You’re working in the city but the rent is way too high to justify getting an apartment in Manhattan. There are a lot of great places to live in New Jersey with easy commutes to NYC, but in your heart you don’t want to live in New Jersey. Well, there’s still hope for you, and it comes in terms of the Long Island Railroad!
The LIRR is the prime method of transportation for those commuting to NYC from Long Island. The MTA has labeled the Long Island Railroad as the busiest commuter railroad in the continent, so if you’re commuting into Manhattan, you can express a busy, but reliable mode of transportation!
No matter where in the city your destination lies, you’ll want to take the railroad into Penn Station in Manhattan. Once you’re at Penn Station, you can take the subway, hail a cab, or even walk to your job from there.
Port Washington
Port Washington is one of the best Long Island communities to live if you’re a daily commuter. A ride on the LIRR into Penn Station only takes roughly 40 minutes, so it’s certainly a manageable commute.
On your days off, you’ll have plenty to do if you choose to reside in this waterfront town. There’s so much history in Long Island, and Port Washington is no exception. American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald not only set his iconic “The Great Gatsby” on the island, but he used Port Washington’s own Sands Point Reserve as inspiration for his title character’s home.
There are plenty of events scheduled at this beautiful locale in addition to regularly scheduled tours. If you stop there, you can have a picnic overlooking the “West Egg.” Live out all your Roaring ‘20s fantasies at Sandy Point Preserve!
Additionally, Port Washington houses the historic Landmark on Main Street, which has been converted into a wonderful community theater. If you decide to set your roots in Port Washington, you’ll also have easy access to the beautiful Manorhaven Beach Park.
Hicksville
Hicksville is another desirable Long Island town with a relatively easy commute into Manhattan.
With an estimated 50 minute ride on the Long Island Rail Road, getting off Long Island to Manhattan is painless!
When you’re not commuting to work, you’ll be able to spend your days off soaking up the local culture and visiting spots like the Cantiague Park Golf Course or the Long Island Puppet Theatre.
There’s plenty of venues to cure your boredom with fun entertainment options. You could go to Round 1 Bowling and Amusement, which offers a variety of options from bowling and karaoke to darts, billiards, and ping pong. You also have the option to catch a film at the Showcase Cinema de Lux Broadway.
If you’re into locally crafted beers, look no further than Hicksville’s own Barnshed Brewing, a local brewery that sends its beer across the boroughs. If you’re in Hicksville, stop by to try some locally crafted ales.
Hicksville offers residents small town energy while still being close to New York City. The real estate is also cheaper than if you were looking to rent in Manhattan, so that’s another great perk of Hicksville.
Syosset
Syosset, New York is another Long Island suburb of New York to consider. Similarly to Hicksville, a commute into Manhattan on the LIRR will take about 50 minutes, so you can be in the city in under an hour.
The Cultural Arts Playhouse, a local theater company that has put on over 500 performances, also resides in Syosset. Their list of past productions include “Matilda,” “Hair,” and “Les Miserables.” You’ll always be able to find tickets to an exciting show here.
Like most of Long Island, Syosset has easy access to beaches without feeling like a “beach community.” The diverse area allows for a variety of activities throughout the four seasons, so there’s always access to something.
It’s a very family-friendly area, so you can feel confident that you’re raising your children in a great neighborhood. Syosset residents also have easy access to multiple entertainment venues like Bounce! Family Entertainment Center, Puzzle Break Long Island, and AMF Syosset Lanes.
Manhasset
The LIRR will take residents of Manhasset, Long Island over the East River and into Penn Station in just 30 minutes, making it one of the best commuting towns.
There are plenty of beautiful locals in Manhasset. From Whitney Park Pond to Manhasset Valley Park, you’ll have your pick of prime picnic spots.
Manhasset is also home to the legendary Science Museum of Long Island. Whether you’re interested in science or have a child who’s expressing an enthusiasm for the subject, this museum is a great opportunity to foster creativity and learn while having fun!
Manhasset is famous for its “Miracle Mile.” This is a mile long stretch of high end, luxury stores. With so many amazing retail options, you’ll have your pick of opulent, and potentially expensive, shopping venues to choose from.
If you’re not looking to spend hundreds of dollars, you can also catch a movie at Bow Tie Manhasset Theater. There really is always something to do in Manhasset.
Bethpage
A commute on the LIRR from Bethpage, Long Island into Penn Station only takes about 45 minutes, so the daily commute is certainly doable.
With entertainment and leisure options including Bethpage Black Golf Course, Bethpage Mini Golf, and Bethpage Equestrian Center, there’s plenty of activities to keep you, and your family, busy during your days off.
If you’re looking to spend a relaxing day in the area, look no further than Bethpage State Park. With hiking paths, nature trails, picnic areas, and playing fields, it’s the perfect destination for a quiet day with nature.
WineUDesign is also located in Bethpage, which gives you the unique chance to actually design wine. From crushing the grapes to labeling your bottle, you’re in charge of every element of it, so you can let your creativity shine!
Bethpage also has its fair share of history within its town lines. The Museum of American Armor resides in Bethpage, so residents have the ability to visit it whenever they’d like. There’s also the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, offering visitors the chance to see what life was like in 19th century Long Island.
Farmingdale
With roughly a 50 minute ride on the LIRR into Penn Station, Farmingdale is another Long Island town that’s a feasible option for commuters.
There are tons of entertainment options for people living in Farmingdale, so if you choose to move there, you’ll never be bored. There are multiple movie theaters located within the town lines, including the Farmingdale Multiplex Cinemas and Regal UA Farmingdale, so you’ll always be able to find a movie to watch.
More uniquely, however, is the amusement park Adventureland. That might sound familiar, as a 2009 Jesse Eisenberg/Kristen Stewart film “Adventureland” takes places at this iconic and historic theme park. While the movie wasn’t actually shot there (in an attempt to retain the 80’s vibe of the heavily remodeled park) it’s still a great amusement park that you should absolutely visit!
If you’re not into Adventureland, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options in Farmingdale! There are various museums that offer history and culture. The American Airpower Museum is nationally revered and houses an abundance of historic planes. Local artist Paul Gatto also has his gallery in Farmingdale, so you have the option to peruse through his beautiful work!
All six of the towns featured in this post can get to Penn Station in under an hour, making them great commuter options for those who don’t want to live in New York City. No matter from where you’re commuting, you should check out Everything You Need to Know About Commuting into New York City!
