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Do you like living on Long Island?

Forum Opinion Poll
Yes! I love LI! 38 26.76%
It's OK. 20 14.08%
I'm very neutral 18 12.68%
Would rather be somewhere else 31 21.83%
GET ME OFF THIS ISLAND!!! 31 21.83%
other 4 2.82%
 

Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted By Message
Pages: 1 2 [3]

luvbuffet
LIF Adult

Member since 7/10

6470 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by lululu

Posted by nycbuslady

I feel like all the bad things with LI are the same in Westchester or any other suburb of NYC. It's crowded and expensive. I'd rather be in Westchester because that's where my side of the family is. But, my husband's job is on LI, so that's where we ended up. I feel like you just can't "get off the Island". You have to leave the entire NYC metro area, IMO.



YES!!!! It's not a Long Island thing - it's a NY area thing. Anyone within a certain radius of NYC is going to have the same problems. I actually think traffic and COL is worse in Westchester. And the problems we have are similar to almost every major city in the US. There is a price you have to pay to live near a city.



I disagree. I moved to Westchester and there’s never ever any traffic. I’m in New Rochelle which is right above the Bronx. I am out and about every day and I have never hit any traffic up here. Taxes are higher here but you get way more for your
Money. I have half an acre 6 bedroom
Home and pay about 4K more in taxes than I would have in floral
Park with a 40x100 property. I get my hair done in Merrick and driving there requires meditation before I get on the road. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon

Posted 11/9/18 12:07 AM
 

LuckyStar
LIF Adult

Member since 7/14

7272 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by luvbuffet

Posted by lululu

Posted by nycbuslady

I feel like all the bad things with LI are the same in Westchester or any other suburb of NYC. It's crowded and expensive. I'd rather be in Westchester because that's where my side of the family is. But, my husband's job is on LI, so that's where we ended up. I feel like you just can't "get off the Island". You have to leave the entire NYC metro area, IMO.



YES!!!! It's not a Long Island thing - it's a NY area thing. Anyone within a certain radius of NYC is going to have the same problems. I actually think traffic and COL is worse in Westchester. And the problems we have are similar to almost every major city in the US. There is a price you have to pay to live near a city.



I disagree. I moved to Westchester and there’s never ever any traffic. I’m in New Rochelle which is right above the Bronx. I am out and about every day and I have never hit any traffic up here. Taxes are higher here but you get way more for your
Money. I have half an acre 6 bedroom
Home and pay about 4K more in taxes than I would have in floral
Park with a 40x100 property. I get my hair done in Merrick and driving there requires meditation before I get on the road. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon



Agree about the traffic. COL, I don't know. I've seen some houses in Larchmont that are 1500 sq ft and $1mil, $25k in taxes.

We saw a house in rye for $800k that had no roof. Like literally no roof, there was a tarp on the house. The agent said "well, rye with your budget, you don't get a roof." And DH wanted to buy it Chat Icon

Posted 11/9/18 12:28 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54917 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by luvbuffet

. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon



This times 100! I used to drive from Syosset to Manhasset and it wasn't bad. That was like 20 years ago. I even did Holbrook to Manhasset for a bit and while not great, it was doable.

Now, 20 years later, it takes me- no joke or exagerattion at all- 45 minutes to communte 11 miles.
Yep. On a normal day. Not a rain storm, snow storm, no construction, no accident.... on a normal GOOD day.
Add any of the above and forget it.

And we wonder why- well just look around. They used to over build these huge houses on tiny properties. That was bad enough. Now the new thing is to build condos. And apartments. So on the space of what used to be a few homes you have 1000s of people living in these huge complexes. So it's just happening faster and faster.
And nobody stops and thinks- damn where are we going to put all these people on the roads?
I am just shocked that there is that much demand for all this housing on Long Island- who wants to move here?

Posted 11/9/18 8:20 AM
 

DiamondGirl
You are my I love you

Member since 7/09

18802 total posts

Name:
DiamondMama

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by luvbuffet

Posted by lululu

Posted by nycbuslady

I feel like all the bad things with LI are the same in Westchester or any other suburb of NYC. It's crowded and expensive. I'd rather be in Westchester because that's where my side of the family is. But, my husband's job is on LI, so that's where we ended up. I feel like you just can't "get off the Island". You have to leave the entire NYC metro area, IMO.



YES!!!! It's not a Long Island thing - it's a NY area thing. Anyone within a certain radius of NYC is going to have the same problems. I actually think traffic and COL is worse in Westchester. And the problems we have are similar to almost every major city in the US. There is a price you have to pay to live near a city.



