Guide to buying a home in Long Island communities

By Newsday staffUpdated October 22, 2024

From North Shore to South Shore and western Nassau to the East End, Long Island has so many different communities with their own unique vibes and characteristics.

Looking for the perfect community to relocate to? Take a look at any of our community profiles below and find out if it's right for you.

Editor's note: Due to the dynamic and fast-paced nature of the current real estate market on Long Island, homes listed for sale in the profiles below may no longer be on the market.

High-ranking schools, amenities galore draw buyers to Garden City

"These are golfers and country club people, not yacht club people," a local agent said of the village, where median home prices are $1.3 million.

Floral Park maintains old-fashioned vibe amid development

Residents take the name seriously and volunteer to maintain the village's pocket parks and properties, the mayor said.

With many homes under $500G, Holtsville draws many 'newer families'

Holtsville's relative affordability makes it "a community that's growing," said a local official.

'Comfortable' Levittown modernizes image, retains affordable opportunities

Prices in general are still lower than those of surrounding communities, a listing agent said.

Low taxes, strong community vibe appeal to buyers in Islandia

The village houses 150 businesses while also retaining a suburban feel.

Hempstead aims to draw younger generations with modernized downtown

"We want to make it affordable for our young professionals to be able to come, live, eat and be entertained in our downtown area," said the mayor.

Low taxes, strong community vibe appeal to buyers in Islandia

The village houses 150 businesses while also retaining a suburban feel.

Bustling restaurant scene, historic charm draw buyers to Northport

"I feel like we're kind of in our own little haven," said the executive director of the Northport Historical Society.

Hewlett draws buyers with diversity, schools, tight-knit feel

"The local merchants know the citizens coming in," said a town council member. "People know their neighbors."

Highly ranked beaches, bucolic charm draw buyers to East Hampton

Celebrity sightings draw some to the community, but they stay for the rural feel, water access and charm.

Seaford draws buyers with waterfront community vibes near 'the big city'

"It really is the perfect place if you want to settle your roots and raise your family," said Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin.

Setaukets are historic havens where there's 'always something going on'

Locals tout the storied site of the Revolutionary War and its year-round events and activities for families.

Franklin Square a home to 'beautiful blend' of people committed to quality of life

The relatively low-key hamlet touts history and attracts multigenerational families from NYC, locals say.

'Heart of the North Fork' draws homebuyers with rural feel, agritainment

"There is so much to do for everyone," said a local real estate broker of Mattituck.

Sag Harbor's historic beauty, exclusivity draw buyers

"There're different socioeconomic levels but everybody gets along," the mayor said.

New Hyde Park in renewal mode with improvement projects, cultural celebrations

The village draws buyers with its convenient location, access to shopping and schools, a local listing agent said.

Coram a diverse community where 'money goes further'

The community is "one of the last bastions of the American dream," said a civic association president.

Norman Rockwell vibes draw buyers to tiny Glen Head

At just 1.6 square miles, Glen Head makes up for its lack of retail with a bucolic charm that melts even die-hard New Yorkers' hearts.

Rich history, natural beauty draw homebuyers to Yaphank

"The sheer beauty of the area is what makes it so special," a local listing agent said.

Bustling downtown, apartments near LIRR draw buyers to Farmingdale

"The residents are always there to help one another. It's a great community," said a listing agent.

Tight-knit 'kinship,' historic roots draw generations to Bayport

Nicknamed "the hamlet with history," Bayport has a quintessential small-town feel with longstanding mom-and-pop shops.

Convenience, tight-knit feel draw generations to Plainview

A longtime business owner called it a "testament to the community" that many natives return to raise families.

In Calverton, Splish Splash draws tourists, rural spaces draw buyers

"It is amazing, when you're on these properties you're in the middle of farmland but the beach is five minutes away," a listing agent said.

Quaint vibes, seaside homes make Atlantic Beach a 'best-kept secret'

Supersized beach houses have replaced tiny bungalows, but the area still feels like a "pretty, quaint beach town," one local said.

Cutchogue's vineyards, farms draw homebuyers and summer crowds alike

"Open space, preserved farmland, antique homes, barns and vineyards" are among the draws to the area, a local listing agent said.

Charming neighborhoods, rich history draw buyers — and filmmakers — to Old Bethpage

The community's tree-lined neighborhoods are set away from bustling highways, but close enough to be convenient for commuters, a listing agent said.

Lloyd Harbor preserves 'pristine' feel, with large properties, commitment to nature

"Everybody here is committed to preserving the properties as they are," said the village clerk.

Waterfront access, easy commutes to NYC draw buyers to Massapequa Park

"It's really about community," said a listing agent of what brings people to the area. "It's about walking into town with the stroller."

Newly approved developments, natural beauty are draws to Westhampton Beach

The most westerly Hamptons village is increasingly popular with NYC residents.

Young families drawn to Merrick by schools, access to amenities

Despite relatively high taxes, Merrick attracts homebuyers with convenient access to amenities and community activities.

Easy access to beaches, shops, draws buyers to Mount Sinai

"It's more laid back and relaxed, as opposed to the South Shore," said a civic association official of Cedar Beach, a big draw for residents.

Waterfront living, low taxes, eclectic neighborhoods draw buyers to Freeport

From early boaters and rumrunners to the Nautical Mile, Freeport has always had something to offer water lovers.

Kings Park aims to maintain peaceful feel with 2 master plans

"Most Kings Park residents who have grown up in Kings Park either stay there or find themselves moving back to the area," said a local listing agent.

High-ranking schools, amenities galore draw buyers to Garden City

Floral Park maintains old-fashioned vibe amid development

With many homes under $500G, Holtsville draws many 'newer families'

'Comfortable' Levittown modernizes image, retains affordable opportunities

Low taxes, strong community vibe appeal to buyers in Islandia

Hempstead aims to draw younger generations with modernized downtown

Low taxes, strong community vibe appeal to buyers in Islandia

Bustling restaurant scene, historic charm draw buyers to Northport

Hewlett draws buyers with diversity, schools, tight-knit feel

Highly ranked beaches, bucolic charm draw buyers to East Hampton

Seaford draws buyers with waterfront community vibes near 'the big city'

Setaukets are historic havens where there's 'always something going on'

Franklin Square a home to 'beautiful blend' of people committed to quality of life

'Heart of the North Fork' draws homebuyers with rural feel, agritainment

Sag Harbor's historic beauty, exclusivity draw buyers

New Hyde Park in renewal mode with improvement projects, cultural celebrations

Coram a diverse community where 'money goes further'

Norman Rockwell vibes draw buyers to tiny Glen Head

Rich history, natural beauty draw homebuyers to Yaphank

Bustling downtown, apartments near LIRR draw buyers to Farmingdale

Tight-knit 'kinship,' historic roots draw generations to Bayport

Convenience, tight-knit feel draw generations to Plainview

In Calverton, Splish Splash draws tourists, rural spaces draw buyers

Quaint vibes, seaside homes make Atlantic Beach a 'best-kept secret'

Cutchogue's vineyards, farms draw homebuyers and summer crowds alike

Charming neighborhoods, rich history draw buyers — and filmmakers — to Old Bethpage

Lloyd Harbor preserves 'pristine' feel, with large properties, commitment to nature

Waterfront access, easy commutes to NYC draw buyers to Massapequa Park

Newly approved developments, natural beauty are draws to Westhampton Beach

Young families drawn to Merrick by schools, access to amenities

Easy access to beaches, shops, draws buyers to Mount Sinai

Waterfront living, low taxes, eclectic neighborhoods draw buyers to Freeport

Kings Park aims to maintain peaceful feel with 2 master plans

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