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Lloyd Harbor, a small and affluent community, is located on a peninsula in the Long Island Sound. With a population of 3,700 spread across ten square miles, this incorporated village is one of Long Islands most sparsely populated. The village is part of the larger Town of Huntington.

Unsurprisingly, Lloyd Harbor lacks strip malls; it has no real retail at all for that matter. Residents must travel south to Huntington for shopping. Zoning laws are very strict; residential lot size has a minimum of two acres.

A large portion of Lloyd Harbor is occupied by Caumsett State Park, which has water on two of its four sides. The 1,500 acre property, located on the grounds of the estate of Marshall Field III, offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Target Rock National Wildlife Area, an 80-acre property, is great for hiking and observing nature. Mill Cove Waterfowl Sanctuary and Fiske Bird Sanctuary attract birdwatchers from around the area. There are two beaches: one run by the Town of Huntington, and one for Lloyd Harbor residents only.

The Cold Spring Harbor Central School District includes Lloyd Harbor within its boundaries. The district is small, with approximately 2,150 students. There is one K-1 primary school, and two elementary schools for grades two through six. One of the two elementary schools is located in Lloyd Harbor. The district has been ranked more than once in the top 100 school districts nationally. In 2007, U.S. News and World Report ranked Cold Spring Harbor High School at #52. Typically, ninety-five percent of graduates continue their education at four-year colleges. Eighty-four percent take Advanced Placement courses.

Prices begin close to a million dollars, with single-family homes being the only option. Colonials and farm ranches are popular styles. In recent years, rebuilding homes has been a popular choice, giving Lloyd Harbor a good amount of fairly new inventory.

Centerport, a small, oddly-shaped hamlet in the Town of Huntington, seems broken into three parts. Its most prominent area is a peninsula on jutting into the Long Island Sound. It is split in half by Centerport Harbor; the western part of the community appears the most heavily populated. Its southern section borders the hamlet of Greenlawn. Centerport is small, with 5,500 residents. Summer vacationers once inhabited the area, but today the majority of people reside there year-round.

Residents who commute by train have two options. Huntington’s LIRR station is about ten to fifteen minutes for most residents. Greenlawn’s LIRR station is closer, but service is less frequent and riders almost always have to transfer at Huntington, Hicksville or Jamaica. Major roads and highways are a good distance away, giving the area a sense of solitude.

There is no main downtown area, no strip malls, no grocery stores, which has allowed Centerport to retain the atmosphere of rest and relaxation it earned in its resort days. Boating and fishing remain important leisure time activities. The Centerport Yacht Club, founded in 1947, organizes regattas and events. Two of the Town of Huntington’s eight beaches sit along the Sound: Centerport Beach Park and the smaller Fleets Cove Beach. Mill Pond Dam Bridge is a popular fishing location.

Cultural opportunities are easy to find. The Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum occupies 43 acres on the water, and organizes tours and workshops for adults and kids. It also has a planetarium, which is popular with school groups. The Suydam Homestead, overseen by the Greenlawn-Centerport Historical Association, hails back to the 1700s, and has been restored to include a gallery of historic artifacts.

Students who live in Centerport attend school in the Harborfields Central School District. The district also serves students from Greenlawn, Huntington and Northport. Washington Drive School, the district’s only K-2 school, is located in Centerport; the intermediate school, middle school and high school are all located in Greenlawn. The student population is 3,700. Scores on standardized state exams, administered to students in grades 3 through 8, are solid, as are Regents exam scores, taken by high school and some middle school students.

Centerport’s small size means a relatively small housing stock. The area was once primarily middle-class, but in recent years the area has grown in affluence. Compared to nearby waterfront towns like Laurel Harbor and Lloyd Neck, Centerport is still considered affordable, with current prices beginning in the mid-$300,000 range. Ages of homes vary, with older homes which were probably former summer homes, as well as newer construction. The most selection will be found among homes priced over $1 million, but there are lots of possibilities in the $500,000-$700,000 range.

Islip Terrace, the smallest of “the Islips” is a small hamlet sandwiched between the Southern State Parkway and Sunrise Highway in western Suffolk County. The hamlet is small, occupying 1.4 square miles. Initially called Germantown, the name was changed after World War I due to anti-German sentiment. Islip Terrace is heavily residential, full of well-maintained modest homes. Its population is 5,600.

The hamlet is ideally located near several parks, giving residents access to many activities and facilities. Beaver Dam Park has a playground, baseball field and basketball court. Bohemia Equestrian Center is a county facility with trails and three rings; permits are required. Heckscher State Park, not to be confused with Huntington’s Heckscher Park, features 1,600 acres on the Great South Bay. The Long Island Greenbelt Trail begins here, and ends on the North Shore at Sunken Meadow State Park. It also includes picnic and camping areas. Bayard Cutting Arboretum, located on the grounds of a 19th century estate, is a passive recreation park which offers educational programs. It also includes a farm. Connetquot River State Park Preserve offers hiking and fishing. An ocean beach is the main attraction at Robert Moses State Park, twenty minutes away.

Islip Terrace does not have its own school district. Students who reside in the hamlet attend school in the East Islip School District, which serves five thousand students. Connetquot Elementary and Ruth C. Kinney Elementary, both K-5, are located in Islip Terrace, as are East Islip Middle School and East Islip High School. Scores on state standardized exams have been strong across elementary and middle school. At the high school level, Regents passing rates are high.
The Islip Arts Council serves the greater Islip area. It includes a museum and a school offering art, music and theater classes to adults and children. It also organizes concerts and programs for the community.

