Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

So DH and I currently rent an apartment in a nice neighborhood right near LIJ hospital. It’s technically Queens but we are about a block away from Long Island. We currently have a 2 bedroom that could be made into a three bedroom if we transform the dining room (which is being used for storage right now). We pay a very low rent considering the area and that we have a washer dryer and dishwasher in our apartment (both very important to us).

Im 23w and we’ve been looking to move before gets here because the apartment is in pretty bad shape. All the appliances are old, which I could live with. The issue really is that the apartment is literally falling apart – the windows are super drafty, the AC never regulates the temperature appropriately (DH can barely sleep anymore cause the temp gets soooo bad). The walls are cracking in some places, the bathroom floor tiles are coming up, wallpaper is coming off the walls in the bathroom.. all things that I don’t want to subject a new baby (or even moreso a crawling baby) to. Our current lease ends April 30th.

We found pretty much the perfect house rental. The house itself is very nice. Great curb appeal, enough space, backyard, garage/driveway, central AC, nice enough appliances. Much better condition than our current place. It’s about $350 a month more than our current place, but we expected to pay about that much more and we can somewhat afford it.

The ONLY issue to me is that the house is located in Westbury Village, slightly West of Post Road (but walking distance). I am nervous about this area because we have read a ton of negative things about the area, and I know the school district pretty much sucks. We are negotiating with the landlord to get as much included in the new place as possible. This includes possible access to a basement that has another bathroom, space for a laundry area (we will have washer dryer in the garage otherwise), and a large playroom area.

So we are sort of torn. We love the house. We’re VERY unsure about the area. is due in July and I know I’m going to want to get out of the house and stroll around. I know I can just get in the car and be at Eisenhower Park or Roosevelt Field in 5 minutes also. I am also worried about the school district although everyone tells me not to worry now because we can always move again in 5 years when we really have to think about school. But to be honest I’m realistic enough to know that however long you say you’re going to stay somewhere – you should really double it, because that’s just how life works. However, the lease is month to month so if we really hate it we can pick up and go when the right opportunity comes along…

Sorry for rambling.. All of this being said, what do you all think? Does anyone have experience with this area? Am I being silly and it’s not really bad at all?? Is it worth the risk of moving and then wanting to move again in a short period of time if we dont like it?

We are so torn!! We want to give a nice safe environment. It seems like we are leaving the unsafe home but safe town that we are in now, for a less safe town but a more safe home… Thoughts??

Message edited 3/7/2011 1:36:51 PM.

Re: Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

do you mean Post Avenue? My DH works near that area and my BFF used to live in westbury off school street. they have some beautiful houses/apts but there are definitely shady parts to the area. I would go there at night and take a walk with your DH - if it feels shady or unsafe then i wouldn't do it.

i get being able to take the car to the park but it's also nice to be able to just get out and go for a walk in your neighborhood - that's important to me so I would just be sure it's safe.

I personally wouldn't worry about the school district just yet.

Re: Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

I wouldn't necessarily worry about the school district if I was just renting. The area itself would be more of a concern. I have found moving to LI everything is relative dn depending who you ask. My boss thinks the whole "south shore" is white trash (total snob) and I think even what many would consider the WORST parts of LI are a DREAM compared to what I know. So really you have to judge yourself. The best advice I can give you, would be go to the supermarket, library, nail salon, school, during different times....those will be your neighbors. Drive around the area at different times, especially at night. You will be able to get a real feel and judge yourself.


Good luck...I know moving is a PIA!

Re: Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

My entire family of in-laws come from Westbury. My family is off the boat Italians that have always lived in Westbury and still do. My husband went through westbury public schools as well.
The area is actually wonderful. THere is a ton to do and everything is in walking distance. My in laws have never in 40 years had a problem in the area and my MIL is a widow now and continues to walk everywhere even at night.
The elementary schools are fine. My husband admits that the highschool was a bit rough, but he managed to do well and be valedictorian and be just fine.
I absolutely love Westbury for the simple fact that everything is in walking distance. I truly wouldn't worry about it.

Re: Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

Re: Westbury Village? - Opinions Needed (somewhat PG related)

there are so many family members all over westbury. My MIL is off of Westbury Ave by the school. I have many family members close to the train station and by the church. I also have family by Drexel Ave school and on Ellison Avenue.

I would have no problem renting in the area. I wouldn't buy a house and stay there permanently but for a few years I wouldn't be concerned at all.
I actually would be thrilled to be around everything in that town and so close to the shopping!