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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
So DH and I are still trying to find an area that's right for us to start looking to purchase homes. We want to stay as close to Queens and the city as possible, since we both work in the city and have family in Queens, but don't mind heading out to Nassau. Being close to the LIRR is important to us. I'll probably be commuting by LIRR daily. We're also planning on having kids in the next few years, so a good school district is important as well. Our budget is up to $430k with reasonable taxes. In Queens, this is a pittance, but since we've expanded our search to Nassau County, we're beginning to realize it's doable. We're also VERY open to fixer-uppers since DH and FIL are very handy and have a team of guys ready to help them work on whatever, whenever. We're *hoping* to stay under $400k if possible. I had asked about Glen Cove awhile back since the prices are sooooo low for such fantastic properties, but I got very mixed reviews. The biggest thing I had an issue with was the LIRR in that area. I don't need a 3 hour commute each way thank you very much. So now we're looking at Valley Stream. There's some really great homes on there and well within our price range. I wanted to hear from people who actually live in the area though- tell me all- the good, the bad, the ugly! TIA! 
ETA: We've looked at areas surrounding Valley Stream like Bayside, Douglaston, Floral Park, etc. and they are just out of our price range. 
ETAA: Feel free to FM me if you'd rather not say anything on the thread- I'm not trying to start drama! 
Message edited 5/15/2013 12:44:45 PM.
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Posted 5/15/13 12:30 PM  |
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Have you considered Lynbrook (Lynbrook school district)? You could definitely find homes in your price range there.
Also, Merrick and Bellmore are a bit further east, but on a very good train line (Babylon train line). It's about 40 mins from Merrick on an express train to Penn and 43 mins from Bellmore. Very close to lots of parkways (southern state, Meadowbrook, etc.). I live in N. Bellmore and my office is there, but Bellmore, Merrick, N. Bellmore, and N. Merrick are very popular areas for people moving out to LI from the city who need to commute, who want good schools and good home values. And there are plenty of homes in the low $400K and under price point on the market. I know you said you want reasonable taxes, and it really depends on what you mean by "reasonable." But a cape or a ranch or small colonial could have taxes under $10K in these areas. $10-11K is average. Larger splits, colonials, newer construction have taxes in the $12K and up range.
As a real estate agent, I can't comment on school districts, but you may want to look at www.schooldigger.com; www.greatschools.org, and Newsday school rankings.
Let me know if I can help you at all with your search!
You can reach me through this site or at [email protected]/(516) 587-7618.
ETA - Sorry I didn't provide much insight on VS, which was your original question. Again, re: schools, I can't really comment, but your criteria brought to mind some other locations that may work. Feel free to disregard my suggestions if they are not wanted! 
Message edited 5/15/2013 1:10:38 PM.
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| Posted 5/15/13 1:09 PM |
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halfbaked
LIF Adult
Member since 8/12 6937 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by Century 21 Dallow - Christine Braun
Have you considered Lynbrook (Lynbrook school district)? You could definitely find homes in your price range there.
Also, Merrick and Bellmore are a bit further east, but on a very good train line (Babylon train line). It's about 40 mins from Merrick on an express train to Penn and 43 mins from Bellmore. Very close to lots of parkways (southern state, Meadowbrook, etc.). I live in N. Bellmore and my office is there, but Bellmore, Merrick, N. Bellmore, and N. Merrick are very popular areas for people moving out to LI from the city who need to commute, who want good schools and good home values. And there are plenty of homes in the low $400K and under price point on the market. I know you said you want reasonable taxes, and it really depends on what you mean by "reasonable." But a cape or a ranch or small colonial could have taxes under $10K in these areas. $10-11K is average. Larger splits, colonials, newer construction have taxes in the $12K and up range.
As a real estate agent, I can't comment on school districts, but you may want to look at www.schooldigger.com; www.greatschools.org, and Newsday school rankings.
Let me know if I can help you at all with your search!
You can reach me through this site or at [email protected]/(516) 587-7618.
ETA - Sorry I didn't provide much insight on VS, which was your original question. Again, re: schools, I can't really comment, but your criteria brought to mind some other locations that may work. Feel free to disregard my suggestions if they are not wanted!