With the exception of a few businesses along Carleton Avenue, Islip Terrace does not have much commercial activity. However, obtaining necessities is not difficult. Numerous shopping options can be found along Montauk Highway in neighboring East Islip. Gardiner Manor, a short trip away in Bay Shore, is anchored by Target and King Kullen, along with several other retailers. Mall shopping can also be found at Bay Shore’s South Shore Mall.

Homes in Islip Terrace are well-priced for people with smaller budgets or those seeking to downsize. The majority of inventory is priced below $350,000 and includes mainly capes, ranches and splits. A handful of homes were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s, but as with much of Long Island, building took off during the 1950s. A small selection of larger homes, priced between $350,000 and $500,000, are available. Providence on the Park is the only condo complex, and is restricted to those age 55 and older.

Sandwiched between Huntington and East Northport, Greenlawn, NY is home to 13,500 residents. Once called Old Field, the hamlet once had a flourishing pickle industry, which came to an abrupt end when blight destroyed the cucumber crops. Today, Greenlawn is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools and walkable downtown.

The Long Island Expressway sits to the south of the hamlet, which is part of the Town of Huntington. The LIE is the closest major highway. Residents who commute by train can board at the LIRR’s Greenlawn station. Parking is a mix of unrestricted spots and Town of Huntington Resident Only, with a permit. Travel time ranged between an hour and fifteen minutes to an hour and twenty-five minutes, partly because commuters must transfer at Huntington, Hicksville or Jamaica.

Greenlawn offers its residents a great variety of things to do. Broadway, lined with shops and restaurants, is a popular destination. The Robert M. Kubecka Memorial Organic Garden gives residents a chance to cultivate small gardens in a community setting. There are 8 Town of Huntington beaches, as well as a skate park. Each year Greenlawn honors its history by holding its Pickle Festival at the John Gardiner Farm, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Greenlawn Plaza includes a grocery store as well as an assortment of chain stores. The Harborfields Library is also a great asset. Located in a former school, it has an art gallery and community center, along with an 8,000 square foot Children’s Room.

The Harborfields Central School District serves students from Greenlawn, as well as Centerport, Huntington and Northport. The student population of 3,700 is spread among one primary school, located in Centerport, as well as an intermediate school, middle school and high school, all located in Greenlawn. Scores on standardized state exams, administered to students in grades 3 through 8, are solid, as are Regents exam scores, taken by high school and some middle school students.

Homes are well-priced, though not as affordable as some neighboring areas. Buyers with budgets under $500,000 will find a lot of possibilities. At the high end, prices come close to $800,000, though inventory is smaller at this end. There are no co-ops or condos.

Dix Hills is unique by shopping-crazed Long Island standards. The hamlet of 26,000 has strict zoning regulations, which attempts to keep a tight rein on development. With the exception of a few gardening centers, retail shopping is nearly non-existent. Residents must travel beyond the confines of the sixteen-square mile area to purchase groceries and other necessities. There is no local LIRR service either; commuters must travel to Wyandanch orHuntington Station to catch the train.

Open spaces and parks are easy to find. The Town of Huntington, which includes Dix Hills, oversees recreational activities and supervises several parks, including a golf course at the public Crab Meadow Golf Course, and Gold Star Battalion Beach, on Huntington Bay. Dix Hills Park also has a golf course, along with an indoor ice rink, outdoor pools and a playground. The area’s Little League uses the ten fields at Otsego Park, which also has a roller hockey rink and playground. Strathmore Park, largely undeveloped, features hiking trails. A portion of the 813 acre Oak Bush Plains at Edgewood, a preserve occupying the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital, is located in Dix Hills.

Students residing in the northeastern section of Dix Hills attend school in the Commack School District, whose high school was rated #1 in Suffolk County this year by U.S. News and World Report. Rolling Hills Primary School serves the students in Dix Hills, who move on to intermediate, middle and high school in Commack. Commack participates in the International Baccalaureate program, a challenging multi-disciplinary college preparatory program. Scores on standardized state tests are high across grades and subjects. The remaining students attend the Half Hollow Hills Central School District, which draws students from Dix Hills, Melville, Deer Park and Wheatley Heights. It includes 10,000 students in seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. High passing rates on state exams at the elementary and middle school level, as well as high Regents passing rates draw homebuyers to the area. At the high school level, students can choose from twenty-six Advanced Placement courses. Collaborations with local colleges allow students to begin earning college credit. A planetarium at Half Hollow Hills West High School draws visiting students from the district’s elementary and middle schools.

A minimal number of smaller, inexpensive homes on small lots are available, but most homes are higher priced and sit on an acre of land. Those less expensive homes are priced beginning in the low $300,000 range. Buyers whose budgets are around and above the $500,000 range will have more options; current prices top out around $2.5 million. Many homes were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s; some are even newer. The relatively young age of homes means there are more contemporary styled houses than in neighboring areas.

Huntington, NY, often referred to as Huntington Village to distinguish it from other area municipalities, is actually not an incorporated village but a hamlet in the Town of Huntington. It does have a quaint, walkable downtown area with over 300 businesses. The village is the epicenter of the community, drawing both residents and visitors who come to enjoy the shops, bars and restaurants. Huntington has a vibrant nightlife as well.

