Great Neck

[Walter Greenspan]

Originally Posted by JaNaPad

I'm Asian and my husband is Jewish.

Then, you're both Asians because Jews are West Asian Semites.

[JaNaPad]

Ok Walter- if you put it that way! =)

[I_Love_LI_but]

Originally Posted by azzurrony

SIB

Yes, a strong contingent of Jews left Iran during its turbelent times and first went to Europe before eventually settling in the US. Most are in Great Neck or LA.

I have also met some Iranians of the Ba'hai (sp?) faith who live in Great Neck too.

[djdairyp]

Originally Posted by JaNaPad

I'm Asian and my husband is Jewish. However, he is neither religious or Persian. We really want an area where we'll fit in and feel welcomed. Schools are very important as well. We're moving from a very good school district and we'd like to move to an area with comparable schools. I've heard mix reviews about the schools in Port Washington, but otherwise we think that would be the best fit for us. Any suggestions?? Also, in regards to PW, what are the more "desirable" areas closer to the trains- preferable walking distance? I understand that parking is horrendous there.

Great neck areas zoned for south high school are perfect for this and better that port in this regard. Not to mention more convenient than port. Once you start getting up into port it becomes further nestled into the north than you might think.

In south great neck you have Asian and moderate jews as well as other mix. Expensive though, but one of it not the top school on long island (rated #1 in long island by us news).

[Walter Greenspan]

Originally Posted by djdairyp

In south great neck you have Asian and moderate jews ...

Moderate Jews?

Are you referring to secular, non-observant, non-Jew Jews?

[djdairyp]

Originally Posted by Walter Greenspan

Moderate Jews?

Are you referring to secular, non-observant, non-Jew Jews?

haha, maybe I just made up a word. There is a modern orthodox contingent, but there also seems to be a semi-observant, you know moderate level, jewish influence as well.

Like the difference between devout catholics or sunday catholics or liberal/cultural catholics

[AlexisT]

Walter, there is more than just Orthodox and secular ...

The Orthodox in Great Neck all live north of 25A. The Iranians also live further north, particularly in Kings Point (the two are not the same group; not all Persians are religiously observant, though their synagogues are, and there is also an Ashkenazi Orthodox community in Great Neck). The eruv is bounded by 25A and all the shuls are to the north, past the train. The Persian community is very visible, but is heavily concentrated in a relatively small area.

Great Neck does have a fairly large group of non-Orthodox but committed Jews. Temple Israel is one of the largest Conservative synagogues on Long Island (there are others) and Temple Beth El (Reform) is no slouch either.

Great Neck South HS has a substantial Asian population.

(I'd add that Great Neck is a tough place to like in some ways, but there are misconceptions about its ethnic make-up and the Persian/Orthodox "takeover". It is pretty close to a dream commute, though.)

[alexanderdennis]

You can try South Shore as well.
I live in Merrick- very good school district , very nice, safe and a good reputation - and the comute - 40 min. to Manhattan , in the same time the comute to Queens , Brooklyn - very easy.
Conviniently located to everything - a great place to raise a family .
I am not a real estate agent - I am trying to help.
I've been in your shoes - in 2004 - when I moved to Merrick.
Large jewish population area.
Friendly
If you want more info send a PM.
Greetings

[Mar1lyn27]

Originally Posted by JaNaPad

I'm Asian and my husband is Jewish. However, he is neither religious or Persian. We really want an area where we'll fit in and feel welcomed. Schools are very important as well. We're moving from a very good school district and we'd like to move to an area with comparable schools. I've heard mix reviews about the schools in Port Washington, but otherwise we think that would be the best fit for us. Any suggestions?? Also, in regards to PW, what are the more "desirable" areas closer to the trains- preferable walking distance? I understand that parking is horrendous there.

Janapad, you'd fit in perfectly here!
My house is in contract and I can tell you that 90% or more of the buyers who've passed through my house were chinese. This is in the north end of great neck.
In my immediate area there are chinese families, korean families, iranian families, indian, african american, and secular jewish families. We all get along. The family that is buying my home are french.
My kids were friendly with a widely diverse population. It was great.
I can only speak for the great neck north school district. My daughters were highly motivated students. Both ended up at an ivy league university. Most of their friends went to very fine schools too.
This is a wonderful place to raise kids. Amenities galore.
I've lived in great neck for 30 yrs, but it's time to move on. I no longer need my large house and steep taxes.
FYI: I've walked to the train plenty of times. However, there is a bus that will take you directly to the train station if you don't want to walk or drive there.

Best of luck

[HI7]

Great Neck is one of the best places on Earth to live. If you can afford it - move to Great Neck! The schools are just the best and children do not ask what nationality or faith you are before making frends, they enjoy going to schools. I know it because my daughter goes to school here (Great Neck North) and we are immigrants from Europe. It absolutly doesn't matter you are Iranian, Chinese or Jew, it's only in some people's mind. Move here and enjoy!