I disagree. I moved to Westchester and there’s never ever any traffic. I’m in New Rochelle which is right above the Bronx. I am out and about every day and I have never hit any traffic up here. Taxes are higher here but you get way more for your
Money. I have half an acre 6 bedroom
Home and pay about 4K more in taxes than I would have in floral
Park with a 40x100 property. I get my hair done in Merrick and driving there requires meditation before I get on the road. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon



I dont experience traffic IN my neighborhood, its getting on highways where I experience it and that is the same in Westchester, I have been caught on the Hutch plenty of times, same as LIE

Posted 11/9/18 10:45 AM
 

mommy2Alex
3 babies for me :)

Member since 5/05

6683 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Hofstra26

GET ME OFF THIS ISLAND!!

Honestly, while there are some nice things about the island the fact that we're SO overpopulated and trafficked makes it so it just doesn't matter what LI offers. You can't get anywhere or enjoy anything. Events draw thousands, the farms, beaches and wineries are OVERRUN. Rush hour lasts ALL DAY in BOTH directions. It's really gotten to be miserable over the last 20 years.

I want space. I want less traffic. I want to be able to enjoy what is around me without fighting off insane crowds. I am really done at this point. Cannot wait to pack up and go!



I tihnk I posted about this a while back.
You can't enjoy anything. Want to see fireworks on July 4th- better get there at 8 am to get a spot and plan on 3 hours to get out.
Want to go to the air show at Jones Beach?- same
Want to go pumpkin pick in the fall, forget it.
Wineries- nope
Even the city- see the tree for Christmas at Rockerfeller- you can't even walk.

On and want to go on a nice family trip to the Jersey Shore, the Poconos, Hershey Park, whatever- you have to leave at 5 am just to hit LESS traffic- you still hit plenty but at least it won't take 7 hours to do a 3 hour drive. Makes me not want to go anywhere that we have to drive to

I'm getting anxious just thinking about it.

it's sad that it sucks the fun out of everything. I don't want to go anywhere- i just want to stay in my house and hide



Agreed! And I am hating the winters more and more.

Posted 11/9/18 10:47 AM
 

Katareen
5,000 Posts!

Member since 4/10

7179 total posts

Name:
Katherine

Do you like living on Long Island?

I drive from the Northport area to Port Washington every day and it’s honestly not that bad. I also often go to my parents in Westbury and don’t hit traffic. Traffic lights, yes, but not an insane amount of cars. Maybe north shore isn’t as bad?

Posted 11/9/18 1:02 PM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54917 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by Katareen

I drive from the Northport area to Port Washington every day and it’s honestly not that bad. I also often go to my parents in Westbury and don’t hit traffic. Traffic lights, yes, but not an insane amount of cars. Maybe north shore isn’t as bad?



Maybe.
count your blessings.
I go from exit 61 to exit 55 and back on the LIE each day.
the mornings take about 35 minutes because I leave a little after 8 so maybe everyone else is already further west.
Coming home, I leave work at 530 pm and it's like 45 min minimum lately.
The other day I sat trying to just get TO the LIE from my office- which is like less than a mile- for over 10 minutes. Just cars backed up on Motor Pkway for miles and miles.

Posted 11/9/18 1:17 PM
 

Marbo
LOVE

Member since 7/08

2374 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by Katareen

I drive from the Northport area to Port Washington every day and it’s honestly not that bad. I also often go to my parents in Westbury and don’t hit traffic. Traffic lights, yes, but not an insane amount of cars. Maybe north shore isn’t as bad?



I thinks it’s because the Nassau traffic starts just west of port Washington...I do bayside to Northport, yesterday took me 1 hr 30 minutes...generally over 1 hour, 10 years ago I could get home in 45 min, I cry a little inside every day

Posted 11/9/18 1:28 PM
 

Mrs213
????????

Member since 2/09

18986 total posts

Name:

Do you like living on Long Island?

Love it. Im on the east end. Great sense of community. Its a small town feel. Farmland everywhere and wide open spaces. 8 cant stand nassau or western suffolk feel like i might as well be in queens

Posted 11/9/18 11:38 PM
 

MichLiz213
Life is Good!

Member since 7/07

7979 total posts

Name:

Do you like living on Long Island?

My family is here and I love that we have the best of everything with the city and the rural areas out east. DH needs to be near a major city for his job anyway, so no matter where we go it will be expensive. We bought my grandmother’s house from her when she moved to FL, so we were very lucky that we got a great house in a great school district for a decent price.

