Where should I live?

Just accepted an offer on our two family house and are ready to start looking a bit more seriously for where we want to buy. We are looking for a single family 3 bedrooms up to $350,000 depending on taxes. We are in Farmingdale currently and will most likely stay here but want to expand our options. What are some other areas that you think we should look at and why? DH commutes to the city, so Nassau is preferable but we aren't ruling out Suffolk or even NJ/CT with a manageable commute. It's currently an hour for him.

I should tell you some of the things I like about Farmingdale. Close to everything, lots of restaurants bars and shopping. Nice middle class working neighborhood with a bit of diversity.

Re: Where should I live?

Have you considered old bethpage? It's a great nabe, can't beat the plainview- OB schools , and it's literally right next door to farmingdale. I'm sure you can find a ranch or home that needs some work in your price range. Good luck!

Re: Where should I live?

We're in Amity Harbor.
There's also Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst and West Babylon that are nice.
Some areas have been hit by Sandy and some people (who are generally from outside of the area) may scoff at some of the districts because of the diversity.

I like my area because I feel that I am central to everything. I also feel like I can relate to the people more and it's not so much keeping up with the Joneses. DH and I are solidly middle class as are all of our neighbors.

If you ask people who actually live in these neighborhoods, they can tell you good sections to look in.

There's also always free parking at the train station by me.

ETA: There's a ton of great restaurants nearby and shopping is close too (or within a 5-10 minute drive).
Some of these towns also have cute little downtown areas that are up and coming.

Message edited 3/11/2013 7:11:00 PM.

Re: Where should I live?

Bethpage
Plainview/old bethpage

Lots of shopping, short commute on the LIRR, close to all major highways, excellent schools

Can't go wrong!

Re: Where should I live?

Valley Stream and Franklin Square. Close to the city and good LIRR train selection. Just went to an Open House in VS for a 3 bedroom/2 bath house (move in condition) at $339K. Taxes were also under $11K.

Message edited 3/11/2013 10:56:35 PM.

Re: Where should I live?

Re: Where should I live?

Re: Where should I live?

I'd stay in Farmingdale then. Bay Shore (FABULOUS Main St) is another option but I don't know commute-wise.

Where should I live?

Bethpage!! I loove it there.. its a great community and close to the 135 and parkways which is easy to get to.. Has a cute village type area and everything is within distance to where I need to go.. :) Mostly I love the neigborhood and the school district is superb!

Where should I live?

Hmmm...as someone who went through Farmingdale schools and who is an educator in a top-knotch district, I would stay away.
If you log onto www.schooldigger.com and put in Farmingdale as opposed to neighboring districts (Plainview OB, Massapequa, etc.), you will see it ranks much lower. I feel as though they don't push or challenge their students. I have heard good things about Bay Shore being both diverse and having good schools. West Islip is great as is Bellmore-Merrick but not as diverse. Good luck wherever you choose. :)

Re: Where should I live?

Re: Where should I live?

I would recommend my town, but the taxes are

ETA try Bethpage, or houses in Island Trees SD... I noticed their taxes are a little bit less.

Message edited 3/25/2013 10:21:03 AM.

Re: Where should I live?

North Bellmore is a nice, middle class area. Good train commute to NYC, close to major parkways, near beaches and parks. The Bellmore Village area has restaurants, ice cream shops, movie theater, etc. and there are a lot of family friendly festivals and activities in the town. Taxes can be on the high side, and with a 350K budget, you would probably be getting a ranch or cape.

Hicksville is an area with a great LIRR commute, near highways, some diversity, and low taxes for Nassau. No real village area, though, but close to lots of shopping areas ...old country road, the Broadway mall, etc.