Last Updated on March 20, 2024
One of the best parts of living on Long Island is having access to all the conveniences of New York, without the hefty property price tags.
On the whole, Long Island’s real estate prices are rising more slowly than the national average at a rate of 4.5% compared to a nationwide increase of over 10% from last year.
So, if you’re looking to get out of the heart of the city, you should consider these best places to live on Long Island first.
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Roslyn
Rosyln’s one of the best neighborhoods in Long Island for families.
This village in Nassau County has an excellent school system in place catering to every level of childhood education. Students from this area boast some of the highest SAT scores in the state.
Rated as one of the safest places to live around New York, Roslyn has an affluent atmosphere and many homes sell for around the $900,000 mark. The average property price is around $350,000 though, so you could also find a bargain while shopping for a home in this area.
From here, it’s an easy 40-minute commute to Manhattan by train or car.
In neighborhoods like this, you need to move fast if you want to secure a well-priced property.
So, if you’re having difficulties getting rid of your existing home, you need to make it happen! You could increase your advertising, put some of our home improvement tips into action, or even give in to the temptation of investors advertising ‘we buy homes’ on the internet.
Greenport
Once a tiny whaling village, Greenport harbor’s now home to rows of upscale yachts and leisure craft. It’s consistently listed among the safest places to live on Long Island and a favorite among upwardly-mobile millennials.
This picturesque village is a hub of restaurants and boutiques and also home to some of the best vineyards on the island. The Greenport Railroad Station offers quick and easy access to the city when needed.
Homes in this part of Long Island sell for an average of$617,600 each.
Massapequa
Massapequa’s one of the best places to live in Long Island for young families. The area boasts the largest K-12 school system in Nassau County, with no less than six elementary schools as well as high schools and middle schools.
It also has two railroad stations for hassle-free trips into the city and a neighboring nature preserve to enjoy in your leisure time.
Coffee shops, restaurants, parks, and nature trails abound around the village and Tobay Beach offers a sheltered bay with shallow, calm waters for beach lovers. Massapequa Cove’s a huge drawcard for anglers too.
You can expect to pay around $495,000 for a home in this beautiful part of Long Island.
Smithtown
Smithtown’s one of the up and coming towns on Long Island that’s getting a lot of attention from young professionals as well as families.
It lies about halfway along the north shore of Long Island, so it’s a long drive to New York from here, but taking the train does shorten the trip.
With its family-friendly atmosphere and pretty tree-lined streets, Smithtown’s home to an affluent crowd, but you can get a home in this area for about $485,000.
Nearby attractions include the Hamptons, North Fork vineyards, Caleb Smith State Park, and Blydenburgh County Park. If you have children, you’ll find numerous highly-ranked schools available in the area too.
Lake Ronkonkoma
This is the best place to live on Long Island if you like waking up to beautiful views every morning. Ronkonkoma’s located close to Brookhaven and Smithtown in Suffolk County and centers on a lovely lake.
Despite its world-class views, Lake Ronkonkoma retains a modest feel and home to down to earth family-focussed people. It’s the home of the Long Island MacArthur Airport and boasts many scenic parks for walking and biking.
The area has a high focus on healthy outdoor activities and Lake Ronkonkoma County Park offers abundant sports fields at its lakeside location.
You can pick up a home for around $350,000 in Lake Ronkonkoma, making it a popular place for young professionals and budget-conscious families.
Bellmore
If you’re wondering where to live in Long Island for an effortless commute to Manhattan, Bellmore’s the place to put down roots.
Located on the North Shore of Nassau County, Bellmore’s located on the waterfront close to Manhattan, Jones Beach Park, and JFK. This quiet hamlet has a peaceful vibe despite it’s close location to the city and is home to the highly-rated John F. Kennedy High School.
The town hosts several family-friendly events every year including parades, street festivals, and shows.
As such, this area’s a big attraction for young families, and you can expect to pay just over $500,000 for a home in Bellmore.
Stony Brook
Stony Brook’s another small north shore village that’s big on history and low-key living. The town started out as an agricultural hub and eventually became a tourist hotspot, recognized as one of the best towns on the Island.
Some of the attractions in Stony Brook are Avalon Park and Preserve and the Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages. It’s home to Stony Brook University and Stony Brook School and has an upbeat student vibe all year-round.
Most graduates choose to remain in their home town after leaving school and Stony Brook homes sell for an average of $453,000.
Beyond the Best Places to Live on Long Island
Once you’ve found your new home among the best places to live on Long Island, the fun can begin in earnest. You may want to revamp your home, you’ll certainly want to find out more about how to make the most of living in your new neighborhood.
We can help. Our websites got all the best tips and information from buying to selling a home, and everything that happens in between. Keep reading.