20 Awesome Long Island Neighborhoods for Young Families

Editor's Note: This blog was originally published in December 2019 and has been revised to reflect industry updates.

When most people hear “New York,” the first thing they think about is the island of Manhattan and maybe one or two of the outer boroughs. However, there’s much more to the Empire State than the Big Apple—namely, the 118 miles of land to the east of the city known as Long Island. Sure, there’s also the great expanse that is Upstate New York, but it’s Long Island’s ascendance from mere bedroom community for New York City to the booming symbol of suburbia that makes it an awesome place to raise a family.

For the uninitiated, Long Island proper consists of two counties: Nassau County to the west, and Suffolk County to the east. Some might say that Queens and Kings (Brooklyn) counties are also part of Long Island, but that’s only partially true. Yes, those two city boroughs are part of the geographic land mass comprising the island—but when you say “Long Islanders,” you’re referring specifically to those who live in Nassau and Suffolk.

Within those two counties, you’ll find two cities, 13 towns, and 205 villages and hamlets, with populations totaling close to 1.3 million and 1.5 million in Nassau and Suffolk counties, respectively. With so many potential places to live on Long Island—and so many people populating the island—what’s a first-time home buyer on Long Island to do?

Here, we present the top 20 awesome Long Island neighborhoods for young families—listed individually by county—based on research by Niche.com’s “2023 Best Places to Raise a Family in Nassau County” and “2023 Best Places to Raise a Family in Suffolk County.” Using Niche’s analysis and data, along with our own factors [listed below], we’ve also included local food tips. 

Factors To Consider:

• School District Rating
• Number of Parks & Family Friendly Features
• Proximity To Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
• Median Home Value

We're pretty enthusiastic about all of Long Island, but with a place this big, a starting point is always helpful.

Nassau County

Syosset is a suburban enclave in the Town of Oyster Bay with plentiful shopping, restaurants, and entertainment. Surrounded by the villages or hamlets of Oyster Bay Cove, Laurel Hollow, Woodbury, Plainview, and Hicksville, the community is a haven for young families, with its quick New York City commute and award-winning school district. Syosset boasts starter homes as well as expanded ranches and colonials. True to its mid-19th century roots, other styles include converted farmhouses.

Local Food Tips: Hilltop Kitchen & Bar opened last year with a “Cooking Dirty” concept based on Chef Ian Russo’s unique flavor blends. If you’re craving old-school Italian dishes, check out Steve’s Piccola Bussola. 

An unincorporated hamlet within the Town of North Hempstead, Herricks borders the villages of Albertson, Manhasset Hills, New Hyde Park, Roslyn, and Williston Park. Though not an actual town, it was named for Herricks Path, a thoroughfare in the vicinity dating to the mid-1600s. The area once housed one of the last single-room schools in Nassau County prior to its closing at the end of the 19th century. 

Herricks housing options are diverse. Prospective residents can choose from post-World War II Cape Cod style homes to mid-20th century split-levels and colonials. 

Local Food Tips: A neighborhood mainstay since 1965, Umberto’s of New Hyde Park will satisfy cravings for Long Island pizza and other Italian specialties. For American-style food with Mediterranean influences, visit Jonathan’s Restaurant.

What began as a farming community named after its “view” of the local “plains,” Plainview currently has close to 27,000 residents in what could be called the quintessential suburban hamlet. With particularly easy access to multiple major highways and parkways, including the Long Island Expressway, Plainview is centrally located in Nassau County and features close proximity to multiple Long Island Rail Road stations. The hamlet’s schools are considered excellent, and its community extremely family friendly—while it also boasts many shopping centers and community parks. 

Local Food Tip: Plainview is home to multiple pizzerias, bagel stores, and Chinese restaurants, but many locals flock to The Shed for lunch, brunch, and dinner specials.

Designated its own village on the North Shore of Long Island, Great Neck Plaza comprises a busy retail and commercial office district, as well as parks, mixed-use developments, and private homes. Just one-third square mile with a population of about 7,500, Great Neck Plaza is steps from downtown and a busy Long Island Rail Road station. When boarding an express train, commuters will arrive in New York City in less than 30 minutes. The area is also known by its nationally ranked school district for academic excellence. 

