From the educational excellence in Massapequa to the bustling nightlife in Huntington, each neighborhood brings something special to the table. Discover communities known for their affluence, commuter convenience, and natural beauty. Whether you're a young family, a professional commuter, or someone who values a tight-knit community, there’s a perfect spot for you on Long Island.
13 Best Neighborhoods In Long Island in 2024
- Massapequa
- Plainview
- Commack
- Huntington
- Islip
- Islandia
- Smithtown
- Valley Stream
- Merrick
- Stony Brook
- Roslyn
- Bellmore
- Ronkonkoma
Massapequa
The best places to live on Long Island if famly is your top priority is Massapequa. This famous suburb is known for having six different elementary schools, a wealth of high-ranking high schools, as well as excellent educational programs for students who want to excel in their careers.
Schooling aside, this neighborhood boasts a wide array of nature-based activities. The local parks offer excellent trails, while Massapequa Cove remains one of the most popular places to fish near New York City. No matter how you look at Massapequa, it’s safe to say that it’s an affluent neighborhood that offers all the finer things in life.
Plainview
If a high strandard of living is what you're after then Plainview could be the best place to live on Long Island for you. This top-rated neighborhood is notorious for its affluence as well as its excellent school systems. Lush parks, low crime rates, and excellent amenities make this the perfect idyllic suburb for families who want it all.
Commuters love Plainview too, and rightfully so. It’s right next to the Long Island Expressway and has mass transit access within five miles of town. So, if you work in New York City, living in Plainview just makes a lot of sense.
Commack
If nothing else, Commack is a sports lover’s dream. This Long Island city-suburb is known for formerly being home to the Long Island Arena. Even today, this area is known for having tons of athletes who enjoy healthy competition nearby.
Career-oriented people are going to enjoy the amount of networking they can do in Commack. This region is home to many celebrities, including Randy Rainbow and Rosie O’Donnell. So, don’t be too surprised if you end up having a star-studded run-in with a local here.
Huntington
Though there are minor neighborhoods of Huntington on this list (like Commack), the truth is that we felt it was necessary to point out Huntington’s popularity as a whole, too. This massive town is one of the largest in Suffolk and remains well-known outside of New York state as well.
People who are fans of nightlife, good food, and music will enjoy what they can get in Huntington. That being said, it’s not all glitz and glamor. The schools in this area are excellent, and there are also tons of family-friendy places that you can visit, too.
Islip
Islip is another one of Long Island's best places; a town that people enjoy going to when they really, truly need a respite from all the noise and craziness of New York City. This elegant yet sparse Long Island town is nestled right near the beach, giving locals a great way to enjoy the sun and surf year-round.
Though this is a suburb recognized for above-average schools, Islip still has its pull with younger crowds as well. The local nightlife is excellent, and during the summer, you can always expect to see parties popping up nearby. Don’t worry, though. Noise complaints rarely ever happen.
Islandia
Islandia is one of those places that feels like it’s from a movie—known for its kind, hardworking people and for having a surprisingly down-to-earth vibe about it. That being said, there’s a lot of uniformity and simplicity in Islandia’s layout. Most people in this neighborhood live in a 500-house complex built by Levitt and Sons and get to enjoy the same school systems as Islip.
If you’re looking for something to do, this neighborhood has your back. Islandia is home to a Dave & Buster’s arcade, a casino, as well as several parks. You won’t get bored here.
Smithtown
Fifty miles away from New York City is Smithtown, a town that is known for being the very definition of Main Street America. Though the town is large, it remains a place where everyone knows your name and where people actively work together to make their future brighter.
Small shops, restaurants stocked with food, and a local culture that is all about team-building is what you can expect here. If you're looking for a Long Island neighborhood with a close-knit vibe, this might just be the place for you. Fans of craft beer will love to check out Tap & Barrel, which is famous for having a selection spanning over 50 beers.
Valley Stream
There’s something to be said about finding a place in Long Island that’s affordable and yet commuter-friendly. Valley Stream is one of those rare, noteworthy gems. Nestled right next to Queens county, Valley Stream is one of the most commuter-friendly Long Island suburbs, boasting an amazing public transit system with easy access to NYC, and excellent proximity to JFK Airport.
Manhattan is only a quick drive away here, making it a commuter’s dream. Though it’s easy to hit the city, many locals choose to stay nearby during the weekends. After all, the people here are friendly, and restaurants are very affordable here.
Merrick
Home to many celebrities and fans of lush living, Merrick is a neighborhood that is well known both in and outside of New York. The classic “South Shore” lifestyle that people think of when they’re in Long Island—elegant houses, sun, surf, nightclubs, and beachy activities are the norm here. Merrick is also one of the best Long Island suburbs of NYC for commuters as it's only a 45-minute train ride on the LIRR to get to Penn Station.
If you are looking for a top-grade school system, then Merrick is going to be your ideal destination. This town is recognized for having the best school system in all of Long Island, not to mention having highly respected grads.
Stony Brook
Stony Brook is a unique blend between an educational hotspot and tourist town. While it was initially made as a tourist town thanks to its picturesque buildings and gorgeous landscapes, Stony Brook quickly became a major college town when SUNY Stony Brook moved in.
This is a town that is hard to leave once you start living there. It’s common to see alumni of Stony Brook choose this neighborhood as their hometown after graduation. Between the safe streets, fun attractions, and the overall gorgeous (yet affordable) community, it’s easy to see why.
Roslyn
If you’re looking for an affluent area that isn’t over-the-top about its wealth, you may want to check out Roslyn. The average home price here is $500,000, but around a quarter of all homes sold tend to fall into the $750,000 to $1 million range. As you could imagine, that kind of price tag means there’s good reason to move here.
The houses in Roslyn are beautiful, and so is the layout of the neighborhood. The town’s excellent school systems make Roslyn one of the hottest parts of Long Island real estate that money can buy. If you love giving your kids a great future, Roslyn is a must-see.
Bellmore
Another family-friendly entry on this list is Bellmore, a town that’s known for having a strong focus on education. Bellmore shares its school system with Merrick, which means your kids can get a world-class education without the hefty Merrick price tag. As you might expect, Merrick is also great for commuters.
Bellmore is also famous for being close to Jones Beach Park, one of the most popular beaches in the area. That alone makes many locals agree that it’s one of the best neighborhoods in Long Island’s beach scene.
Ronkonkoma
Modest and yet remarkably charming in its own way, Ronkonkoma is known for having close access to public transit and being home to the Long Island MacArthur Airport. Needless to say, this blue-collar town is known for having its fair share of commuters and airline professionals calling it home.
The restaurant scene in and around Ronkonkoma is pretty great, so if you’re a food fan, you’ll enjoy this area. Walking through the many nearby parks is always a great way to get the fresh air you need in the glorious beauty of nature. Oh, and the view from Lake Ronkonkoma? It’s incredible every day of the year.
Best Places to Live on Long Island Bottom Line
Long Island boasts a variety of neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles and needs. From the family-friendly vibes of Massapequa and Bellmore to the commuter convenience of Valley Stream and Ronkonkoma, there's something for everyone. Nature lovers will appreciate the parks and beaches in Islip and Merrick, while those seeking a lively social scene will enjoy Huntington and Stony Brook. Whether you’re looking for top-notch schools, easy access to the city, or a close-knit community, Long Island’s diverse neighborhoods offer the perfect place to call home.