The Long Island Rail Road offers direct service to and from the city. The commute takes about an hour and ten minutes. Parking options include metered spots and lots for resident with Town of Huntington permits. Huntington Area Rapid Transit has routes to the village and Walt Whitman Mall, in nearby South Huntington.

The area is a great place for recreation and cultural arts. Heckscher Park, not to be confused with Heckscher State Park on the South Shore, landed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The park is home to the Heckscher Museum of Art, which includes 2,000 works in its collection, and the Chapin Rainbow Theater. Each summer, the Huntington Summer Arts Festival comes to Heckscher Park. Organized by the Huntington Arts Council, the festival lasts eight weeks and includes concerts and performances. The Town of Huntington also oversees Crab Meadow Golf Club, a public course for residents and non-residents, and Gold Star Battalion Beach. The beach, located on Huntington Bay, allows swimming and picnicking.

The Huntington School District educates over four thousand students. Schools include four K-3 primary schools, two 4-6 intermediate schools, one middle school and one high school. Approximately one-fifth of the student population lives in poverty; there are also a large number of English Language Learners (ELLs). Recently the New York State Education Department placed Huntington on its list of districts needing improvement in the area of English Language Arts at all grade levels. On the state exams administered to students in third through eighth grade, between six and ten percent of students did not meet standards. The high school offers sixteen Advanced Placement courses. Forty clubs and a variety of athletic teams are available.

A wide range of prices characterizes Huntington’s housing stock. Homes closer to the downtown area tend to be pricier. The inventory includes colonials, cottages, splits and ranches. Prices begin in the mid-$200,000 range. House-hunters looking at homes priced between $400,000 and $700,000 will find the most options, with prices topping out just above $1 million. Those seeking condos or co-ops will find a very small supply of available homes, priced between $250,000 and $600,000.

Melville, New York, population 15,000, is a hamlet in Suffolk County. A hamlet in the Town of Huntington, it is located along the Nassau/Suffolk border. The exact origin of the hamlet’s name is unclear. Speculation often brings up Herman Melville, author of Moby Dick, as being the inspiration for the name. However, unlike his contemporary, poet Walt Whitman, Melville has no connection to the area.

Parkland is abundant. Arboretum Park has a playground, as well as tennis, basketball and handball courts. In 2010, a memorial garden dedicated to Anne Frank opened. West Hills County Park offers hiking and bridle paths, and a playground. A trail named for Walt Whitman leads hikers to Jayne’s Hill, Long Island’s highest peak.

Route 110, also known as Walt Whitman Road in Melville, is home to Kohls, Marshalls and several other chain retailers. Further up Route 110, in South Huntington, is Walt Whitman Mall, which is anchored by Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Lord & Taylor. Several large companies occupy office space in Melville, including Estee Lauder, Sbarro and Nikon.

The Half Hollow Hills Central School District draws students from Melville and its surrounding areas, including Dix Hills, Deer Park and Wheatley Heights. The district includes 10,000 students in seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. West Hills Middle School is in Melville; the remaining schools are in Dix Hills. Half Hollow Hills is a sought-after district, with high passing rates on state exams at the elementary and middle school level. Regents passing rates are also very high, with passing rates over ninety percent in all subjects. Twenty-six Advanced Placement courses are available, and collaborations with local colleges allow students to begin earning college credit. Half Hollow Hills West High School’s most unique feature is a planetarium, which is visited frequently by students from the elementary and middle schools.

A third of Melville’s housing stock was constructed after 1990. There is a good amount of inventory currently priced between $350,000 and $500,000. Prices at the higher end go as high as $2 million.

Bay Shore is one of Long Island’s older towns. It occupies twelve square miles along the Great South Bay, with a population of 24,000. Earlier in its history, the town had a vibrant commercial area along Main Street. The arrival of the South Shore Mall in the early 1960s drew shoppers away, sending the village into a slow downward spiral. The decline continued into the 1980s, when efforts began to revitalize the area. Today, many improvements have been made. New housing, parks, shops and cultural organizations have revived the area. The Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce provides support for local businesses.

Bay Shore’s location on the water provides the area with scenic beauty and excellent recreational opportunities. Its Marina Park, which offers sweeping views of the Great South Bay, has a new spray park for kids, along with a pool, restaurant and playground. Bay Shore is the westernmost point for ferry access to the Fire Island National Seashore, which draws visitors from all over the region. The Great South Bay YMCA counts fitness, aquatics, sports, and teen programs among its many offerings.

The school district is ethnically diverse, with a poverty rate of 30%. The district, which has three K-2 schools, two 3-5 schools, one middle school and one high school, offers Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) and full-day kindergarten. Student performance is generally strong on state exams. Two Regents courses are offered at the middle school level, allowing qualified students to begin working towards high school diplomas. Students can choose from a wide range of after-school sports and clubs. The high school participates in the International Baccalaureate program, a rigorous, well-regarded college preparatory program. Twenty-three Advanced Placement courses are taught, so students can begin earning college credits.

Arts and culture are also important to the community. The Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library, operating for about a hundred years, organizes film series, exhibits, and children’s programs. The Boulton Performing Arts Centers is a popular venue for concerts, with many well-known folk and alternative musicians on the roster. The renovated Dr. George S. King Park features a band shell, where concerts are held during the warmer months. Sagtikos Manor, built in 1697, hosted George Washington during his tour of Long Island, and is one of the area’s most treasured landmarks.