Local Food Tips: For eclectic Mediterranean-style small plates sourced from the owner’s farm, check out Lola Restaurant. Village mainstay Daruma of Tokyo offers sushi and other Japanese specialties. 

Old Bethpage was established in 1695 when Thomas Powell bought 10,000 acres of land from local Indigenous tribes during what’s referred to as the Bethpage Purchase. Adjacent to Plainview, both hamlets share a school system, library, fire department and water district. The area has since gained a state park, hosting the U.S. Open golf championships in 2002 and 2009. Its namesake Village Restoration was established in 1963 as a museum depicting 19th century Long Island life.

Aside from the K-12 Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, higher education institutions include Farmingdale State College, as part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. 

Local Food Tips: Pete the Greek offers specialties such as hummus and gyro platters in a low-key, casual atmosphere. For an authentic, “white-tablecloth” Italian dinner, visit Absolutely Mario Restaurant & Bar.

Designated one of the Five Towns in the southwestern corner of Nassau County, just minutes from Queens County lies the hamlet of Hewlett. Comprising Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck and Woodsburgh, the area was named for patriarch George W. Hewlett 300 years ago.  Its Willow Pond hosted the family’s livestock.

Sharing a school district with Woodmere and areas of Lynbrook, Hewlett is also home to Yeshiva of South Shore for those seeking private, religious education. 

Commuters have easy access to New York City via the hamlet’s Long Island Rail Road station.

Local Food Tips: For fine dining in a local setting, visit Remy’s Italian Restaurant. Thai Chic Bistro serves up authentic spring rolls and other tasty selections for dine-in or takeout.

Formerly known as South Westbury, Salisbury resides within the heart of Nassau County, with nearby Old Country Road boasting one of the largest retail malls in the Northeast. With close proximity to the Wantagh State Parkway, residents have easy access to New York City as well as state and county beaches. 

If staying closer to home is more your style, take a dip in one of the many community pools, or visit Eisenhower Park for golfing, jogging, tennis and other leisure activities. The park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theater features outdoor summer concerts, shows, and movies.

Local Food Tips: A Nassau County mainstay for several generations, The Original Borrelli’s serves up local Italian specialties. Visit Majors Steakhouse for a fine-dining experience at moderate prices. 

Nestled just slightly east of Hempstead Bay between Roslyn and Brookville is the hamlet of Greenvale. Known as Cedar Swamp until the mid-1800s and Bulls Head during the early 20th century, Greenvale underwent development just before World War II. Its suburban environment is a commuter’s delight, with a downtown Long Island Rail Road stop.

Depending on where they reside, students will attend either Roslyn or North Shore school districts.

Local Food Tips: Located in the heart of Greenvale, Bar Frites is a classic French bistro with outdoor seating. Experience authentic Southern Italian flavors such as artisan pizzas and homemade pastas at family-owned Centro Cucina.  

Long Island’s South Shore boasts popular beaches and ocean-centric lifestyles, and many of Merrick’s community parks and activities center on the waterfront—with popular Jones Beach State Park just a short 10- to 15-minute drive, depending on traffic. There are just about 22,000 residents in Merrick according to the most recent census—much less populated than other nearby communities. Merrick’s schools rank among the absolute best on Long Island.

Local Food Tip: Being so close to the water, it stands to reason that a seafood restaurant is the place to go in Merrick. Check out Anchor Down, a small and intimate, yet casual and boisterous, seafood eatery.

Perched on the hills of Long Island’s famed Gold Coast, Roslyn’s rich history dates to 1643, when Robert Fordham and John Carmen sailed across the Long Island Sound from Connecticut. Since landing along the shores of this former mercantile port community, Roslyn is dotted with historic and modern homes, and home to an active downtown. Bryant Library also serves as an exhibition space, and Roslyn’s village green is its heart— with outdoor summer concerts and winter sleigh rides.  

Roslyn’s active chamber of commerce is a haven for local business owners. Residents also partake in the many dining and entertainment options throughout its historic downtown district. If you’re planning to spend the weekend scouting real estate options, the Hilton-operated Roslyn Hotel is centrally located. 

