Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

After a long search we are considering Valley Stream as our first choice based on location and schools. After relocating from the south we feel being close to our family is a must and convenience from/to work is also.

Aside from the taxes what do you like about living in Valley Stream? What has change in the last decade or so in the area?

THANKS!!

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

You definitely want in the village. We are 3 blocks east of Rockaway ave north of Merrick, close to Firemen's field. Great neighborhood. Our SD is #13. My MIL lives in the Gibson area and is the Hewlett SD. Her taxes are a bit more than ours. Her area is also considered a flood zone.

I like that we are near the city and my commute isn't bad.

Message edited 1/19/2012 10:53:58 AM.

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

The mix of nationalities has definitely changed in Valley Stream over the last 10 years. When I graduated in the mid 90's it was predominantly white, now it isn't. Not that it's a bad thing. A multicultural community/school can be a wonderful thing for a child. I also lived on the East side off of Rockaway Ave

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

I wouldn't live there. I grew up there and crime rate definitely went up. The parks aren't as nice, etc... There was just a home invasion. But if u do live, I would choose the incorporated village. Near firemans field is nice. Close to manhattan is a plus. I would suggest moving to lynbrook if you can

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

I moved from there about 4.5 years ago. I heard it's gotten way worse. When I lived there it wasn't bad at all. pretty uneventful neighborhood. BUT the year before I moved somebody was shot and killed right by my apartment. I also heard of recent muggings and home invasions.

I mean...these things can happen anywhere. But from what I hear VS has gotten way worse. It seems like after I graduated all the kids wanted to act like they are thugs from the ghetto

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

Valley Stream is a HUGH town so it really depends on what area's and school districts you're looking into.

Within the town of Valley Stream there are 4 school districts; Elementary- #13, #20, #24, and Elmont. For HS's- Valley Stream Central SD and Sewanahaka SD I'm not sure if VS kids go to Malverne or Lynbrook schools at all but it's very possible.SD.

I grew up in N. Valley Stream, outside of the Village and was in the Elmont SD for Elementary school and Sewanahaka sd for H.S. I graduated in 00' and personally I LOVED Elmont Memorial. Even then it had a bad reputation which I never understood. Now I know things have changed but a lot of the same teachers are there who are great are still there. Would I send my kids to those districts now? That I don't know.

Pro's of VS - location to all (restaurants, shopping, highways), distance from the city

Cons- Maybe school distrcit depending on which one you fall in.

My suggestion, drive around the areas and get a feel for how the neighborhood feels and the upkeep of properties.

HTH

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

I grew up there & graduated from the school system. I lived about 2 blocks from Fireman's Field, it was an amazing place to grow up in, very family oriented, everyone knew each other, etc.. BUT I heard it changed BIG TIME!

Friends of mine still live there and say it has changed, but then again it's still a nice place to live and raise a family I think.

Every town will have it's up's and downs, I don't care how good it is.

I say do some research, drive around, even ask people on the street if you see them what they think.

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

Ive heard north VS near fireman's field is nice, and i know for sure that the Gibson area is lovely. Both VS North and VS South have very good high schools according to Newsweek.

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

I'D be happy to answer any questions you have about the town and sd through fm!

:)

Re: Pros and Cons of living in Valley Stream, NY - Prospective Resident

Message edited 1/5/2014 9:21:25 PM.