Five Favorite Long Island Communities for NYC Transplants!

Below are five of my favorite Long Island communities for NYC transplants, each with its own unique character and popular appeal.

January 9th, 2026

Written by Al Iaquinta

If you’re thinking about trading New York City living for more open and natural spaces, top-tier schools, and a quieter, suburban lifestyle—without losing access to Manhattan—Long Island offers several exceptional neighborhoods that NYC buyers consistently gravitate towards. Below are five of my favorite Long Island communities, each with its own unique character and popular appeal.

 • Median Home Sales Price: ~$800,000

 • Why Buyers Love It: Known as the “Gateway to Jones Beach,” Wantagh offers stunning waterfront living, marinas, scenic park views, beaches and nature preserves, and a direct LIRR line to Manhattan.

 • Interesting Fact: Many homes feature private docks or canal access, making boating a true part of everyday life.

 • Median Home Sales Price: ~$1.6M

 • Why Buyers Love It: A premier North Shore community with top-ranked schools, luxury shopping, and one of the quickest LIRR commutes to Penn Station.

 • Interesting Fact: Manhasset’s Miracle Mile on Northern Boulevard is one of the most successful luxury retail corridors in the country, well known for its upscale open-air shopping center, the Americana Manhasset.

 • Median Home Sales Price: ~$1.3M

 • Why Buyers Love It: Tree-lined streets, beautiful architecture, and a vibrant downtown create a walkable, village-style atmosphere.

 • Interesting Fact: Founded by Alexander Turney Stewart in 1869, the town was originally designed as a planned community with green spaces, wide avenues, and integrated transportation, which is why its layout feels so cohesive and charming.

 • Median Home Sales Price: ~$3.2M

 • Why Buyers Love It: Expansive estates and acreage, exclusive privacy, and a quiet North Shore setting define this prestigious enclave.

 • Interesting Fact: Brookville is home to several historic Gold Coast mansions once owned by prominent American families, including the Vanderbilts and du Ponts.

 • Median Home Sales Price: ~$2.1M

 • Why Buyers Love It: A waterfront community known for rolling landscapes, nature preserves, and breathtaking harbor views.

 • Interesting Fact: President Theodore Roosevelt lived nearby at Sagamore Hill, a Victorian estate known as his "Summer White House" and situated in Cove Neck, adding a rich layer of history to the area.

If any of these Long Island neighborhoods feel like the right next chapter—or if you’d like best recommendations based on commute, lifestyle, or budget—I’d be happy to guide you through the process.