Long Island is a desirable location for many people who work in New York City. The suburban feel and quality of life, combined with proximity to the city, make it a great option for those looking to balance the best of both worlds. However, with so many towns to choose from on Long Island, finding the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we will explore the best Long Island towns to live in if you need to commute to NYC. We will look at factors such as proximity to transportation, cost of living, and community amenities to help you find the perfect balance between city and suburban life. Whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a retiree, you’re sure to find the ideal town for your lifestyle in this list.
Manhasset
Manhasset is a beautiful town located on the North Shore of Long Island, just a 30-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan. Known for its stunning homes, top-rated schools, and low crime rates, Manhasset is a highly sought-after place to live for those who work in NYC. With a median home price of around $1 million, it is one of the more expensive towns on the list, but its excellent schools and amenities make it a great choice for families.
One of the biggest draws of Manhasset is its school system, which is consistently ranked among the best on Long Island. The town is home to some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the state, providing a top-notch education for students of all ages. Additionally, Manhasset is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
Aside from its excellent schools and low crime rates, Manhasset also offers a range of amenities to keep residents entertained and active. There are several parks and recreational areas in the town, including the Manhasset Bay Marina, which offers boating and fishing opportunities. The town also has a bustling downtown area, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. With its close proximity to Manhattan and its quality of life, Manhasset is a great choice for those looking to balance city and suburban living.
Great Neck
Great Neck is another North Shore town that is popular among those who commute to NYC. The town is known for its prestigious schools and low crime rates, as well as its beautiful homes and bustling downtown area. With a median home price of around $900,000, it is an expensive option, but its close proximity to Manhattan (just a 35-minute train ride) and quality of life make it a great choice for those who can afford it.
The school system in Great Neck is also a major draw for families. The town is home to some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the state, offering a top-notch education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in Great Neck make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Great Neck offers a range of options for residents. The town has several parks and recreational areas, including John J. Burns Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The town’s bustling downtown area is also a major attraction, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. With its close proximity to Manhattan and its quality of life, Great Neck is a great choice for those looking to balance city and suburban living.
Port Washington
Port Washington is a charming coastal town located on the North Shore of Long Island. With a median home price of around $650,000, it is more affordable than some of the other towns on this list, and its excellent schools and low crime rates make it a great choice for families. Port Washington is just a 35-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan, making it a convenient option for those who work in the city.
The school system in Port Washington is also highly rated, offering a quality education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in the town make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Port Washington offers plenty of options for residents. The town has several parks and recreational areas, including Hempstead Harbor Park, which offers scenic views, picnic areas, and a playground. The town’s bustling downtown area is also a major attraction,
with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. The town is also located on the Long Island Sound, offering beautiful waterfront views and opportunities for boating and fishing. Port Washington also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively and exciting place to live.
Garden City
Garden City is a picturesque town located in the center of Long Island, just a 35-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan. Known for its tree-lined streets, excellent schools, and low crime rates, Garden City is a popular option for families and commuters alike. With a median home price of around $650,000, it is an affordable option compared to some of the other towns on this list.
One of the biggest draws of Garden City is its excellent school system, which is consistently ranked among the best on Long Island. The town is home to some of the best elementary, middle, and high schools in the state, providing a top-notch education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in Garden City make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Garden City offers a range of options for residents. The town has several parks and recreational areas, including Garden City Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The town is also home to a bustling downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Garden City is also known for its cultural events and festivals, making it a lively and exciting place to live.
Rockville Centre
Rockville Centre is a charming town located on the South Shore of Long Island, just a 40-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan. With a median home price of around $600,000, it is an affordable option compared to some of the other towns on this list, and its excellent schools and low crime rates make it a great choice for families.
The school system in Rockville Centre is also highly rated, offering a quality education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in the town make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Rockville Centre offers a range of options for residents. The town has several parks and recreational areas, including South Side Sports Complex, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The town is also home to a bustling downtown area, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Rockville Centre also hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, making it a lively and exciting place to live.
Massapequa
Massapequa is a charming town located on the South Shore of Long Island, just a 45-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan. With a median home price of around $500,000, it is an affordable option compared to some of the other towns on this list, and its excellent schools and low crime rates make it a great choice for families.
The school system in Massapequa is also highly rated, offering a quality education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in the town make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Massapequa offers a range of options for residents. The town has several parks and recreational areas, including John J. Burns Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The town is also home to a bustling downtown area, with a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes to explore. Massapequa is also known for its beautiful beaches, making it a great place for those who love the outdoors.
Huntington
Huntington is a historic town located on the North Shore of Long Island, just a 50-minute train ride from Penn Station in Manhattan. With a median home price of around $700,000, it is a bit more expensive than some of the other towns on this list, but its excellent schools, low crime rates, and wealth of amenities make it a great option for families and commuters.
The school system in Huntington is top-notch, offering quality education for students of all ages. Additionally, the low crime rates in the town make it a safe and secure place to raise a family.
In terms of amenities, Huntington offers a wealth of options for residents. The town is home to several parks and recreational areas, including Heckscher Park, which offers sports fields, picnic areas, and a playground. The town is also known for its vibrant arts scene, with several museums and theaters to explore. Huntington is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a bustling and exciting place to live.
Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or just looking for a new place to call home, these seven towns on Long Island offer the perfect combination of proximity to Manhattan, excellent schools, low crime rates, and a wealth of amenities. Whether you’re looking for a bustling town with a vibrant arts scene or a quiet suburb with beautiful beaches, there’s something for everyone on Long Island.