Long Island is New York City’s backyard — but it also has its own proud identity. The best Long Island neighborhoods aren’t simply bedroom communities for city commuters. They’re places with quirks, character, and local traditions that have grown out of centuries of unique history.
From old fishing villages turned chic coastal havens to suburban blocks where neighbors know each other’s kids, Long Island is as varied as it is appealing.
On Long Island (but never “in” Long Island), communities are defined by their variety. Want an urban vibe with bars and music venues? You’ll find it. Looking for quiet suburbs with top schools? They’re here, too. There are luxury waterfront enclaves with sweeping Atlantic views, classic beach towns perfect for summer living, and more affordable neighborhoods that still feel close to the coast.
In this guide to the best Long Island neighborhoods, we'll break down which places stand out and why. You'll get all the details you need so you can cross finding a new home off your moving checklist.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods on Long Island
Each neighborhood in this guide is chosen for what it does best, whether it’s ideal for families, the most luxurious, great for commuting, or perfect for beach lovers.
If you’re interested in both beach living and moving to New York State, Long Island is a great bet, and we’ve got you covered in this article. You’ll get median home prices, average rents, commute times by car and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and local highlights to help you figure out which spot might feel most like home.
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8 Best Long Island Neighborhoods
Long Island’s housing market remains robust, with the median home sale price hitting about $745,000 in 2025, up roughly 6.4% year-over-year. That said, prices vary dramatically depending on where you look. Some luxury coastal pockets see homes listed well above $5 million, while affordable suburbs offer properties well below the median.
Of course, the area itself is sprawling and varied. What are the 13 towns of Long Island? You’ve got: Hempstead, North Hempstead, Oyster Bay, Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Riverhead, Southampton, Southold, East Hampton, and Shelter Island. Each has its own character, from suburban family hubs to historic fishing villages turned luxury getaways.
We’ve pulled together the best Long Island neighborhoods for different needs and budgets. The winners are:
1. Huntington Village: Best overall
Median home sale price: $943,000
Average rent: $3,595
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: ~1 hr 5 min via LIRR; ~40–50 min by car (non-rush)
Don’t miss: The Paramount theater, Huntington Harbor, Heckscher Park
Huntington Village, on Long Island’s North Shore in Huntington, is often called one of the best Long Island neighborhoods, and for good reason: it offers a perfect balance of suburban calm and lively downtown energy. The area features historic colonials, Victorians, and modern builds, all tucked along leafy streets that lead to harbor views.
Huntington Village is full of independent shops and great restaurants, and it’s also home to The Paramount theater, a venue that hosts big-name acts in an intimate space. It’s walkable and vibrant without losing that classic suburban feel. For people who want a real sense of community and a manageable commute to Manhattan, Huntington, NY, delivers one of Long Island’s most complete living experiences.
2. Great Neck: Richest
Median home sale price: $1.42 million
Average rent: $3,787
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: ~30–40 min via LIRR
Don’t miss: Great Neck Plaza dining, Saddle Rock Grist Mill, Steppingstone Park
What is the nicest area on Long Island? Many would consider Great Neck to be both the nicest and richest neighborhood on Long Island, thanks to its Gold Coast heritage, historic estates, and exceptionally high home values. Located on the North Shore, it’s a cluster of charming villages with tree-lined streets, stately mansions, and manicured lawns.
Here, you find a blend of old-money elegance with modern luxury. Great Neck offers some of the highest home prices on Long Island alongside a safe, established community feel. It’s the quintessential North Shore enclave, and it has drawn generations of affluent families seeking both prestige and convenience.
3. Massapequa Park: Best for families
Median home sale price: $790,000
Average rent: $2,845
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 1 hr 10–20 min via LIRR
Don’t miss: Massapequa Preserve, Tobay Beach, All-American Burger
Massapequa Park, on Long Island’s South Shore, is one of the best neighborhoods in Long Island for families. It offers that classic suburban layout with tree-lined streets, tidy lawns, and a real sense of local pride. The schools are well-regarded, community sports leagues are huge here, and local events — from holiday parades to farmers markets — keep neighbors connected.
Housing ranges from split-levels and ranches to expanded Cape Cods, giving families plenty of choice at more approachable prices than North Shore luxury towns. Families love the easy access to green spaces like the Massapequa Preserve, as well as proximity to Tobay Beach for summer weekends.
4. Manetto Hills (Plainview): Best for commuting to Midtown
Median home sale price: $942,728
Average rent: $4,950
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: ~43–45 min by car; ~1 hr 7 min via LIRR (Hicksville)
Don’t miss: Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park, Manetto Hills Preserve, local diners
Manetto Hills is one of Plainview, NY’s most sought-after residential neighborhoods, prized for its commuter friendly location and spacious, suburban charm. Tucked in central Nassau County, it offers quiet, safe streets lined with colonials, ranches, and modern builds on large lots, giving residents a feeling of privacy while staying connected.
