or sample a Blanc de Noir Rose or Harmonious Red Blend at Harmony Vineyards.
Photo via @homesoflongisland
Living in Syosset is a good option for those who want to live in a more residential area while still having access to amenities like beaches, universities, and light rail transportation. Syosset is located in the town of Oyster Bay and surrounded by the villages of Oyster Bay Cove, Laurel Hollow, Woodbury, and Muttontown, so you’ll have tons of things to do within the hamlet’s many parks, restaurants, shops, and bars. In addition, this Long Island community is popular among families looking for great schools within the Syosset Central School District, as well as at private schools like Our Lady of Mercy Academy and St. Edward the Confessor School.
Go horseback riding or mountain biking on the trails at the 270-acre Stillwell Woods Park. Challenge yourself to a game of golf at the Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course. Attend an acting class or see performances of shows like Les Miserables at The Cultural Arts Playhouse. Check out displays of minerals, fossils, butterflies, and more when visiting the Hicksville Gregory Museum. Experience the thrill of an escape room at Puzzle Break. Shop for women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories at Ask Alice Boutique. Indulge in Greek dishes like Lamb Souvlaki or Keftedakia at It’s Greek to Me. Grab a Tomahawk Pork Chop, Linguine Alla Vongole, or Shrimp Scampi at Volpe. Chow down on a New York Pizza or Eggplant Rollatini at Phil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant. Or relax with unique cocktails like a Smoked Old Fashioned, Moira Rose, or the Pink Lady at Rustic Root.
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