If you want to buy in Levittown
Abraham Levitt and his sons Alfred and William built Levittown back in the 1940s bearing in mind that soldiers returning home from World War II would need a place to live. In keeping with its inception the hamlet created a memorial for every one its residents killed while serving their country since World War II. (Feb. 26, 2011) Credit: Newsday/T.C. McCarthy
THE SCOOP Every community has a story. For Long Island, the story behind Levittown is undoubtedly the most historically significant, since this is where suburbia was introduced.
Between 1947 and 1951, developer William Levitt produced 17,447 "Levitt" Capes (without basements) and sold them to World War II veterans and their families. "Some of the veterans still live here," says resident Gerry Rodgers of Century 21 Prevete Real Estate.
The houses Levitt built are easy to modify, says Traci Chiarello, also of Century 21 Prevete Real Estate, noting about 25 percent of them have been expanded up or out.
Levittown is an excellent place for a first-time buyer looking for an affordable house in a family-oriented neighborhood, Chiarello adds. Resident Patricia Tuerlings, of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in East Meadow, cites the library, recreation areas and the school district, which, Tuerlings adds, "has a very good special-ed program."
Levittown is also a magnet for retailers, eateries and services, most of which are along Hempstead Turnpike. Major highways are easily accessible as well.
CONDOS One listed at $299,990
MONTHLY RENTALS Listed between $850 and $2,900
SENIOR HOUSING There is a waiting list at Town of Hempstead Golden Age Housing, which has 33 two-bedroom apartments. Age and income restrictions apply.
SALES PRICE According to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data, there were 270 sales from Oct. 1, 2010, to Nov. 9, 2011. The median price was $318,750 with a low of $137,500 and a high of $478,888. From Sept. 1, 2009, to Sept. 30, 2010, there were 304 sales with a median price of $325,000. The low price was $190,000 and the high was $499,000.
ATTRACTIONS Levittown Historical Museum, nine community pools, several parks, plus many restaurants and entertainment venues.
MORE STATS
Town: Hempstead
Area: 6.9 square miles
ZIP code: 11756
Population: 51,881
Median age: 41
Median household income: $90,251
Median home value: $315,000*
LIRR time to NYC from Wantagh, 46 to 55 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket: $254
School district: Most students attend Levittown, while others go to Island Trees (East Meadow)
SOURCES: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road; "Newsday, Our Towns"
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island