Bay Shore offers great affordability, with a large range of prices. At the low end, mobile homes and small capes and ranches help homebuyers with smaller budgets get a foothold into the town. Currently there is a lot of inventory under $200,000. At the high end, waterfront homes and luxury condos dominate, with numerous options in between.

Wheatley Heights, a hamlet in the Town of Babylon, is largely residential with 5,000 residents. Until recently a part of neighboring Wyandanch, Wheatley Heights is diverse and middle-class. The hamlet shares a zip code with Wyandanch. Concerned Taxpayers of Wheatley Heights/Dix Hills, a community group, is striving to get the hamlet its own zip code, which would help give it an independent identity. The organization also sponsors beautification projects and neighborhood watches.

Shopping opportunities are minimal in Wheatley Heights, with only a few stores within the hamlet’s borders. However, neighboring towns offer innumerable choices. Residents can use two libraries, in Dix Hills and Melville. The Usdan Center for the Creative and Performing Arts provides summer programs in art, music, theater and dance. Long Island Rail Road service is available in Wyandanch; travel time to the city is about an hour.

The Town of Babylon provides a wide variety of recreational programs and events for residents of Wheatley Heights. All the town’s opportunities are published in an annual recreation guide. Three town beaches, Overlook, Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach, are located to the south. Griem Park has a gazebo, tennis and handball courts, and a playground. Concerts and an annual family day are held at the park.

Students who live in Wheatley Heights attend school in the Half Hollow Hills Central School District, which also includes students from Melville, Dix Hills and Deer Park. The district’s seven elementary schools, one of two middle schools, and two high schools are located in Dix Hills. West Hills Middle School, located in Melville, is the exception. With just over 10,000 students, Half Hollow Hills is well-regarded. At the elementary and middle school level, passing rates on state exams were very high, with only one to three percent of students failing to meet standards. Regents passing rates are also very high, with passing rates over ninety percent in all subjects. Twenty-six Advanced Placement courses are available, and collaborations with local colleges allow students to begin earning college credit. A wide variety of foreign language courses are available through independent study.

Single-family homes are the primary type of housing. Current prices begin around $200,000 and range through $400,000. Capes, ranches and splits dominate the inventory. The majority of homes were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s, when the post-war building boom extended across Nassau and into Suffolk. Co-ops and rentals are available in limited numbers.

West Islip is an unincorporated area whose borders spill into two larger Suffolk County Towns: Islip and Babylon. The area, where the Secatogue Indians once roamed, was sparsely populated and largely undeveloped until the demand for housing swept through Nassau County and into Suffolk. West Islip grew exponentially between the 1950s and 1970s to its current population of 30,000.

Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway pass through West Islip. Most of its shopping opportunities are located here and along Union Boulevard. A short ride in either direction brings shoppers to two large malls, Sunrise Mall in Massapequa and South Shore Mall in Bay Shore. Both malls are anchored by major department stores and include many additional smaller retailers. The hamlet has an excellent library, with a large collection of items for lending. The West Islip Symphony, which puts on major concerts throughout the year, provides a great cultural opportunity for residents.

The hamlet’s location near the water makes boating and beach-going popular recreational activities. West Islip Beach, on Great South Bay, provides one option. The Robert Moses Causeway passes through West Islip, providing easy access to Robert Moses State Park, an ocean beach, and Captree State Park, which is popular with fisherman. Swimmers who prefer pools will enjoy Casamento Park, a 14 acre space which also has tennis, handball and basketball courts. Playgrounds can be found at Carnation Park, Keith Lane Park and Parkway Lawns. A community center provides a location for senior activities and town events.

The West Islip School District educates 5,600 students. There are four elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The school district is generally well-regarded, with strong student performance on state exams. Graduation rates at the high school are around 98%. Students who are interested in Advanced Placement courses have a large variety to choose from. West Islip’s varsity lacrosse team has won the New York State Championships during four out of the last seven years. Parents who are interested in parochial school may be interested in St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School, which has an excellent reputation, and draws students from all over the area.

House-hunters will find a wide range of prices. The most expensive homes tend to be located on or near the water, while more affordable homes can be found inland. Splits, ranches, capes and colonials comprise the bulk of West Islip’s inventory. In relative terms, the majority of homes are relatively new, constructed during the 1960s and 1970s.

West Babylon, a hamlet in the larger Town of Babylon, is the largest of the three areas bearing the Babylon name. It is sandwiched between Lindenhurst and Babylon Village. With eight square miles and 43,000 residents, it is the largest and most populous of its neighbors.

Several major roads cut through West Babylon. Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway run parallel to each other, providing easy access to shopping centers and neighboring towns. The Southern State Parkway has three exits in West Babylon. Train commuters have multiple station options, though none of them are in West Babylon. Permits are required to park at Lindenhurst, though non-residents are eligible for them. Parking at the Babylon station, a few minutes west, is limited to village residents, but a private lot is available. Residents in the northern part of the hamlet may find their closest station option is Pinelawn, where parking is free.

Necessities can be easily obtained from West Babylon’s many stores, which include Kmart, Big Lots and Marshalls. Montauk Highway is the area’s primary retail corridor, though Little East Neck Road is home to the Babylon Galleria Shopping Center.

There are many recreational opportunities in West Babylon. Bergen Point Golf Club, located along the shore in the southernmost part of the hamlet, is an 18-hole public golf course run by the county. There are several parks and playgrounds, many with basketball courts and baseball fields, scattered across the town. Anthony Sanchez Memorial Park also features a pool.