Local Food Tip: Hendrick’s Tavern provides a mix of comfort food in a historic, Old-World setting.  

Suffolk County

This hamlet resides on the North Shore of Suffolk County midway between the east and west boundaries of the Town of Huntington. Once home to wealthy estate owners such as William Kissam Vanderbilt II, this residential neighborhood with winding driveways and shoreline cliffs borders the Long Island Sound—adding to its many residents’ affinity for recreational boating and sailing, and making Centerport the perfect launching pad for seasonal regattas throughout the year.  

Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve is a popular draw for hiking, biking, swimming, and other water activities, and Vanderbilt Museum and Planetarium is a must-visit for history lovers and stargazers of all ages. 

The area is rounded out by its award-winning Blue Ribbon Harborfields Central School District.

Local Food Tip: Housed in a 100-year-old colonial home with picturesque water views, Mill Pond House serves a mix of fresh local seafood, sushi, and steaks.

Blending history through its Village Center, museums, and grist mill, and rounded out by a modern state university, Stony Brook feels like a vacation town yet still features extraordinary, year-round amenities. Dubbed a “Scenic Hamlet on the North Shore,” it boasts a mix of Cape Cod and ranch-style homes from the mid-20th century up through today. Those seeking a fixer-upper or historic colonial with modern conveniences will find properties dating back to the 1880s. 

With shopping and dining in the Village Center, this college town also offers entertainment options within SUNY Stony Brook. Whether taking in a Seawolves basketball game or theatrical performance, residents and out-of-towners alike enjoy the many amenities of this historic hamlet. 

Local Food Tips: Located inside the historic Three Village Inn, Mirabelle Restaurant & Tavern offers authentic French cuisine to satisfy even the most discerning palates. Kumo Japanese is a top option for sushi rolls and hibachi in a fun atmosphere.

In the Town of Babylon and bordered by Dix Hills, East Farmingdale, and Melville, Wheatley Heights was historically part of Wyandanch, and the two hamlets share the same zip code and school district. 

With a population of around 5,000, Wheatley Heights has a small community feel backed by its rich history. Dubbed “A Lovely Place to Live,” there’s no shortage of recreational activities and entertainment. The Henry Kaufmann Campgrounds offers swimming, golf, hiking and fishing, while the Usdan Center for the Creative Performing Arts hosts an annual summer day camp for New York City and Long Island schoolchildren.

Local Food Tips: For authentic cuisine and impeccable service, try Brunello Italian Kitchen in nearby Deer Park. Known as Long Island’s “premier dining destination,”  Blackstone Steakhouse serves unforgettable steaks, as well as seafood and sushi.

Known for “old-time charm in a waterfront village,” this harborside community boasts a town dock, several parks, and beautiful beaches. Considered a bit off the beaten path among locals, Northport residents enjoy a relaxing neighborhood replete with downtown shops and restaurants.

The place writer Jack Keroauc once called home, Northport also offers diverse homes, ranging from 20th century ranch and colonial houses to historic Victorians.

The John W. Engeman Theater features Broadway actors performing professional-level musicals and plays for all ages. Each September the village hosts a 10K run commemorating its rich history on what’s known as Cow Harbor Day–also its original namesake. Saturdays host farmer’s markets from June to November, and Thursday evenings come alive with concerts in the Village Park bandshell every August.

Local Food Tips: Designated a “Taste of Italy in New York,” Robke’s Northport is known for its chicken milanese and other Italian delights. For comfort food in a restored railcar, visit Tim’s Shipwreck Diner.

Flanked by Jericho Turnpike and Route 110 in the Town of Huntington, West Hills was the birthplace of legendary poet Walt Whitman. Adjacent to the hamlet of Woodbury, it boasts Jayne’s Hill—the highest point on Long Island. Chichester Road features the former Peace and Plenty Inn, a local meeting spot where President Theodore Roosevelt stopped en route from his Sagamore Hill “Summer White House.” 

This quiet neighborhood with a mix of young families and retirees boasts lush scenery with flat, wide streets for an afternoon bike ride or stroll. Featuring Cape Cod and high- ranch homes, West Hills also has larger, expanded colonials and post-modern homes. For shopping and dining, residents visit nearby Huntington or historic Cold Spring Harbor Village. 

