A Glimpse to Living on Long Island

(Featured Image: Watch Hill, Fire Island | Photo Copyright: Lavanya Sunkara)

Long Island is one of the most famous parts of New York state, which you can reach by driving straight to Brooklyn. People enjoy living on Long Island with its proximity to the vibrant Big Apple and breathtaking beaches. In this scenario, you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. No wonder people like to come here for weekends and vacations.

Most importantly, Long Island has many great neighborhoods with access to public transport, healthcare, and quality education. If you are looking for a great balance between city life and rustic suburban living, this will be an ideal place to call your home. Take a run through here and get a glimpse of living the Long Island life.

Get to Know the Long Island Townships

People associate the word New York with Manhattan, the city that never sleeps. However, there is so much more to the Empire State than its famous tourist attractions like Broadway, Times Square, or the One World Trade Center. You have got a great expanse of Upstate New York, which includes the famous Long Island. Its western end forms part of the harbor of New York City.

Long Island’s popularity stems from amazing beaches, Michelin star restaurants, shopping, and so much more, making it the ideal weekend getaway for New Yorkers who want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. Long Island is a symbol of “urban suburbia” which makes it a perfect place to raise families. Long Islanders get to enjoy two counties, Nassau, and Suffolk, with thirteen bustling towns. Look at them below:

Bellmore

This town gets its fame for its proximity to Jones Beach Park, one of the most popular beaches. As you can expect, you will find amazing restaurants, bars, and other entertainment centers in the area. Another amazing feature, this town shares its school district with Merrick. As a result, your kids can get a quality education here without the hefty price of a Merrick home.

Commack

If you are a sports lover, this is the place to be. This was the former home of the Long Island Arena, making it the current residence for top athletes who enjoy available sporting grounds nearby. Get used to star-studded encounters because this is also home to celebrities like Rosie O’ Donnell and Randy Rainbow.

Huntington

This large town is the primary town of Suffolk county. You can enjoy glitz and glamor here with its Michelin restaurants, music, nightlife, and more. Despite its busyness, you can find numerous families residing here because of its excellent school district and family-oriented places.

Islandia

This town offers a great down-to-earth vibe because hardworking people congregate in this area. The simplicity of Islandia’s layout stems from the uniform townhouse complexes built by Levitt and Sons. Entertainment is also robust in the area with its arcades, parks, and casinos. There is no time to feel bored here.

Islip

This town is near the beach, giving you unlimited access where many residents enjoy the sun, surf, and sand. It will provide a quiet reprieve for people seeking solace. It is never boring because there is access to nightlife nearby.

Massapequa

If you are in search of premium education, nothing can trump Massapequa. This popular suburb has the following:

• Six different elementary schools
• Many high-ranking high schools
• Excellent educational programs
• Magnet schools for the gifted

Apart from schooling, you can also enjoy tons of outdoor activities with parks and trails. You will also find excellent fishing like the Massapequa Cove. This affluent neighborhood offers the best. Enjoy the finer things in life when you make this your residence.

Merrick

This is another town that is recognized for offering the best school system. The proof is in their highly respected graduates like Paul Krug (Nobel prize winner), Lindsay Lohan, and Amy Fisher. Many celebrities call this place home because of elegant housing, proximity to the beach, shopping plazas, restaurants, and nightclubs. Most of all, this town is only a 45-minute ride to the Penn Station.

Plainview

Contrary to its name, Plainview is anything but plain. This is another affluent and highly rated neighborhood that is known for its excellent school districts. It has low crime rates, drawing in families who want to protect their kids. Enjoy vibrant parks and excellent amenities. If you work in NYC, Plainview is a commuter’s paradise with its proximity to the expressway and mass transit.

Ronkonkoma

This is known as a blue-collar town that serves as the home of the Long Island Mac Arthur Airport. A lot of airline professionals and airport personnel call the area home. It provides access to public transport, getting you where you need to be without worries. If you enjoy dining out, the restaurant scene is vibrant. Most of all, you will enjoy the nature parks from Lake Ronkonkoma.

Roslyn

You will see tons of beautiful homes in this town. The excellent school system is also a great come-on for families. However, the drawback may be the hefty housing price. Though the average property value is said to be half a million dollars, more than a quarter of the homes sold belong to the $750,000 to the $1M range.

Smithtown

Are you looking for Main Street America? This town is the epitome of that. Despite its large size, people here still know everyone by name. The close-knit community works together to ensure that their town remains an idyllic place. This is only 50 miles from NYC, so out-of-towners also enjoy the shops, restaurants, bars, and more.

Stony Brook

Tourists love this town with its panoramic landscapes and picturesque architecture. It is also an educational hub, with the State University of NY (SUNY) opening a satellite campus in town. Notably, despite its busyness and popularity, the streets remain safe with low crime rates.