The West Babylon School District serves 4,600 public school students, which has five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Seventeen percent of the student population lives in poverty. The most recent available graduation statistics show 86% of students continuing their educations at two-year or four-year colleges. Some of West Babylon’s students attend either the Babylon Schools or the Wyandanch Schools. Babylon’s district gets very good results, with good passing rates on state standardized exams. Wyandanch’s district struggles with a very high poverty rate and abysmal passing rates on state exams across grade levels.

Single family homes dominate, and offer great affordability. Currently about half the homes on the market are priced below $300,000, giving several possibilities to buyers with smaller budgets. Nearly all the homes were constructed during the 1950s and 1960s. A few complexes with co-ops and condos provide buyers with additional options.

North Babylon, an unincorporated hamlet within the Town of Babylon, sits north of the Village of Babylon and west of the unincorporated hamlet of West Babylon. Its population is approximately 18,000. Founded in 1803, the area was first called South Deer Park.

The area’s location along Sunrise Highway, with the Southern State Parkway forming its northern border, makes it convenient for car travel. Though there is no direct LIRR service, residents have two nearby alternatives, both which make the trip to Penn Station in about an hour. To the south, Babylon has privately operated parking lots for non-village residents. Wyandanch, slightly north and west, has lots maintained by the Town of Babylon, though permits are not required.

Recreation is overseen by the Town of Babylon, which publishes an annual guide with details on its many programs and events. Phelps Lane Memorial Park is a town facility with a pool, basketball and tennis courts, baseball fields and a playground. New York State’s Parks Department runs Belmont Lake State Park, where visitors can boat, fish, picnic, ride horses, and hike. Three residents-only beaches, Gilgo, Overlook and Cedar, are all nearby, as well as Robert Moses State Park, a larger public beach.

Residents can meet most of their shopping needs locally, mainly along Sunrise Highway and Deer Park Avenue. Several strip malls and shopping centers offer casual dining, grocery and drug stores, as well as some locally-based independent shops. To the north, Tanger Outlets at the Arches offers a mix of discount and designer retailers.

Approximately 5,000 students attend the North Babylon School District, which is comprised of five elementary schools, Robert Moses Middle School and North Babylon High School. Scores on state exams at the five elementary schools are solid overall, with the majority of students meeting standards. At the middle school level, between four and six percent of students failed to meet standards. Two Regents classes, in Living Environment and Integrated Algebra, allow qualified middle school students to get an early start on high school diplomas. The high school takes a comprehensive approach to educating its students, which extends beyond academics to include citizenship, communications, wellness, and technological literacy. Students can earn college credits at a reduced rate through collaboration with SUNY Farmingdale, and Advanced Placement courses are also available.

Homes in North Babylon are affordable, with a handful of smaller homes currently available for under $200,000. Virtually none of the current inventory for sale was built before 1940; the bulk of homes were constructed during the 1960s and 1970s. The majority of homes on the market now are priced between $300,000 and $400,000, with only a few homes above that range. Many co-ops are available, with the most affordable ones located in the Fairfield Gardens complex, though other options in this category are available.

East Farmingdale is an unincorporated hamlet in the Town of Babylon. Most residents don’t distinguish between Farmingdale and East Farmingdale; both areas share a post office. The greater Farmingdale area also straddles Nassau and Suffolk counties, with the incorporated village in Nassau and the unincorporated area of East Farmingdale in Suffolk. The population of East Farmingdale is 6,500, though 50,000 people reside in the greater Farmingdale area.

East Farmingdale is home to Farmingdale State College and Republic Airport. Along with St. Charles Cemetery, the three landmarks occupy one-third of the hamlet’s 5.4 square miles. Broad Hollow Road, also known as Route 110, serves as one of Long Island’s largest commercial corridors. Furniture outlets are especially well-represented, though many other big-box stores, including Target and Wal-Mart, are located on 110. Adventureland, a small amusement park and another local landmark, is located on 110 across from Farmingdale State.

Two school districts serve East Farmingdale. Students who reside in the northern part of the hamlet attend the Half Hollow Hills School District, which has a student enrollment of approximately 10,000. There are seven elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools. Beginning in fifth grade, students may choose to participate in the district’s well-regarded theater program. Both high schools have excellent science research programs, with regular participation in the Intel and Siemans-Westinghouse competitions.

Students who reside south Conklin Street attend the Farmingdale School District, which has four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school; the district offers Universal Pre-Kindergarten (UPK) for eligible four-year-olds. This year, the state cited Farmingdale as needing improvement in English Language Arts at all levels. An alternative high school program is available.

Residing in the Town of Babylon gives residents access to a large variety of recreation programs and activities, which are outlined in an annual recreation guide. Three town beaches, Gilgo Beach, Oak Beach and Overlook Beach, are a short ride away.

Much of East Farmingdale’s land is not residential, limiting housing options. Homes in the Half Hollow Hills School District tend to be more expensive than the Farmingdale School District. A good amount of inventory is available in the $300,000 to $400,000 range; less expensive homes tend to be smaller and in need of work. Homes in the Half Hollow Hills district hover around the $500,000 range, with very limited inventory.

