Merrick/Bellmore, Massapequa or Syosset (Babylon, Wantagh: houses, neighborhoods, buying)

[Ad0ut]

First post.

I am two months into the Long Island home hunt and have narrowed it down the to areas listed in the title. Am curious what people think. My most important criteria is being able to walk to the train station in under 15 minutes and a good school district. Budget up to $1mil. From a money standpoint, I will obviously be spending less for the same in Merrick/Bellmore (looking south of Sunrise only) or Massapequa vs. Syosset, but am giving up a bit in terms of school. Seems like it is about $100-$200K in savings to live on the south shore towns vs. Syosset. Is it worth it?

[longislander2]

I know you would prefer south of Sunrise, but the best value for what you need is in Merrick Woods, just north of the train station. We lived there for 18 years and loved it. Your walk to the railroad will be less than a mile, you'll live in a nice neighborhood with great trees and a great mix of houses, you'll be near a vibrant (for Long Island) downtown, the schools are excellent and the people are down to earth. You'll also pay significantly less than Syosset and you won't be near any flood zones. I am suggesting Merrick Woods because, after a long day at work, you don't want to have to take your life in your hands and cross Sunrise after dark.

Speaking of flood zones, Hurricane Sandy significantly changed the landscape on the South Shore. If I were looking there, I would first go to the flood maps, see which blocks were inundated and stay away from them. I would also be aware that prices have dropped in those neighborhoods and, as people there seek reduced tax assessments to match the lowered values, others in the school district who live further north are going to have to make up the difference. Merrick taxes aren't low now. I predict they will get worse because of this imbalance. But with that said, Syosset taxes are no bargain either.

Good luck with your search.

[sirtiger]

I prefer the Babylon line over the Port Jeff line if LIRR train is the driving factor.

[NotSureWhereToGo]

Hi,

My husband and I are both professionals who work in NYC and we are moving to Merrick Woods from Astoria next month. I grew up in Jericho (town next to Syosset) and was swayed by the cute downtown area, beautiful housing stock, and great commute. Having grown up in one of the "best" school districts on Long Island, I can say that it's not all its cracked up to be. I feel that Syosset would be similar in terms of competition and lack of community. Also, we have a 10 minute walk to the Merrick train through town which is great if I need to grab something from Stop and Shop on my way home from work. In Syosset, many homes are far from the train and it will be hard to find parking at the station. Like the poster above said, check out Merrick Woods, you might be surprised and you won't be in a flood zone.

PS We looked in Port Washington and Sea Cliff for 2 years before finding our house. We are getting a much nicer house for the money.

Best of luck to you!

[merpderp8]

The Riviera (Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa) all have excellent school districts!

Of the 5, South Seaford and the Wantagh Woods are my favorite sections. Houses in these areas can range anywhere from 500,000 - over $1million.

[Ad0ut]

Thanks to everyone who responded. At the moment, i've narrowed the search to merrick or syosset, with a slight preference for merrick since it offers a better commute to manhattan.

thanks to the poster who suggested Merrick Woods. I've taken a look at a few homes there and like the neighborhood (but not the homes so far unfortunately). Does anyone have an opinion on the Gables area?

[yubbajr]

Merrick also has the advantage of having a small town feel in the middle of Nassau County. Especially the Merrick Woods area and points north of Merrick Road. We love it here.

[grilba]

Merrick north of Merrick Road to just north of Sunrise is lovely and tree lined.

[Jdawg8181]

If you are considering Merrick (and you should), def look NORTH of Sunrise Hwy. You can still get some great homes. After Sandy, IMO, it's not worth buying South of Sunrise anymore.

[merpderp8]

Look in the Wantagh Woods also, if you like the feel of the Merrick Woods but can't find anything you like.