Hempstead

About Hempstead

Hempstead is a large town on Long Island, New York, part of Nassau County. The town encompasses 142 square miles of land on the western edge of Long Island. Hempstead is home to a diverse and growing population of several hundred thousand people and is among the largest towns in the nation.

Living in Hempstead

Hempstead is a unique town in that its nearly 200 square miles encompasses 22 villages and 37 hamlets including well-known areas as Garden City, Uniondale, South Hempstead and Franklin Square.

Each of the many villages and hamlets in Hempstead has its own character. The village of Hempstead, for instance, is landlocked, with mainly suburban areas and a large downtown. Oceanside, Island Park and Baldwin Harbor are closer to the Atlantic beaches and state parks. You'll find upscale apartments, cottages, family homes and condos there.

Hempstead's boundaries extend to the Atlantic shoreline, and the town has several beaches rich in scenic beauty. Seaside landscapes provide serene backdrops for most of the town's streets and roadways, while quaint turn-of-the-century dockside boat houses, Cape Cod-style homes and regal buildings add historic charm to the large town. Because Hempstead is nearly 30 miles from Manhattan, it feels worlds away from the bustling metropolis, but it is still close enough to provide convenient access for work or play.

The town is mainly suburban, with rows of neighborhoods of one- and two-story homes and fenced-in yards. Downtown areas feature local arts, cultural events, entertainment and scenic seaside areas. You can enjoy the beaches and state parks minutes away from some parts of the town, along with boating and other outdoor activities. Jones Beach State Park, one of the most popular East Coast beaches, brings several million visitors to Hempstead every year.

Hempstead Schools

Hempstead Union Free School District manages the public schools, serving students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The district offers several alternative learning programs as well as adult educational opportunities.

Resources for Moving to Hempstead

Here's some useful information to simplify you move to Hempstead:

• Utilities: Utility companies that serve Hempstead and the Greater Long Island area include Long Island Power Authority, Public Service Electric & Gas, and the village water and sewer department.
• Garbage and Recycling: Hempstead is divided into several collection zones, with each zone assigned a specific pick-up schedule for trash and recyclables. The town also provides collection of grass clippings, general yard waste and holiday trees.
• Transportation: Public transportation options in Hempstead include the Long Island Rail Road, the MTA Long Island Bus and the Nassau Inter-County Express bus.

Hempstead Housing

Home values in Hempstead are moderately expensive, with median home values that are well above the national average. However, prices are on par with those in many neighboring communities. Because Hempstead is so large, its housing market offers a well-rounded selection of properties. You'll find mostly one- and two-story Colonials, ranches, cottages, condos and a few apartments. A few homes have beachfront footage with water views and direct access to the sand.