Deer Park, an unincorporated hamlet in the Town of Babylon, has evolved from an agricultural community to one of Long Island’s shopping havens. Founded in 1853 by Charles Wilson, a prosperous farmer, the area was once known as New York State’s “Fruit Basket” for the volume and variety of fruit it produced. Deer Park remained largely agricultural until the late 1940s, when the substantial increase in demand for affordable housing transformed the area into one of Long Island’s many suburban towns.

Today, Deer Park is home to 28,000 residents, and the area receives a daily influx of visitors who come to take advantage of Deer Park’s many shopping opportunities. In 2008, Tanger at the Arches, a large complex with over 100 discount and designer shops, opened after years of controversy and anticipation. However, the Arches generates tax revenue, and TangerKids Grants has recently provided two of Deer Park’s elementary schools with money for instructional technology. In addition to Tanger, the area features several big-box retails and restaurants.

Shopping isn’t all Deer Park has to offer. Several parks, mostly overseen by the Town of Babylon, give residents a range of recreational choices. The Town publishes an annual guide, which describes the many programs, activities and facilities available to residents. Though Deer Park is land-locked, Cedar Beach, Gilgo Beach and Overlook Beach are a short ride away. Several parks, including Pine Acres, Birchwood and Geiger Memorial, which is partially located in Wyandanch feature playing fields for baseball, basketball and tennis courts, and playgrounds. Buttitta Memorial Pool offers swimming, and includes a roller rink, playground and food concession. Oak Bush Plains at Edgewood, an 813-acre preserve, was created on the grounds of a former psychiatric hospital. Its most unique amenity is a model airplane flying field.

Deer Park’s school district has approximately 4,300 students and three K-2 primary schools, one 3-5 intermediate school, one middle school and one high school. The district is ethnically diverse, with a 13% poverty rate. At the elementary level, scores on state reading and math exams are close to the state median, with the vast majority of students meeting standards. At the high school level, passing rates on Regents exams are also strong. Sixteen Advanced Placement courses are available, which allow students to begin earning college credit.

Housing choices include splits, ranches and capes. Deer Park is very affordable, with the vast majority of homes priced below $350,000 and almost nothing above $550,000. Quail Run is the only condominium complex, with current prices ranging between $220,000 and $350,000.

Babylon is the name given to one of Suffolk County’s ten townships, as well as the name of a village within the township. The village, incorporated in 1893, was once a popular summer vacation area for affluent families. Numerous resort hotels provided vacationers with access to beaches and barrier islands; some wealthier guests built waterfront homes. Today, the village is home to 12,000 residents, who enjoy its many canals, proximity to the beach, and quaint shopping and dining district. Babylon has its own stop on the Long Island Rail Road. Travel time to Manhattan is just over an hour, making Babylon a practical choice for rail commuters.

Babylon’s business district attracts residents and visitors, who enjoy the well-kept walkable area with over thirty restaurants and lots of unique shops. Chains are nearly non-existent. The village has largely succeeded in keeping them out, and preserving the village’s charm. The Babylon Beautification Society organizes an annual County Fair each September, which includes crafts for sale, children’s activities, food and live entertainment. The group raises funds year-round to fund the fair and pay for additional beautification projects around the village.

The village’s waterfront location makes water sports and activities a recreational focus. Each year, an updated Recreation Guide is published for all Babylon Town residents, with information about programs, events and facilities. Two beaches, Cedar Beach and Gilgo Beach, are located in Babylon. In addition to their beaches, both parks also feature marinas, picnic areas and playgrounds. Argyle Park, located near the village center, has a 25-acre fishing pond. A residents-only pool offers a change of pace from the beach. Belmont Lake State Park, officially located in North Babylon, spills partially across the village’s border. This park includes bridle and hiking trails, fishing, boat rentals and picnic areas.

The Babylon School District is small by Long Island standards, with 2,000 students in three schools. Babylon Elementary houses kindergarten through second grade, Babylon Memorial has third through sixth grades, and all the secondary students attend Babylon Junior-Senior High School. The two elementary schools share a campus. Though ten percent of third graders recently failed to meet standards on state exams, scores in other grades were stronger. At the high school level, Regents passing rates are very strong. Ninety-four percent of students from the Class of 2011 continued their education at two- or four-year colleges.

Home prices in Babylon vary widely. Many of the village’s home back up onto canals, with docks for boats. Waterfront properties have become so desirable that it’s not uncommon for a buyer to purchase a small home in good condition, tear it down, and rebuild a bigger home. The village’s less expensive homes range between $200,000 and $400,000, but are very limited in numbers. Homebuyers who have budgets above $400,000 will have the most choice. Though two-family homes are very limited, co-ops and condos are plentiful. It is not unusual

Copiague, an unincorporated area in the Town of Babylon, is a 2.4 square mile hamlet on the South Shore. Its name is derived from a Native American word meaning “place of shelter.” In the early 1900s, large numbers of Italian immigrants settled in Copiague, and today it still holds appeal for recent arrivals. Today, an influx of Hispanic and Eastern European immigrants has added to the cultural diversity of the area, which also includes African Americans. Twenty-three thousand people reside in Copiague.

Several main roads, including Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road, pass through Copiague. Target, Home Depot and Stop and Shop are a few of the area’s major retailers. Nearby, Sunrise Mall and South Shore Mall both offer a wide variety of retail choices.