Students attend either Half Hollow Hills or South Huntington school districts.

Local Food Tips: Come hungry for massive family-style portions at La Parma II Italian Restaurant. For New American specialties in a restored mansion, try OHK Bar & Restaurant tucked away in Oheka Castle.

Nicknamed “Port Jeff,” this incorporated village is the quintessential seaside town with historical waterfront, dining, and shopping. Those seeking a quick route to New England while bypassing New York City traffic can opt to travel by ferry, with or without their cars. Operated by the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, ships depart daily across the Long Island Sound to Bridgeport, Connecticut. 

Since its 17th century settlement as a rural community and active shipbuilding hub, the village has pivoted to a tourist area and popular haven for Stony Brook University students. Its annual Village Dickens Festival honors the works of the English novelist and includes many holiday events. Residents also enjoy the annual Fourth of July parade on Main Street and outdoor concert series in Harborfront Park during the warmer months. The Port Jefferson annual Village Cup Regatta is held each summer to benefit cancer research.

Port Jefferson’s small-town values make it an exceptional choice to raise a family.

Local Food Tips: Since opening in 2019, Prohibition Port Jefferson is a favorite among locals and tourists for its New American fare. Check out The Pie for brick-oven pizza, pasta, and fresh salads. 

Formerly known as Old Field, Greenlawn was renamed to convey a suburban community amid nearby Centerport beaches. The area was known for pickle production during the 19th century, and this is still commemorated with an annual festival! 

Equidistant from North Shore shopping areas and beaches, Greenlawn also holds an  annual Fireman's Fair during Labor Day weekend–the largest and oldest in New York State.

With most of its homes built since during the 1970s, Greenlawn real estate is a mix of ranch, Cape Cod-style, and high-ranch homes. It also features townhomes and apartment rentals, as well as new construction listings.

Local Food Tip: Serving marinated steaks since 1956, Old Fields Restaurant is also known for homemade cocktails and craft beer in a rustic setting. 

Formerly known as Fresh Pond, Fort Salonga was named for Revolutionary War-era British Fort Slongo, and is adjacent to the towns of Huntington and Smithtown. In addition to Long Island Sound, the hamlet borders Northport and Kings Park. 

Home to many parks and beaches, most residents visit Sunken Meadow State Park for hiking and picnicking, as well as biking or running along its expansive beachside boardwalk.

Local Food Tips: Visit Gin 45 for American cuisine in a casual atmosphere. Batata Cafe is a full-service counter restaurant serving breakfast and lunch among local artwork.

Centrally located Elwood is affectionately known as “The Heart of Huntington.” Major nearby thoroughfares include Jericho Turnpike, Elwood Road, and Clay Pitts Road, and this census-designated place also boasts close proximity to the Northern State and Sunken Meadow State parkways. 

Depending upon where they reside, schoolchildren attend either Elwood or South Huntington school districts.

Local Food Tip: Bringing together a taste of Key West to Long Island is DJs Clam Shack, with overstuffed Maine lobster rolls, conch fritters, and steamed clams. 

Formerly the home of the Long Island Arena, where the American Basketball Association’s New York Nets and the Eastern Hockey League’s Long Island Ducks once called home, Commack is yet another Long Island neighborhood that was settled for its rich soil that made it perfect for farming. Now completely suburbanized, Commack is split between two towns, Huntington and Smithtown, and ranks second in terms of family friendliness. Four major thoroughfares surround Commack, including the Long Island Expressway, Northern State Parkway, Sunken Meadow Parkway, and Jericho Turnpike. 

Local Food Tip: It’s all about Athenian Greek Taverna, a local favorite lauded for its incredible food and friendly staff—and it recently relocated to a larger, more sleek space across the street from its original location.

The Takeaway

If you’re considering a move to the Long Island area, it’s best to weigh all options, such as median home value, affordability, school districts, transportation, restaurants, and leisure activities. When working with loan officers at any of Contour Mortgage’s nine Long Island branches, you’ll receive the best guidance on financing your dream home.

Contact Contour Mortgage to learn how we can help with loan requirements, qualifications, and questions.