Massapequa or Lindenhurst (Gates, Bethpage, Amityville: real estate market, crime rate, houses)

[ETD]

I am thinking of moving to one of these areas.I am very confused about Lindenhurst ,are the middle school and high school really bad? I keep hearing mixed reviews .We like both areas. Seems you get a bit more for your dollar in Lindenhurst but I dont want to regret moving there because of the schools are not what we expect. Afraid Massapequa is so congested,homes are on top of each other. Any input would be appreciated.

[slynn41072]

Massapequa - the schools are MUCH better.

[newtoli]

I live in Lindy and like it, it seems more middle class than Massapequa. I have heard the schools here are ok, but always have hear Massapequa has a great school system.

[LilTownBlues]

IMO Lindenhurst schools are really not that bad, although the Massapequa schools do generally post better "numbers".

You make mention of your worry that the schools will not be what you expect, what exactly are your expectations? I'm not meaning to be confrontational with that question, just curious as there are many different answers and possible ways to research information to help you see if your expectations fit. For example, the NYS Education dept. has a great deal of info online (nysed.com) like school report cards which can aid in comparing the different schools. Depending on your expectations that might be a good place to research, if you haven't already. On the other hand, if sports are a major part of your children's activity then you may want to look elsewhere to judge between those two areas.

As the OP said Lindenhurst is very much a working class/middle class type of area and is a very nice area. Much of Massapequa is very similar, although Massapequa also has larger areas that could be called more "upscale". Historically, Lindenhurst was known for a large population of folks with German ancestry while Massapequa was known to be more Italian. I don't think much of that holds true today though.

Overall both areas are generally very good. IMO, I would look more towards Massapequa since I have particular fondness for Cannolis. Some other hamlets/villages in the general area to consider could be Bethpage, Farmingdale, or Plainedge. Have you gotten out to look at the areas first hand yet?

[I_Love_LI_but]

If you buy a house in Massapequa, make sure it is not in the Amityville school district.

[pequaballa7]

lindenhurst has a more muixed population masapequa is probobly 98% white but b/c of the wealth in the town drugs have spread rapridly so u have to be careful no matter where you move but the plus to massapequa is theer is no gangs in lindenhurst thre is some. massapequ is definetly a better school district and has less crime but drugs r a problem so watch out for that. Lndenhurst has drugs to though so i would definetly say massapequa jus watch ur kids 4 sighns of drugs

[pequaballa7]

i also live in massapequa n my step brother grew up in lindenhurst massapequa is much safer it has a less crime rate and a fantastic school district. If u can aford to send ur kids to private school living on the water in lindenhurst is cheaper n very nice jus the school district is a little ruff

[Sandyusa]

My husband is from Massapequa and I am from Lindenhurst. We wanted to buy in Massapequa about 7 years ago and could not afford it. We ended up buying in Lindenhurst. Both have there good points and bad points. Lindenhurst has worked out great for us because it has an excellent special ed. program that many families from all over try to cross district for. We also have a gifted program and the teachers - especially at W. Gates Elementary are wonderful. It is the only elementary school that I am aware of that is completely inclusive. Massapequa is great. Very clean and lots going on. I would have loved it but am glad we ended up here. My friend lives there and she says depending on where you live - people can be a bit "snobby" if you can't keep up but then I have another friend that lives by the Mall who loves it. You will find Massapequa A LOT more expensive to live. Believe me. Houses are much higher. Both are good.

[Jrprofess]

Originally Posted by ETD

I am thinking of moving to one of these areas.I am very confused about Lindenhurst ,are the middle school and high school really bad? I keep hearing mixed reviews .We like both areas. Seems you get a bit more for your dollar in Lindenhurst but I dont want to regret moving there because of the schools are not what we expect. Afraid Massapequa is so congested,homes are on top of each other. Any input would be appreciated.

If I were to assess your choice based just on your posting and the common stereotypes offered about each town I would likely choose Massapequa given the homes are pricier but obviously hold up in the real estate market's downcycle much better than a Lindenhurst might. Additionally, and this is solely based on family visits to Massapequa and my many drive-throughs of Lindenhurst (not a very informed opinion mind you), Lindenhurst appears dingier in more sections than Massapequa. Massapequa's school systems reputation is much stronger than Lindenhurst, which, fair or not, factors a great deal into the perception of others looking to buy into an area. This might solely be misperceptions and I am certain as one resident posted that there are solid aspects to the Lindenhurst system as well. If you have the option, I would err on the side of the stronger school reputation. Although many seem to feel that Massapequa has some "keeping up with the Jones'" areas I believe any town has that, and the family that we have in Massapequa live in a very typical dormered cape and ranch neighborhood that hardly feels snobbish. Additionally the community and sports events seem to be in an abundance. Good luck in your decision.

[Vinn]

We are about to move to Massapequa, we hear greqt things and we have family there.