Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???

I was previously looking in Wantagh (Wantagh Woods) for a house, but now I am starting to consider Old Bethpage and parts of Plainview as I was able to up my budget to spend on a house. Mainly Plainview/Old Bethpage SD.

I am curious what type of LIRR parking permit you can get when you live here. Do you take the LIRR from Bethpage? Hicksville? Also how early do you have to get to each of these train stations in order to secure a parking spot? I would imagine pretty early. And is the parking free (free meaning after you paid for your parking sticker)?

I am trying to figure out the pros/cons for buying in Old Bethpage... as compared to say Wantagh. I have about 500k to spend on a house and can put down 20% plus CC. I've done a search and seen prior threads regarding Bethpage, but not Old Bethpage specifically.

Thanks in advance.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???

Old Bethpage is one of my favorite places. I love the homes, the neighborhoods and proximity to parkways/temples/shopping/restaurants and the school district is very desirable.

You would get a TOB parking permit which I think is $55 a year. That will allow you to park in any of the train station parking lots in the town of Oyster Bay. I get to the train station by 7:15 and get a spot although it's slim pickings in Bethpage at that time. Worse in Hicksville. If I make a 7:01 or 7:10 train I can always get a spot. Now I've also gotten tickets for parking legally because the cops are told to make money for the county apparently.

One thing I like about TOB is the garbage pick up. You can put anything out for pick up on garbage days. You don't have to wait for a certain day or time to put out big stuff. Town of Hempstead I think you have to call for pick up for big stuff.

Message edited 9/8/2009 11:43:01 AM.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???

Thats good to know. Thanks.

So any of the TOB parking stations? Is there is a list? Are there any stations less congested than Bethpage?

The one advantage Wantagh has over Old Bethpage is the LIRR parking situation. Parking is abundant at Wantagh, and even more abundant at Seaford. I was at Wantagh at 9:50am today and had no trouble finding parking (had a bit of a walk, but it was good legal parking).

So I am a little nervous about the parking at Bethpage/Hicksville. I have gotten used to showing up at work at 11am so I know if I move up north, i'll have to start coming in much earlier.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???

Did school start already in the city? I think tomorrow is the start. Take a look again tomorrow.

Also the first week back after labor day may not be the best judge.

If you go in as as late as 11 you may have a problem no matter where you park.

Hicksville is a hub so it's the worst. Syosset is small so not much better.

Huntington is an option but that takes you farther east and I have no data for that having never been.

if you go to the TOB website you can get the train stations.

Message edited 9/8/2009 12:09:46 PM.

Re: Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???

I live in Seaford so I can give you information about Wantagh. I am a commuter as well and Wantagh train station does have lots of parking! HOever Seaford has even more parking and it is a smaller station (not as many ppl commute from Seaford). I take the 7:56 am train out of Seaford every morning for about 9 years now and do not have any problems with parking. Also for either Seaford or Wantagh all you do is apply for a Town of Hempstead sticker which costs $3 per year and you can park at either station. Also Wantagh Woods is such a beautiful neighborhood and the school district is excellent. HTH

Re: Can anyone tell me about Old Bethpage ???