Looking to make the move to Long Island?
You’re in luck! Huntington and Oyster Bay in Long Island were recently voted two of the 50 best places to live in the US.
Long Island is the quieter, more sophisticated cousin of the manic, and at times, overwhelming city of New York.
Divided into four counties, Kings (Brooklyn), Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk, Long Island is a treasure trove of things to see and do and famed for its beautiful white-sand beaches.
For a few useful facts about Long Island to help make your decision, just keep on reading.
8 Useful Facts About Long Island
The counties of Nassau to the west and Suffolk to the east are usually lumped together when referring to Long Island.
However, there are a number of beautiful towns throughout the Long Island region perfect for a family move.
This beach-fringed island’s most popular towns include:
- Oyster Bay
- Huntington
- Kensington
- Syosset
- Jericho
- Brookville
- University Gardens
- Great Neck Estates
- Stony Brook
- Garden City
These are just a handful of some of the wonderful neighborhoods to be found on Long Island, ideal for making the long-awaited move to suburbia.
Let’s get into the facts about Long Island and why it is voted as such a great place to settle down!
1. Rated One of the Best Places to Live in America
Oyster Bay and Huntington made it to the top 50 most livable towns in the US, rated by Money Magazine – and for good reason.
Oyster Bay and a number of other towns within Long Island itself are home to a range of excellent schools. Oyster Bay is also within close proximity to Manhattan, making for less of a work commute.
Huntington is characterized by its beautiful setting and vast cultural scene, also known to be in the middle of an economic boom.
2. Year-Round Activities
Despite the huge range in temperatures from summer to winter, Long Island is not without entertainment to suit all seasons!
Go beaching, hiking, sailing, fishing, swimming, and horseback riding in the warmer months.
Winter boasts cross-country skiing, seal-watching cruises, ice-skating and the annual Long
Beach Polar Bear Splash event. On Long Island, you get the best of both worlds.
Additionally, Long Island is home to a plethora of malls, shopping complexes, restaurants and bars for maximum convenience.
3. A Foodie’s Paradise
One of the best facts about Long Island? It’s a food lover’s dream.
Long Island is crammed with cultural diversity, and this makes for a taste sensation when it comes to food culture.
Thanks to the Italian, Russian, Polish, Indian and Asian residents of Long Island, you can find a restaurant or cafe to suit any taste.
Long Island is home to a number of fine dining establishments, as well as hidden gem burger joints and cafes.
It also boats Cafe Enrique, the first Mexican restaurant to receive a Michelin star in Long Island City.
Take a Queens Food Tour and discover all the foodie delights of this island!
4. Welcome to Wine Region
Long Island is home to the perfect climate for wine cultivation and as such, wine country stretches from the Hamptons to the southern end of Long Island.
The region is host to 56 different wineries and a number of different vineyards.
The Jamesport Vineyard is a Long Island staple, serving world-famous lobster rolls and responsibly produced wines.
The region also hosts Winterfest: a month-long wine and art festival!
Now, there is no region throughout the US that is without its flaws. A few of these cold hard facts about Long Island are worth considering too:
5. High Property Taxes
While shopping for the perfect home within your budget is a top priority, the property taxes on Long Island are something for careful consideration.
High property taxes in certain towns can dramatically raise your housing expenses.
Generally, property taxes tend to increase where there is a higher demand for amenities i.e. good schools and close proximity to the city.
6. Traffic Is a Daily Reality
Long Island traffic is a factor to take into consideration when looking to move to this region of Manhattan.
The Long Island Expressway is well-known as a major contributor to slowing a commute into the city.
It’s highly advisable that you try out a work commute into and out of Long Island in peak hour traffic.
This way you can assess whether the traffic is a daily reality you’re willing to accept!
7. Cold Winters & Hot Summers
It’s worth knowing that Long Island winters are extremely cold and summers are extremely warm.
Owing to the fact that Nassau and Suffolk counties border the ocean, the winters can be frigid due to offshore winds, while the summers can be extra humid.
Long Island is also frequently exposed to snowstorms in the winter months. This can have a dire effect on work commutes and the maintenance of your property.
8. Consider Community Noise Levels
This may seem like a given for most new communities you move to, but noise levels in the Long Island county you move to are important.
Depending on the town you choose to move to on Long Island, it’s worth assessing the noise level of the local community surrounding your new home.
While Long Island is characterized by its peaceful expanses of parks and beach fronts, there are areas that can be more disruptive than others.
It’s highly recommended that you visit your potential new home during the week and on weekends to assess noise levels of the community.
You may find that high traffic areas, close proximity to a school, restaurant or bar complex can pose very real disruption for your family.
Make Your Move With Liberty Moving & Storage
It takes time and energy to pack up your entire life and move homes.
With Liberty Moving & Storage, you can be guaranteed that no one understands this more than us!
We pride ourselves on being one of the best long-distance moving companies in New York, assisting you every step of the way.
As a fully licensed, bonded and insured moving company, we will help with the planning, packing, moving, transporting and unpacking of your home.
Take a look at our local moving services and get in touch with us for a free quote!