Valley Stream

Those who are in search of an affordable place with easy commuter access will love this gem called Valley Stream. It has a mass transit system that readily connects to Manhattan. On top of that, the big city is also a quick drive if you want to take your car. This town is near JFK, which is perfect for frequent business travelers.

Ten Reasons People Love It Here

Who does not know Long Island? You even have the booze-based Long Island Iced Tea named after it. It is well-loved by the locals and tourists who cannot get enough of its wonderful attractions and amenities. Look at why people adore this place so much:

1. The Beaches

This tops the list because apart from Florida and California, you can also enjoy spectacular beaches on Long Island. No matter where you live on this quaint island, you are at most 30 minutes from enjoying the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. You can enjoy the sea breeze and crystal-clear waters on a public beach or make your way out into one of the many local islands nearby.

2. The Proximity to NYC

Whether you hop on the LRR train or drive, Long Island is close to one of the most bustling cities in the world. The Big Apple is only a stone’s throw away, assuring you enjoy the city amenities like the theater, shopping, food, and other sights. At the end of the day, you can go back to the warm comforts of home.

3. The Small-Town Vibe

Despite being an ultra-modern town, you will still get the small-town vibe in Long Island. It feels like everyone knows everyone else. It is common to find mutual friends, making you feel as if the world is a small place. Best of all, the people are super friendly and do not mind giving a helping hand. This is certainly a stark contrast to the cold feeling in NYC, where everyone is rushing to meet their schedules and get to their destinations.

4. The Quaint Islands Nearby

Enjoy tiny islands when you are in Long Beach. From Plum Island to Fire Island, you can bask in the glory of the ocean and enjoy different panoramic vistas. Enjoy island hopping via jetty or your own sailboat. You can even take your car and load it on a ferry. What is not to love?

5. The Gastronomic Delight

The island is known as a culinary playground, so your tummy will thank you for it. Whether it is Cuban, Japanese, Chinese, or Greek, you will find something here that suits your taste buds. Best of all, the food is affordable. And most diners are open 24 hours.

6. The Beer

Craft beer is a big thing on the island. In fact, you will find many microbreweries in Suffolk and Nassau counties. You can try numerous variants in Blue Point or Green Point Brewing Company. Choose among the diverse ales, stouts, lagers, and more. So, sit down, relax, and unwind with a mug or two of Long Island craft beer.

7. The Vineyards

If there is beer, there is wine. Long Island is also famous for its vineyards. The wine industry has taken roots here with its gentler climate. The East End of the island is now packed with wine connoisseurs who can wax poetic on reds, whites, and in-betweens.

8. The Schools

It has already been mentioned above that Long Island is known for its wonderful school districts, offering premium education. In fact, Long Islanders say their education system is the 10th in the nation. But more than academics, you will feel the school spirit here. Football seasons feel wonderful as everyone rallies together to cheer for their favorite teams.

9. The Endless Fun

You will always find something to do in this bustling town. It is as if the whole world is at your fingertips because you have access to many amenities. Look at the following examples:

1. Arcades
2. Casinos
3. Bowling alleys
4. Theaters
5. Clubs
6. Bars
7. Cinemas
8. Parks
9. Trails

The Concerts

Finally, the concerts held in the Jones Beach Amphitheater always offer an amazing experience. You can sit in the gorgeous night sky, breathing in the sea breeze as you listen to your favorite artist perform. In fact, many singers and musicians come from all over the US to perform on this stage. If you encounter a sold-out show in NYC, no biggie. You can come into town and enjoy the encore.

Finding the Best Place to Live

There may be many amazing places that you can call home. But certainly, nothing can ever come close to Long Island, New York. If you have not come down for a visit, it is worth a peek. A short vacation here will invigorate your spirits.

And if you are looking for a new place to call home, Long Island will not disappoint you. Take your pick among the different towns to find the best house that speaks to your heart. For the best house hunting results, do not forget to seek help from a reliable real estate agency. Here is how you can find a good one:

Do Your Research

To help you vet the right one, make sure you do your research. If possible, ask for referrals from family, friends, colleagues, or even neighbors. From there, check out different company websites, look at licenses, and ask about industry affiliations. Assess how long they have been serving this competitive niche. Longevity indicates that the realtors offer outstanding customer service.

Check Online Reviews

Do not forget to dig deeper by peeking at the different online reviews. You want to work with a company that has a high rating and with tons of good testimonials. This will help you vet the right candidate.

Find an Expert in the Area

You want to work with someone who knows the area and the market because they can help you find your dream property that falls under your budget specifications. A local who knows the island can also offer suggestions about why certain properties fit your preferences and lifestyle.

Remember, working with the right team will ensure you find the house you love in your dream district. If you need help house hunting in Long Island, give our team a call. Our "The Dawson Team" is always ready to help you make your dream home a reality.