Opinions on Freeport (Hempstead, Merrick, Nassau: real estate, insurance, crime rate)

[MegDrew]

I addressed this in another thread, but it really wasn't the right place to do so, so I'm starting a new one.
I'm wondering how people feel about Freeport. I live here, so it might seem odd that I'm asking, but I'm actually trying to sell my co-op and I'd like to know what the perception is of my neighborhood so I can get an idea of what I'm in for.
I used to hear tons of negative things about Freeport, even though I had family here and actually found it to be quite a pleasant neighborhood. I suppose when one constantly hears the same comments about an area, those comments become easy to believe. When I was ready to move out on my own, some people actually started suggesting I look into Freeport. I did my research and found that I really liked the area, but I'm afraid a lot of potential buyers will continue to assume the worst about this neighborhood.
So --- what are people saying about Freeport these days? I'm no real estate agent, but when I'm ready to show, maybe I'll be able to allay some of the fears people have about moving here ...
Input is appreciated. Thanks, friends!

[raiser]

If i were moving to Freeport it would only be South of Atlantic. Only issue with that area is that its in a flood zone and you will pay higher insurance rates. If I had kids I would be sending them to private school.

[MegDrew]

Thanks for responding, raiser.

I live on the third floor of a co-op building -- no flood insurance needed.
I hear you about the schools and I know that's a huge issue for buyers with families, but based on what I've seen Freeport scores are only slightly below the state average and since NY has such high standards, I'd say the schools have potential. I wonder if scores are lower because there are so many English Language Learners in the district. Even math tests require a good English background because they are full of word problems. The kids might be hard-working and bright, but they are at a disadvantage simply due to the language barrier. (I'm a high school teacher and I see it happen often in my own district). The lower test scores aren't necessarily a reflection of the teachers, curriculum, etc.

I live south of Merrick Road, but north of Atlantic. I feel safe here regardless, but I do think that the area south of Atlantic is much more aesthetically pleasing -- beautiful, in fact.
Other thoughts?

[raiser]

Oh yeah forgot to mention that the best part about Freeport is that they have their own power company. Don't have to deal with LIPAs crazy prices.

[MegDrew]

Yes! Good selling point. My electric bill is negligent. Love it.

[Anthony314]

Freeport seems to be getting nicer and nicer. The Nautical Mile was really fixed up and has turned into a destination place. That saying - the school district isn't that great.

[oncethere]

MegDrew, as someone who resided in Freeport for over 35 years, I can tell you the place has turned for the worst. Freeport is really a tale of two cities. The northeast section of town has traditionally been crime-ridden. The central business district was once very vibrant and a place where you bring family and kids for a day of shopping. Today, this area resembles an inner-city neighborhood. The village government will tell you that everything is great and improving but, ask them to walk Main Street at night and I'm sure none of them will have the courage to do it. In fact, Freeport has the second highest crime rate in Nassau County only behind the Village of Hempstead. Freeport at one time had one of the finest police departments in Nassau county but approximately 11 years ago when the Glacken Administration took over, they put an incompetent Police Chief in place by the name of Michael Woodward. Glacken with Woodward's approval dismantled the police department and killed its moral. This has left the members of the department disillusioned and basically unable to do their jobs. The police department today has less officers than it did 25 years ago. I do give Glacken credit for saving the south end of town mostly known as Woodcleft Canal or the nautical mile. I think even they knew that if the natuical mile was lost that Freeport would become another Hempstead. The school where once some of the best and are now infested with gang members.

[123abc123]

I think that Freeport has an incredible elementary program with the magnet school philosophy that it employs.

[barmax]

I've lived in Freeport for the past 12 years (south of Atlantic) and have never, ever had any problems. Although my home is in the "flood zone" according to the 100 year flood map, my street has never flooded. My next door neighbor told me the street was actually raised some 15 years ago and that action has completely eliminated any flooding issues on our street. However, since the map hasn't been updated, we are still required to pay the flood insurance. My daughter attended public school for grades 1 thru 4 but I was hesitant to send her to Dodd Middle School and enrolled her in a private Catholic school. She has friends who attend Dodd and they tell her it's fine but I still prefer giving her a Catholic education, but that's just my opinion. The homes in South Freeport are mostly 3 or 4 bedrooms, well maintained, with large lots (deep backyards). However, there are some little crappy capes sprinkled around. For the most part, I do recommend south Freeport and suggest everyone stay far far away from north Freeport--with the exception of the Stearns Park area which is absolutely gorgeous. It has older homes with tons of trees and belongs to the Baldwin School district.

I have mixed feelings on the Nautical Mile. It's basically a stretch of streets about a mile long with seafood restaurants, bars, and overpriced souvenir shops tying into the nautical theme (anyone wanna buy a dried up seahorse?). If you like seafood, this is the place for you because they literally catch the fish and unload the day's catch directly from the boat to the restaurant so you are sure to get the freshest seafood around. The decor of most of the bars are pretty run down, wabbly barstools, tacky fishnets hung on the wall, nothing fabulous there. I wouldn't mind the decor so much if they didn't charge Manhattan prices for their drinks. Lots of the bars there have these glasses with the false bottom and give you a thimble full of scotch when you order a shot and then charge upwards of $9 a shot. My husband and I stopped going to those places long ago because they're all a rip-off. It's still nice to walk around the Nautical Mile in the spring and summer but don't expect to get any bargains in the gift shops or bars or restaurants.