Don't be sorry, this is a HUGE help! This is all very preliminary searching- we're hoping to start looking seriously at the end of this year, beginning of next. Right now, we're just doing our research and saving our cash. We were hoping to keep it under $10k for taxes, but we could probably swing for a little more if it was for a home/area we really love. Thank you so much for the sites for school districts- this is a huge help! You are always sooo sweet and helpful on here, I'm definitely going to keep you in mind when we start looking!
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| Posted 5/15/13 2:22 PM |
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by halfbaked
Posted by Century 21 Dallow - Christine Braun
Have you considered Lynbrook (Lynbrook school district)? You could definitely find homes in your price range there.
Also, Merrick and Bellmore are a bit further east, but on a very good train line (Babylon train line). It's about 40 mins from Merrick on an express train to Penn and 43 mins from Bellmore. Very close to lots of parkways (southern state, Meadowbrook, etc.). I live in N. Bellmore and my office is there, but Bellmore, Merrick, N. Bellmore, and N. Merrick are very popular areas for people moving out to LI from the city who need to commute, who want good schools and good home values. And there are plenty of homes in the low $400K and under price point on the market. I know you said you want reasonable taxes, and it really depends on what you mean by "reasonable." But a cape or a ranch or small colonial could have taxes under $10K in these areas. $10-11K is average. Larger splits, colonials, newer construction have taxes in the $12K and up range.
As a real estate agent, I can't comment on school districts, but you may want to look at www.schooldigger.com; www.greatschools.org, and Newsday school rankings.
Let me know if I can help you at all with your search!
You can reach me through this site or at [email protected]/(516) 587-7618.
ETA - Sorry I didn't provide much insight on VS, which was your original question. Again, re: schools, I can't really comment, but your criteria brought to mind some other locations that may work. Feel free to disregard my suggestions if they are not wanted!
Don't be sorry, this is a HUGE help! This is all very preliminary searching- we're hoping to start looking seriously at the end of this year, beginning of next. Right now, we're just doing our research and saving our cash. We were hoping to keep it under $10k for taxes, but we could probably swing for a little more if it was for a home/area we really love. Thank you so much for the sites for school districts- this is a huge help! You are always sooo sweet and helpful on here, I'm definitely going to keep you in mind when we start looking!
My pleasure! I am always happy to help. It's definitely important to do your research on areas first and try to narrow things down. If you have any questions or want to bounce anything off of me during your research phase, feel free to reach out. I work all over Long Island, so I am pretty familiar with most areas (and very familiar with the south shore of Nassau).
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| Posted 5/15/13 2:41 PM |
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Katareen
5,000 Posts!
Member since 4/10 7180 total posts
Name:
Katherine
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Have you looked in Mineola/Williston Park?
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| Posted 5/15/13 3:09 PM |
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by Katareen
Have you looked in Mineola/Williston Park?
It's a great area, but I recently sold a home in Williston Park, and I don't think under $400K is going to be realistic in that area. I think you need at least a $450K to $500K budget to buy into Mineola or Williston Park (and definitely over $500K for W.P. if it's Herricks schools), unless the buyer is willing to live on a main road, like Willis Ave. or Roslyn Rd. And even then, the homes are priced in the $400K to $450K range.
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| Posted 5/15/13 3:37 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
I was going to suggest Lynbrook as well. That's where I am but taxes will be a little over 10k though depending on where you are.
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| Posted 5/15/13 5:52 PM |
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llamallama
LIF Zygote
Member since 5/13 8 total posts
Name:
iris
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Hi there, I have always been a lurker on this board but decided to create a sign on just to post a reply to this thread. My husband and I were in same situation except our kids are already 3 and 5 yrs olds. We lived in queens and work in manhattan. We wanted an affordable home with a good commute and nice schools. We ended up in the gibson section of valley stream ($435k home with $12k taxes). We are zoned for hewlett woodmere schools which I believe are pretty good according to school rankings. Our commute is 35 to 40 minutes to either penn or atlantic which works great. Our house is 2 short blocks from the train so no need for us to drive to the local station/find parking and pay for gas or parking permit. The area is nice with lots of families. It is also not a bad drive for us to go back to queens to visit family (25 minute drive). Let me know if u have questions about the area. We have been here 6 months and love it so far. Some of our friends and family will hear us say valley stream and immediately have a negative feeling. But it really is quite nice. Drive around and take a look!
Message edited 5/15/2013 6:24:29 PM.
