West Babylon or Levittown (Hempstead, Oyster Bay: apartments, rentals, mortgage) - City-Data Forum

nirvana6992 · 09-06-2008, 08:41 PM

Hello all. I'm moving back home to NY very soon. I'm looking around to find some rentals for my fiance and I. I originaly lived in Queens, then moved to Rockland and spend about 1/2 of my life there. Recently moved to Charlotte, and now am RUNNING back to NY lol. We're looking to move to Long Island, but we both can't decide on either Levittown or West Babylon. We're in our mid 20's and have decent jobs. I'm so tired of seing strip malls every corner and confederate flags everywhere. I always wanted to move to Oyster Bay, it's such a beautiful town but it's just too much money over there. All suggestions are welcome. Thank you!!

primeline31 · 09-06-2008, 10:40 PM

We chose Hicksville (abuts Levittown on the North, for those not familiar with the area) because:

- There is a bit of industry here, up on Duffy Ave, West John St., Cantiague Rd., and there's the electric company on Old Country Road. This softens the tax burdens quite a bit. Those towns without any industry, which are pure suburb, have much higher taxes.

-It's part of the Town of Oyster Bay and not Hempstead (Levittown is part of Hempstead). This makes a bit of difference to us. For example: in Hempstead, a dumpster used for construction has to be on the driveway while in Oyster Bay it can be on the street.

- It's not too far to the city by train which came in VERY handy after my husband lost his job in Hauppauge (to India) and was able to get hired by a Manhattan company. The only drawback is, that the multi-level parking garage is closed due to structural damage and will be replaced in 2 to 3 years. The Broadway Mall and Sears are allowing commuters to park far away from the stores and the town is providing shuttle busses to and from the station.

- If you buy into the S.W. part of Hicksville, getting a Levitt ranch (some are QUITE expanded or even replaced) owners have free (already included in the taxes) use of any of the Levittown pools. The kids get free swim lessons and the social life for them is excellent.

Check with Nassau County's Property Assessment using specific addresses to see what the taxes are. I'm sure Suffolk must have something similar.

llama8 · 09-07-2008, 04:31 AM

My husband and I are in our 20's and we bought in Levittown. We love it. It has such a nice, community feeling to it. We live off Wantagh Ave in the Island Trees school district area (very close to the previous poster who is over the border in Hicksville). It is not a very expensive area and it has great schools and great shopping. I have no problems with the Town of Hemsptead (but I lived in the TOH all my life, so I have no comparison). Also throughout Levittown there are parks and pools free to all residents. I don't really know anything about West Babylon, but I know that we are pleased with Levittown.

FYI- there is one section of Levittown that isn't as nice as the rest in the Division area (Division HS zoned). It's a bit run down looking and the shopping centers are kind of ratty. This area borders East Meadow. You would probably want to look for a home zoned in the Macarthur Levittown S.D or Island Trees S.D.)

BugBoy911 · 09-07-2008, 07:20 AM

I'm just curious if its acutally possible to make $3,000 a month and live in a small house in levitown? Can $3,000 a month do anything!? What about $4,000? Is that my goal to obtain the american dream? A crappy house in the middle of Long Island!? Thats the american dream eh? WOW.... Can't wait...... HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE ON LONG ISLAND TO BE HAPPY, AND BE BY NASSAU!? I don't see me having kids although I would love to have them, and I don't see anything positive in my future unless I move out of the financial pit. All my family is here and I"m not even gona be able to see them.... My grandparents are so old that I would love to be able to see them more, I can't afford ****, and thats with $700 a month rent in a basement. Is there any hope for a 28 year old male who works his ass off/very responsible/and even has his own side business? IS THERE ANY HOPE? OR should I just pack a bag and hitchike to north dakota?