Honestly the only other place I could see myself happy in is the DC area, and we’ll run into the same cost of living issue. Also I get so much help with DS from my mom and MIL that it’s worth it to stay.

Message edited 11/10/2018 7:41:45 AM.

Posted 11/10/18 7:41 AM
 

pumpkinmom
LIF Adult

Member since 5/12

2911 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by luvbuffet

. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon



This times 100! I used to drive from Syosset to Manhasset and it wasn't bad. That was like 20 years ago. I even did Holbrook to Manhasset for a bit and while not great, it was doable.

Now, 20 years later, it takes me- no joke or exagerattion at all- 45 minutes to communte 11 miles.
Yep. On a normal day. Not a rain storm, snow storm, no construction, no accident.... on a normal GOOD day.
Add any of the above and forget it.

And we wonder why- well just look around. They used to over build these huge houses on tiny properties. That was bad enough. Now the new thing is to build condos. And apartments. So on the space of what used to be a few homes you have 1000s of people living in these huge complexes. So it's just happening faster and faster.
And nobody stops and thinks- damn where are we going to put all these people on the roads?
I am just shocked that there is that much demand for all this housing on Long Island- who wants to move here?



I'm really worried about how bad the traffic is getting. More condos are going up in my town and the Hicksville area when they build where Sears was will get worse. I'm just amazed at how many cars are on the parkways in the middle of the day. We have an evening activity that takes forever to get to.

Posted 11/10/18 8:27 PM
 

Christine Braun - Signature Premier Properties
LIFamilies Business

Member since 2/11

3992 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Yes -

I've lived in Philadelphia and Manhattan, too. I really like city living and it was great in my younger years.

We moved back to LI after we had our son, who is now almost 10. I don't regret moving back.

There are pros/cons to every thing, including places to live. LI is expensive and it's crowded. We have high taxes and lots of traffic.

However, I love the convenience of being near shopping and parkways and good restaurants. I love the good school system where we live - I believe in public education. We have great libraries with lots of programs.

I love the sense of community we have - things like local Little League and CYO and Santa coming on the firetruck, and community fairs.

I love being near the beach, and the city, and being able to drive out east to farms and wineries.

I like being near my family.

So while it's not perfect, I recognize that no place is, and I focus on all of the positives (because I believe there are many, or at least there are for our lifestyle and preferences).

Posted 11/11/18 10:38 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54917 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by pumpkinmom

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by luvbuffet

. LI traffic is on a whole other level and it’s only getting worse Chat Icon



This times 100! I used to drive from Syosset to Manhasset and it wasn't bad. That was like 20 years ago. I even did Holbrook to Manhasset for a bit and while not great, it was doable.

Now, 20 years later, it takes me- no joke or exagerattion at all- 45 minutes to communte 11 miles.
Yep. On a normal day. Not a rain storm, snow storm, no construction, no accident.... on a normal GOOD day.
Add any of the above and forget it.

And we wonder why- well just look around. They used to over build these huge houses on tiny properties. That was bad enough. Now the new thing is to build condos. And apartments. So on the space of what used to be a few homes you have 1000s of people living in these huge complexes. So it's just happening faster and faster.
And nobody stops and thinks- damn where are we going to put all these people on the roads?
I am just shocked that there is that much demand for all this housing on Long Island- who wants to move here?



I'm really worried about how bad the traffic is getting. More condos are going up in my town and the Hicksville area when they build where Sears was will get worse. I'm just amazed at how many cars are on the parkways in the middle of the day. We have an evening activity that takes forever to get to.



I was telling my dh about how they are building condos where Sears was. I mean that's right on Broadway, right across from the mall... that is not a residential area at all. I would imagine it's not zoned residential. So he was like, who is approving all this? Who is allowing this retail store area to be rezoned residential? Who are we electing that are allowing all this overpopulation?
And the funny thing...in all the campaigning at election tines, ads, etc, you never once hear that brought up. It's like nobody even cares. It's not even a campaign issue....

Posted 11/11/18 10:54 AM
 

klingklang77
kraftwerk!

Member since 7/06

11486 total posts

Name:
Völlig losgelöst

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

I put other because I do not live on LI, but I live in Germany.

I mean I love LI because my family is there. When I go home to see my family, I don’t think the traffic is that bad. It’s worse where I live bc I’m in a major city (think narrow European streets).

The thing that annoys me the most about LI is the people. Everyone seems to be very materialistic. I just don’t see myself ever living on LI again. My visa is approved (permanent residency), so I’ll probably be here for a long time.