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| Posted 5/15/13 6:16 PM |
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blonde667
LIF Toddler
Member since 5/06 426 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
I agree. If you are looking for Valley Stream, I would look for school district 14 (Hewlett - woodmere). I looked into all of the Valley Stream school districts and the reviews on multiple sights weren't favorable. Also consider lynbrook. I saw some great fixer uppers under $400 pretty recently.
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| Posted 5/16/13 6:33 AM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Have you looked in Franklin Square? You can find a home in your price range there. They do not have their own LIRR station, but if you live south you can pay to park at the Valley Stream station. Good luck
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| Posted 5/16/13 9:38 AM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by llamallama
Hi there, I have always been a lurker on this board but decided to create a sign on just to post a reply to this thread. My husband and I were in same situation except our kids are already 3 and 5 yrs olds. We lived in queens and work in manhattan. We wanted an affordable home with a good commute and nice schools. We ended up in the gibson section of valley stream ($435k home with $12k taxes). We are zoned for hewlett woodmere schools which I believe are pretty good according to school rankings. Our commute is 35 to 40 minutes to either penn or atlantic which works great. Our house is 2 short blocks from the train so no need for us to drive to the local station/find parking and pay for gas or parking permit. The area is nice with lots of families. It is also not a bad drive for us to go back to queens to visit family (25 minute drive). Let me know if u have questions about the area. We have been here 6 months and love it so far. Some of our friends and family will hear us say valley stream and immediately have a negative feeling. But it really is quite nice. Drive around and take a look!
Also wanted to add that i have very good friends who live in this area as well. It is really nice -- HUGE homes walking distance to train. For your money you will probably get the largest home here.
It was a little too far south for me (from Queens) when i was looking to buy. The highway is a bit of a hike as well if you are driving everyday. Many homes are also considered to be in a flood zone here, even though they never flood. Keep that in mind as flood insurance is $$$.
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| Posted 5/16/13 9:41 AM |
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llamallama
LIF Zygote
Member since 5/13 8 total posts
Name:
iris
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by b2b777
Also wanted to add that i have very good friends who live in this area as well. It is really nice -- HUGE homes walking distance to train. For your money you will probably get the largest home here.
It was a little too far south for me (from Queens) when i was looking to buy. The highway is a bit of a hike as well if you are driving everyday. Many homes are also considered to be in a flood zone here, even though they never flood. Keep that in mind as flood insurance is $$$.
Wanted to add that when we purchased at the end of last year, we qualified for the Preferred Risk Policy through Geico for only $430/yr. In January of this year, we found out that our neighborhood was taken off the flood map completely. So after my first year of paying flood insurance, we no longer need to buy it for next year. YIPPEEE!
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| Posted 5/16/13 12:44 PM |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
Member since 1/08 8589 total posts
Name:
Cheeks
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
We are in Valley Stream in the Westwood section. We're in a really nice neighborhood. I am walking distance to the Westwood station (West Hempstead line) but also have the option of the Valley Stream station. We've lived here for 5 years. DH a bit longer. My MIL lives in the Gibson section and is the Hewlett SD. We are not in the least concern about the school district.
If you have any questions about it, feel free to PM me.
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| Posted 5/16/13 1:20 PM |
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b2b777
LIF Adult
Member since 9/09 4474 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by llamallama
Posted by b2b777
Also wanted to add that i have very good friends who live in this area as well. It is really nice -- HUGE homes walking distance to train. For your money you will probably get the largest home here.
It was a little too far south for me (from Queens) when i was looking to buy. The highway is a bit of a hike as well if you are driving everyday. Many homes are also considered to be in a flood zone here, even though they never flood. Keep that in mind as flood insurance is $$$.
Wanted to add that when we purchased at the end of last year, we qualified for the Preferred Risk Policy through Geico for only $430/yr. In January of this year, we found out that our neighborhood was taken off the flood map completely. So after my first year of paying flood insurance, we no longer need to buy it for next year. YIPPEEE!
That is awesome! It should have never been in the flood zone in my opinion!!!!
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| Posted 5/16/13 1:36 PM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
I would def check out Lynbrook w/ Lynbrook SD.. DH grew up there and so did a lot of my family members. Also as Christine mentioned you may want to consider a town further out on the Babylon branch (Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford..) since on express trains its really not that much more of a commute time to/from the city.