For commuters, Hicksville’s major LIRR hub is just minutes away, offering reliable service to Penn Station in a little over an hour. By car, you’re under 45 minutes from Midtown Manhattan outside rush hour. It’s that classic suburban sweet spot: Quiet enough to feel like an escape, but close enough to the city for a reasonable daily commute.
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5. Water Mill (Hamptons): Best in Suffolk County / Luxury Coast
Median home sale price: $4.5 million
Average rent: Summer rentals vary widely; $20K+/month is common
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 2–2.5 hrs by car; LIRR access via Southampton station
Don’t miss: Parrish Art Museum, Duck Walk Vineyards, Flying Point Beach
Ready to live like Jay Gatsby? Water Mill sits in the heart of the Hamptons, the real-life inspiration for The Great Gatsby’s opulent setting. So obviously, it’s one of the best places to live on Long Island for those drawn to a luxury coastal lifestyle.
Located in Suffolk County between Southampton and Bridgehampton, it’s known for a farmland-meets-beach vibe that combines open fields, historic estates, and modern designer homes. This is true Hamptons prestige.
What sets Water Mill apart is its quieter, more understated feel compared to the busier Hamptons villages. It’s home to art galleries, local wineries, and seasonal farm stands overflowing with fresh produce.
6. Long Beach: Best for beaches
Median home sale price: $806,000
Average rent: $3,800
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 50–60 min via LIRR
Don’t miss: Long Beach Boardwalk, Magnolia Playground, local surf shops
Long Beach is a classic South Shore barrier island town known for its legendary boardwalk and laid-back beach culture. This makes it easily one of the best neighborhoods in Long Island for beach lovers.
Locals and visitors bike or stroll along the 2.2-mile boardwalk that fronts white sand beaches and rolling Atlantic surf. Housing here is a mix of classic beach bungalows, modern apartments, and ocean-view condos, which creates a lively but relaxed coastal vibe that feels like a year-round vacation.
Beyond the beach itself, Long Beach thrives on community events and a surf-friendly atmosphere. Summer brings concerts on the sand, art festivals, and local surfing competitions that draw crowds from all over the island. If you’re dreaming of salt in your hair and a laid-back life, head out to Long Beach.
7. Valley Stream: Most affordable
Median home sale price: $740,000
Average rent: $3,000
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 35–40 min via LIRR
Don’t miss: Valley Stream State Park, Green Acres Mall, local bakeries
Valley Stream sits right on the Nassau-Queens border, which makes it one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Long Island with true NYC access. It’s known for classic suburban blocks lined with capes, colonials, and multi-family homes that appeal to first-time buyers and those looking for better value without sacrificing location.
Diversity is a defining strength here, with a vibrant mix of cultures reflected in local bakeries, restaurants, and small businesses. Multiple LIRR stations — including Gibson, Valley Stream, and Westwood — make the commute to Penn Station only about 35–40 minutes.
8. Islip (Hamlet): Quietest
Median home sale price: $647,000
Average rent: $2,359
Commute to Midtown Manhattan: 1 hr 15–30 min via LIRR (Bay Shore station)
Don’t miss: Heckscher State Park, Islip Town Beach, local marinas
Islip (the hamlet) on Long Island’s South Shore is one of the quietest places you can choose, perfect for anyone seeking laid-back, coastal living without the crowds. Not to be confused with the larger Town of Islip, the hamlet is a smaller residential community with its own distinct charm. It features historic colonials, ranches, and modern homes along peaceful, tree-lined streets that end at the bay. The vibe here is classic small-town Long Island, with lower density, calm neighborhoods, and a strong sense of community where neighbors know each other.
Life in Islip revolves around its natural waterfront setting. Residents enjoy bayfront charm with marinas, fishing piers, and easy access to Fire Island ferries. It’s the kind of place where boating culture is part of daily life, and the pace is just slower.
Settle Into the Best of Long Island
Long Island has no shortage of places with both real character and practical amenities. You’ll find strong schools, busy main streets, quiet bayside blocks, and beach-town energy. Each neighborhood offers something different for anyone ready to make a move.
Colonial Van Lines’ moving services are here to make your Long Island move smoother. With over 50 years of experience handling long-distance relocations, we know how to get your belongings packed, loaded, and delivered safely. Whether it’s Massapequa Park for family-friendly charm or Long Beach for its coastal living, trust the pros to take care of the heavy lifting. Get your free quote today.