Homes in Nassau (Hicksville, Valley Stream, Oceanside: middle-class, house, safe area)

[mikenbacismama]

We are a middle-class white family of 3, son is a junior in hs and we both work in Queens. Based on our price range, we are looking at homes in Westbury, Hicksville, Bellmore and Oceanside. I am familiar with Bellmore and Oceanside, and realize Hicksville has a growing Indian population (I live in New Hyde Park now, so I would expect similar neighbors). Only Westbury has me stumped. Is it a safe area to buy in? Looking specifically in the area immediately south and west of the LIRR station (think its the Breezy Hill area). Unsure, since the Roosevelt Field customer base seems a little sketch lately. Thanks in advance for any input.

[nuts2uiam]

Simple way to decide. Since you have a child (no offense meant, by this description of a teen), start checking out the schools and see if you like what you read, perhaps watch and maybe even interview at the school.

[mikenbacismama]

Upon checking with his current school, I don't foresee a problem for him to remain there for his senior year. The only thing about schools that throws me is that it doesn't always represent the area at hand (i.e, Malverne). But, I will see what I find anyway.

[nuts2uiam]

My point is that part of the appeal of a home is the school district. Check out the district office. Call and ask if a house on such and such a street is in that district . Sometimes there are two districts adjacent to each other on the same street. There are good and not so good areas in Westbury but some are zoned for different school districts and that can make all the difference in the world.

[mikenbacismama]

Originally Posted by nuts2uiam

My point is that part of the appeal of a home is the school district. Check out the district office. Call and ask if a house on such and such a street is in that district . Sometimes there are two districts adjacent to each other on the same street. There are good and not so good areas in Westbury but some are zoned for different school districts and that can make all the difference in the world.

Thanks, I fully appreciate what you are saying. I see that Westbury High School doesn't have a high score on GreatSchools.com, and my son would clearly be in the minority if he attended. What I really can't tell is if the students all live in the area, or if the zone encompasses a greater area. For example, Malverne is a perfectly lovely area to live yet most parents send their children to private high schools since the school district isn't what they want for their children. What I can't tell from student demographics and school ratings is if the neighborhood in question in relatively safe from crime, etc. I don't mind living in a blended area if the residents are hard working and care for their homes and community.

[mikenbacismama]

Upon further review, I see that Hicksville HS doesn't score that well either. I was surprised since New Hyde Park Memorial has pretty similar demographics, yet comes in as a 9. Is there a large undocumented population in Hicksville?

[S.I.B.]

what's your approximate budget? Where in queens are you commuting to? Seems as if your son is only going to be in the new district for one year after this, while it's a concern I don't know that it should be the driving force behind this decision.

[hotkarl]

O'side probably has the best schools of the bunch.
The taxes are pretty high though. Expect to pay at least 10k a year in taxes.
Scratch Westbury from your list.
Hicksville is hit or miss with "ok" schools, taxes and housing a bit lower.
Probably same as above with Bellmore. Decent schools, hit or miss with some deals.
Oceanside and Bellmore have flooding issues in certain areas so you need to account for that in your search/budget.

[Peconic525]

Many (most?) of the students that go to Westbury schools come from New Cassel.

If you're looking at Oceanside, also consider E. Rockaway, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Franklin Square.

[blernard]

Originally Posted by hotkarl

O'side probably has the best schools of the bunch.

I'd call oceanside and North bellmore comparable. South bellmore would be the best, though there's flooding to think about.

OP, see the oceanside thread on this forum before moving there. Lots of people seem to really hate living there for various reasons.