Many leisure time and recreation options are available. The Copiague Chamber of Commerce promotes and supports local businesses, and organizes an annual Family Festival, which occurs each fall. The Family Festival is held at Tanner Park, a waterfront facility with playing fields, a marina, a playground and a senior center. The Festival includes carnival rides, live entertainment and food vendors. The Town of Babylon publishes an official Recreation Guide, which contains information on programs, camps and local facilities, which include three beaches, Gilgo Beach, Cedar Beach and Overlook Beach. Events organized by the town include the Halloween Haunted House and the Holiday Tree Lighting. Camping enthusiasts will be interested in the campsites at the Cedar Beach Marina.

The Copiague School District educates 4,600 public school students in three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Kindergarten is a full day. Many parents in Copiague choose to send their children to area private and parochial schools. Though the schools have areas needing improvement, and contend with a 46% poverty rate, the dropout rate is less than one percent. The district has been cited by the state as needing improvement in English Language Arts. On recent exams, only half the middle school students met standards as measured by state exams. At the high school level, Regents results are satisfactory but could be better. The library is excellent, offering programs for children and adults, with a large collection of materials to borrow.

Copiague offers house-hunters affordability, with a lot of single-family homes below $200,000. Though many of those homes are smaller and need repair, they offer house-hunters with smaller budgets an opportunity to own. Buyers with budgets in the $300,000-$400,000 range will find they are able to get more for their money than they would in other towns, though school quality may be a concern. Co-ops and condos range between $200,000 and $500,000. Multi-family homes are an option, though in limited in number.

Lindenhurst is an incorporated village within the Town of Babylon, Suffolk County. Its population of 27,000 makes it the fourth most populated village in New York State. Founded in 1873, it was initially called Breslau by a group of German settlers. In 1891, it was renamed Lindenhurst, after the linden trees planted by those settlers. Today, it is an affordable, attractive suburb whose residents enjoy the community’s proximity to the shore.

The Long Island Rail Road makes the 40-mile trip to Manhattan in about an hour. Parking options include metered spots, resident and non-resident permit parking and a limited number of free spaces. Several main roads pass through and near Lindenhurst. Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway are east-west thoroughfares, lined with businesses and restaurants. Wellwood Avenue cuts a north-south path through the village, and also provides residents with numerous shopping and dining options, as do East and West Hoffman Avenue.

The village operates the Lindenhurst Community Center, which serves as the home base for several organizations. A variety of groups exist, including the village’s auxiliary police force, Disabled American Veterans, the Rainbow Senior Citizens Center, and Little League and Youth Football. A summer concert series is held annually at Village Square Park. Fireman’s Park has a recently renovated playground. Venetian Shores Park, operated by the Town of Babylon, is for residents only and offers a small beach and spray park.

The Lindenhurst School District serves 7,000 public school students. Students begin at one of six elementary schools, and then continue to Lindenhurst Middle School and Lindenhurst High School. Students fared well overall on New York State exams, with results varying based on grade. Between one and five percent of students in grades 3 through 8 failed to meet standards. At the high school level, passing rates on Regents exams were excellent. In all subjects, over 90% of students passed, and passing rates were close to 100% on several tests. The high school’s newspaper has received several awards, and students can choose from a range of Advanced Placement exams, which can help students begin earning college credit.

Shopping is plentiful and residents can address most of their retail needs locally. The village is conveniently located between two large shopping malls. Sunrise Mall in Massapequa and South Shore Mall in Bay Shore both feature a mix of large department stores and smaller specialty and chain retailers.

Lindenhurst has a good selection of affordable homes, including waterfront properties. The inventory consists primarily of capes and ranches. Though the majority of houses were constructed during the post-war building boom of the 1950s, some older homes are available. Currently, about twenty multi-family homes are on the market. Co-ops and condos are limited, with one complex, Narragansett Villas, offering units for sale.

Hempstead is the name given to both the Nassau County township, population 759,000 and one of its incorporated villages. The Town’s administrative offices are located in the village of Hempstead, which has a population of 55,000. Incorporated in 1853, Hempstead is New York’s oldest and most populous village. While its population is predominantly African-American, Hispanics comprise a large part as well.

The village of Hempstead has experienced challenges in recent years. Improving public safety and dealing with crime are ongoing concerns, as is the local economy . During the 1960s, Hempstead was a popular shopping destination, home to Abraham & Strauss, Time Square Store and other popular shops. The growth and popularity of Roosevelt Field and Green Acres drew shoppers away from Hempstead. The eventual closure of Hempstead’s big stores contributed to the blight which the village is still trying to rectify. However, an ambitious plan to develop new housing and retail in a pedestrian-oriented setting has met with great enthusiasm. Redevelopment is focused on the village’s central business district, and community input is sought through a website, RenewHempstead.com.

Hempstead Town’s offices, including the Town Clerk and Town Hall, are located in the village, along with Nassau County’s District Court. The African-American Museum, located on North Franklin Street, celebrates the contributions of African Americans through exhibits and educational programs, with a focus on Long Island. There are six parks; Kennedy Park has three pools and a gym and weight room. As part of the Town of Hempstead, residents can participate in programs and use its many parks, which include Lido Beach, Point Lookout Beach, and Lido West Beach.

Hempstead’s school district contends with a 62% poverty rate and a high number of students learning English. At the middle school level, one-fourth of students are not meeting standards. Though it was recently cited by the state as needing to improve both its high school graduation rate and English Language Arts instruction, the district has made small inroads to improvement. During the last school year, more graduating seniors earned Regents diplomas, and scores rose on both Integrated Algebra and U.S. History and Government Regents exams. Several Advanced Placement courses are available, which allow students to begin earning college credit. Instruction will also be improved through new Common Core curriculum standards, which are being implemented statewide with the goal of improving student outcomes.

