I grew up in Floral Park and would highly recommend it. It's got an LIRR station right in town and is 35 minutes to Penn Station. Tulip Avenue is the quaint main street of the town, with pubs, little shops and restaurants. When I was growing up (I'm 32) the town was overwhelmingly Catholic, but I'm sure that has changed to some degree - but I would guess that the majority of residents are still catholic. I know there is now a baptist church in town and there has always been a methodist church and a lutheran church, but I dont know if there is a growing jewish community there. Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church is right smack in the center of the town with a lovely town square in front of it. The Christmas tree lighting is there, Memorial Day parades, etc.

There is also a huge town pool and recreation center - softball fields, volleyball courts, etc. There are two elementary schools - John Lewis Childs and Floral Park Bellerose. I went to JLC, but both are good - Bellerose is prettier, larger and has nicer fields - but I graduated in 85 so I cant say much about how they are now, but I'd bet they're pretty great.

Floral Park Memorial is the high school and I loved it there. I had 150 in my graduating class (class of 91) and I know that it's much bigger now - but I loved the "small town" feel of the place. We used to joke that everyone knew everyone in Floral Park.

FP is an incorporated village - which I prefer - but there is also a Floral Park Queens - which is not in Nassau County - it's right next door. The houses are much cheaper, and the taxes are lower - but you are not technically living in Floral Park - so you cant use the schools, pool, parks, etc.

I personally LOVED growing up there and still visit my parents often. If I walk around the town I always bump into someone I know or someone who has watched me grow up.

A number of years ago a person in our community, a former little league coach, got a rare form of cancer and his insurance wouldn't cover it. His former players - all men in their 20s and 30s who had been around 8-10 years old when they were coached by him - organized a fundraiser and the entire town set up a bbq/fair in the town park. They raised close to 100,000. I remember thinking that it was a very special place to grow up.

Sorry this was soooo long - good luck with your search!Chat Icon