Transpl · 09-07-2008, 08:43 AM

West Babylon would be my choice. Shoppng is good, close access to Babylon beaches, shopping and the Village make it a great place to live.

kateb411 · 09-07-2008, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BugBoy911

I'm just curious if its acutally possible to make $3,000 a month and live in a small house in levitown? Can $3,000 a month do anything!? What about $4,000? Is that my goal to obtain the american dream? A crappy house in the middle of Long Island!? Thats the american dream eh? WOW.... Can't wait...... HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE ON LONG ISLAND TO BE HAPPY, AND BE BY NASSAU!? I don't see me having kids although I would love to have them, and I don't see anything positive in my future unless I move out of the financial pit. All my family is here and I"m not even gona be able to see them.... My grandparents are so old that I would love to be able to see them more, I can't afford ****, and thats with $700 a month rent in a basement. Is there any hope for a 28 year old male who works his ass off/very responsible/and even has his own side business? IS THERE ANY HOPE? OR should I just pack a bag and hitchike to north dakota?

My fixed monthly expenses (I live alone):

Cell phone $ 60
House Ins. 72
Car Ins. 52
Cablevision 150
Gas & Elect 288 (I heat with natural gas)
Prop. Taxes 750

TOTAL: $1,372

I'm afraid that doesn't leave much for a mortgage, food, clothing, entertainment, etc. I'm encouraging my kids to live elsewhere....not that I don't love everything LI has to offer, but I just don't see how they'll be able to afford the American Dream here. Good luck to you.

kateb411 · 09-07-2008, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BugBoy911

I'm just curious if its acutally possible to make $3,000 a month and live in a small house in levitown? Can $3,000 a month do anything!? What about $4,000? Is that my goal to obtain the american dream? A crappy house in the middle of Long Island!? Thats the american dream eh? WOW.... Can't wait...... HOW MUCH MONEY DO YOU HAVE TO MAKE ON LONG ISLAND TO BE HAPPY, AND BE BY NASSAU!? I don't see me having kids although I would love to have them, and I don't see anything positive in my future unless I move out of the financial pit. All my family is here and I"m not even gona be able to see them.... My grandparents are so old that I would love to be able to see them more, I can't afford ****, and thats with $700 a month rent in a basement. Is there any hope for a 28 year old male who works his ass off/very responsible/and even has his own side business? IS THERE ANY HOPE? OR should I just pack a bag and hitchike to north dakota?

Hey again, BugBoy - I just came back from a nearby open house - Levittown address, East Meadow schools - $280,000 and to say it needed work would be an understatement...but it's the kind of place that definitely has potential - nice area and nice block. This is the second open house in that neighborhood I've been to this week and it's interesting to note that both had illegal apartments. Maybe that's the only way people can afford a house these days...an observation - not advocating or criticizing...just sayin'.

llama8 · 09-08-2008, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kateb411

Hey again, BugBoy - I just came back from a nearby open house - Levittown address, East Meadow schools - $280,000 and to say it needed work would be an understatement...but it's the kind of place that definitely has potential - nice area and nice block. This is the second open house in that neighborhood I've been to this week and it's interesting to note that both had illegal apartments. Maybe that's the only way people can afford a house these days...an observation - not advocating or criticizing...just sayin'.

Home with illegal apartments tend to go cheaper because mortgage companies and reputable realtors won't deal with them. For $280,000 it will be a real fixer. Make sure your bank will approve a loan for a home with an illegal apartment. Many of those want cash deals.

rocafeller05 · 09-08-2008, 02:43 PM

Simply remove the oven & refridgerator in the illegal apartment and it becomes legal again. Right?

Quote:

Originally Posted by llama8

Home with illegal apartments tend to go cheaper because mortgage companies and reputable realtors won't deal with them. For $280,000 it will be a real fixer. Make sure your bank will approve a loan for a home with an illegal apartment. Many of those want cash deals.

kateb411 · 09-08-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llama8

Home with illegal apartments tend to go cheaper because mortgage companies and reputable realtors won't deal with them. For $280,000 it will be a real fixer. Make sure your bank will approve a loan for a home with an illegal apartment. Many of those want cash deals.

Oh, I'm not buying...just keeping an eye on what's going on in the neighborhood...but thanks for the advice!