Homebuyers will find bargains, but may have to weigh issues of resale, as well as costs of private schools, which many residents choose. Renters outnumber homeowners, an unusual trend for Nassau County. Hempstead has been hit hard by the subprime loan crisis, with a larger percentage of foreclosures when compared to surrounding areas. However, there are many beautiful and well-maintained Tudors and colonials, priced lower than they would be in other towns. Many legal multi-family homes are available, at a wide range of prices. Several co-op complexes offer another well-priced alternative for homebuyers.

Plainview is a larger sister hamlet to Old Bethpage. The area, which is bordered by several major parkways and the Suffolk County border, was part of the Bethpage Purchase. This 1687 transaction also includes modern-day Old Bethpage, Plainedge, Bethpage, and Farmingdale. For years, farmers cultivated cucumbers and potatoes, until blight, coupled with the post-war demand for suburban housing, resulted in farmers selling their lands to developers. Today, the hamlet is home to 26,000 residents.

The hamlet’s location provides commuters and drivers with many points into and out of town. The Northern State Parkway and Long Island Expressway have multiple exits in Plainview. The Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway, another major artery, provides access to points north and south. Commuters who use the LIRR need to access the train from Syosset, Hicksville or Bethpage as Plainview does not have its own stop. Town of Oyster Bay permits are generally required to park at the stations.

Its inclusion in the Town of Oyster Bay gives residents access to many parks and recreational programs. The Town oversees the Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, a 19-acre space with play and picnic areas, a swimming pool and a kiddie pool. Residents can also enjoy two town beaches, Theodore Roosevelt to the north on Oyster Bay Harbor and Tobay Beach, an ocean beach in Massapequa. Mid-Island Y Jewish Community Center, which is affiliated with the United Way, serves Nassau and Western Suffolk and offers a range of youth and senior programs. The relatively unknown Manetto Hills Park, located on the grounds of an old estate, is an undeveloped parcel popular with hikers.

Plainview and Old Bethpage share many services, including the Plainview-Old Bethpage School District. The district educates 5,200 students from the two communities. All kindergarten students begin together at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Kindergarten Center, and then continue to one of four elementary schools. Three of the four elementary schools are located in Plainview, as are both middle schools and Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School. The high school has a top-notch science research program, and very high Regents passing rates. The community also shares the Plainview-Old Bethpage Library, a modern facility which offers community and cultural programs.

Several shopping centers help residents meet most of their shopping needs. Morton Village, Manetto Hill Plaza and Woodbury Plaza feature lots of variety, including well known chains like the Gap and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Fairway and Trader Joes, two specialty grocery stores, draw shoppers from neighboring towns. Plainview is also conveniently located between two shopping malls, Broadway Mall in Hicksville and Walt Whitman Mall in Huntington.

Home prices vary greatly and have dropped significantly since the recession. Current prices begin around $300,000, though those houses tend to be smaller and may need work. A small number of homes predate the post-war building boom. However, most of Plainview’s capes, splits and ranches were built during the 1950s and 1960s. The most expensive single-family homes are priced above $1 million. Homebuyers interested in co-ops and condominiums will find several options and price points, currently between $300,000 and $1 million.

At the beginning of last century, Long Beach was a popular resort and vacation area for middle-class and upper-class city residents who were drawn to its many waterfront resort hotels. The city, one of two in Nassau, is located on a barrier island on the Atlantic Ocean. Gradually, air travel allowed people to travel to more distant destinations. The decline in summer visitors, coupled with local government corruption, led Long Beach into decline, which lasted until the 1970s. During the 1980s and 1990s, inventors who saw the city’s potential poured money into the city, spurring a revitalization which has lead to today’s vibrant city of 35,000 residents.

Long Beach can be reached by car from the Loop Parkway, which ends at the eastern end of the barrier island, or Long Beach Boulevard, which brings drivers into the heart of the city. Park Avenue is the city’s major road, where many unique shops and eateries are located. Dining options include Thai, sushi, Italian, pizzerias and kosher delis. Long Beach’s many bars are popular with locals and visitors.

Organized recreation is overseen by the city. The city’s main attraction is its beach and two-mile boardwalk, which is very clean and well-maintained. Resident families can purchase a season pass for $60, while non-residents will pay $120, and visitors can purchase day passes. Races, regattas and surfing competitions are organized by the recreation department, which also runs a recreation center with a pool and fitness equipment. Programs for children and seniors are also available.

Students from Long Beach attend the Long Beach City School District. With a student population of 4,000, the district operates a pre-kindergarten center, four elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. A Head Start program runs year-round. Though the district contends with a 15% poverty rate, it still earns high passing rates on standardized exams. Kindergarten is a full day, and foreign language instruction begins at the elementary level. Students at Long Beach High School can select from among 50 Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and college-level courses. The International Baccalaureate program is a rigorous college preparatory program available at only a few Long Island high schools. Forty-five varsity team sports are available.

Unlike almost every other town and hamlet in Nassau, Long Beach’s housing inventory includes more condos and co-ops than houses. Homebuyers with a range of budgets will find plenty of options for all three. Small bungalows, many dating back to the 1920s, are among the less expensive single-family homes, and buyers looking to spend less than $400,000 will find many possibilities.