Posted 11/11/18 8:42 PM
 

EclecticEsq10810
Bored Esq.

Member since 10/10

2156 total posts

Name:
L.

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

I chose neutral because there are days where I hate living here and there are days I love it a lot. Its all about perspective. We have high taxes, overpopulation, obnoxious people, pushy drivers and a highly competitive streak (how can we not w. NYC a few miles away), but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).

What hurts us the most is our geography. Unlike NJ or Westchester, the only way off LI is by ferry to CT or congested parkways/LIRR into Penn. I also agree the people and materialistic attitudes are a big turnoff (even on this board based on thread titles alone). The jury is still out whether DH and I will retire here or look elsewhere (ie FL or overseas).

Message edited 11/13/2018 2:03:46 AM.

Posted 11/13/18 2:03 AM
 

Hofstra26
Love to Bake!

Member since 7/06

27915 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon

Message edited 11/13/2018 11:19:06 AM.

Posted 11/13/18 11:18 AM
 

NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..

Member since 11/09

54917 total posts

Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon



Not to mention I think the beaches here are shit.

Posted 11/13/18 11:20 AM
 

Hofstra26
Love to Bake!

Member since 7/06

27915 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by NervousNell

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon



Not to mention I think the beaches here are shit.



I agree. The water especially is just disgusting, I won't put a toe in that cold, green sludge. Chat Icon

Posted 11/13/18 1:36 PM
 

lorich
.

Member since 6/05

9987 total posts

Name:
Grammie says "Lora Gina"

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon



I also was blinded by the "LI has top notch schools" for the longest time when I lived there and was afraid of the decision to move because of this. When in reality - ok my son wasn't in the "best" district, but it was our home. It was HUGE, he was just a number.

He's in a much smaller school now and he is thriving! I'm amazed at the difference. Not only that but there is MORE in the way of extra curricular activities that are offered for his grade level. AND - despite LI and the big district he was in there was next to no security at the school, which was always a complaint. Here, the school is assigned it's own full time deputy sheriff. He's getting a private school education and experience at a public school cost.

Posted 11/15/18 10:11 AM
 

TTCwithHope
LIF Infant

Member since 4/10

296 total posts

Name:
M

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon



This 100000%. LI is definitely its own bubble and most residents don’t know it.
I am not saying it’s an entirely “bad” bubble for all, but the idea that other places are inferior in schools, amenities is completely untrue. I have found the very opposite.

Posted 11/15/18 10:47 AM
 

lululu
LIF Adult

Member since 7/05

9508 total posts

Name:

Re: Do you like living on Long Island?

Posted by TTCwithHope

Posted by Hofstra26

Posted by EclecticEsq10810

but we also have amazing amenities you really can't get in any other major metro areas or countries (besides access to NYC, great schools, top hospitals, beaches, etc).




I find that A LOT of Long Islander's think this way but it's really not true. We've been trying to move off the island and have been to MANY other areas all of which have wonderful amenities, medical care and shopping. We've also been in areas that have even more highly rated schools than Long Island as well. I sometimes feel like LI'ers live in a little bubble where they think NO place on earth can be remotely as good as here but it's really not true. Like I said, I've found towns that are amazing in what they offer AND on top of that, are less congested,less expensive and even more aesthetically pleasing in terms of neighborhoods and landscape, etc. Chat Icon



This 100000%. LI is definitely its own bubble and most residents don’t know it.
I am not saying it’s an entirely “bad” bubble for all, but the idea that other places are inferior in schools, amenities is completely untrue. I have found the very opposite.



It all depends on what your priorities are. I often think that I would love to move to the Charleston, SC area. It's not cheap but it's not as expensive as Long Island. You can find good schools but many are private, however taxes are a lot lower and the private school tuition is not as bad as it is here. But then you give up the changing seasons and there are no good places to ski nearby. The northeast has a nice mix of beach in the summer and skiing in the winter. I love the suburbs of Boston but I wouldn't move up there and away from family because it's not that different from here.

I also think there is a difference between pointing out things that are good here and bashing other places. We do have many towns on LI with excellent school districts. We do have many beautiful beaches and towns. We do have great access to NYC and all that it has to offer. That doesn't mean that other places don't have positives as well. I know a handful of people who think Long Island is the best but most people I know have traveled enough to understand there are places outside of Long Island that are nice as well, but still would prefer to live here.

Posted 11/15/18 12:36 PM
 
Pages: 1 2 [3]
 

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