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| Posted 5/16/13 1:42 PM |
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shapla79
Where Does The Time Go?
Member since 11/07 4619 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
I would also consider Lynbrook as well. I'm a little biased because I live here. The commute to the city is not bad (36 mins into Penn), and parents we've spoken to seem quite happy with the school district. When DH and I were house hunting, we also considered Valley Stream homes zoned for Hewlett-Woodmere schools. Good luck with your search!
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| Posted 5/16/13 1:54 PM |
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AScottWolf
I <3 our squish!
Member since 11/10 2237 total posts
Name:
Adriana
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
You could def find a house in your price range in VS.
DH and I purchased a home in Malverne (VS sd#13) in the westwood section (includes VS and Malverne) last year and love the area.
VS is a massive town with 4 different HS's and 3 different districts in the town (aside from VS districts it also includes Elmont School District and Hewlett). I grew up in N. Valley Stream in the Elmont school district but, although it's really not as bad as everyone says, and the HS itself still has great teachers and pretty good ratings, it has changed.
Checkout the westwood section. It's really beautiful there and most homes are within walking distance to the train station.
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| Posted 5/16/13 8:28 PM |
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Faithx2
All good things in 2016!!
Member since 8/05 20181 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Check out Lynbrook with Lynbrook schools. I went to VS district 13 and personally would never buy there.
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| Posted 5/16/13 9:39 PM |
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Serendipity
Summer!
Member since 4/07 7631 total posts
Name:
PrayingWishingHopingALOT
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Message edited 5/16/2013 10:07:12 PM.
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| Posted 5/16/13 10:06 PM |
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Cheeks24
Living a dream
Member since 1/08 8589 total posts
Name:
Cheeks
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Posted by llamallama
Posted by b2b777
Also wanted to add that i have very good friends who live in this area as well. It is really nice -- HUGE homes walking distance to train. For your money you will probably get the largest home here.
It was a little too far south for me (from Queens) when i was looking to buy. The highway is a bit of a hike as well if you are driving everyday. Many homes are also considered to be in a flood zone here, even though they never flood. Keep that in mind as flood insurance is $$$.
Wanted to add that when we purchased at the end of last year, we qualified for the Preferred Risk Policy through Geico for only $430/yr. In January of this year, we found out that our neighborhood was taken off the flood map completely. So after my first year of paying flood insurance, we no longer need to buy it for next year. YIPPEEE!
Yes, I was going to say that FEMA redid the map after Hurricane Sandy and many of the homes in the Gibson area are no longer considered a flood zone.
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| Posted 5/17/13 9:29 AM |
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RadioLau
LIF Adult
Member since 4/07 2179 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
I grew up in VS and my parents still live there. The schools are not as good as when I was growing up and the neighborhood has greatly changed. I would also agree to look into Lynbrook, maybe even Rockville Center although the prices might be a bit higher in RVC. If schools are not a factor and you want to live in VS, stay away from too close to the queens border and the south side. My parents live closer to Lynbrook but they plan to move as soon as they can.
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| Posted 5/17/13 10:18 AM |
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llamallama
LIF Zygote
Member since 5/13 8 total posts
Name:
iris
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Hey, saw this article about VS schools and thought I'd share. We are not zoned for the the VS school district, but its something positive about the town I live in.
http://www.liherald.com/valleystream/stories/Valley-Streams-high-schools-earn-recognition,47657
And here is another one mentioning an elementary school in district 30 being nominated for a blue ribbon award. No small feat!
https://liherald.com/stories/Shaw-Avenue-nominated-for-Blue-Ribbon-award,44780?page=1&content_source=
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| Posted 5/17/13 4:49 PM |
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SweetSarj
LIF Adult
Member since 10/09 1592 total posts
Name:
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Talk to me about Valley Stream!
Message edited 8/7/2013 10:29:50 PM.
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| Posted 5/19/13 11:11 AM |
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femalej
LIF Adolescent
Member since 7/11 833 total posts
Name:
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Re: Talk to me about Valley Stream!
based on the extra $ in taxes for a nassau house, your might actually be able to increase your budget for a nyc/queens home. have you taken a look at the queens section of bellerose and floral park? it's much more affordable than bayside/douglaston...and it's the same school district which is one of the best in the city.
hth. gl!
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| Posted 5/20/13 2:48 PM |
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