🏡 Best Places to Live on Long Island in 2025: Local Rankings by The Galluzzo Team

Thinking about moving to Long Island? Whether you’re relocating from the city, upgrading your lifestyle, or searching for top schools and safe neighborhoods, Long Island has something for everyone. As a family-run real estate team with deep roots in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, we’ve helped hundreds of families find the perfect home here—and we’re sharing our local insight to help you do the same.

In this guide, we break down the best places to live on Long Island in 2025, based on real estate trends, school ratings, community feel, and lifestyle perks. If you’re searching phrases like “best Long Island towns for families,” “safest Long Island towns,” or “Long Island real estate 2025”—you’re in the right place.

📍 1. Commack, NY – Best for Families & Convenience

As Long Island locals, we may be biased—but Commack is truly one of the most balanced, desirable places to live.

• 🏠 Real Estate: Mix of ranches, colonials, and split-levels with large lots

• 🎓 Schools: Commack Union Free School District is ranked among the top on Long Island

• 🛍️ Amenities: Shopping centers, top restaurants (like Nisen Sushi & La Scala), and Hoyt Farm Preserve

• 🚗 Commute: Quick access to the LIE, Northern State, and nearby LIRR stations

Why we love it: Commack offers big-town amenities with small-town comfort—a perfect fit for families who want space and convenience without sacrificing community.

🌳 2. Dix Hills, NY – Best for Luxury Living & Privacy

Looking for luxury homes on sprawling lots? Dix Hills is a top choice for professionals, entertainers, and families wanting space and seclusion.

• 🏠 Homes: Custom estates, new construction, and high-end colonials

• 🏫 Schools: Half Hollow Hills School District (top-rated year after year)

• 🌳 Lifestyle: Golf courses, equestrian estates, and upscale restaurants

• 🛣️ Location: Quick access to Route 110 business corridor, LIE & parkways

Why we love it: Prestige meets practicality. The homes are large, the schools are elite, and the privacy is unbeatable.

🏘️ 3. Smithtown, NY – Best for First-Time Buyers & Suburban Charm

Smithtown offers a traditional suburban feel with historic charm, good schools, and access to nature.

• 🏠 Home Prices: More affordable entry points than Dix Hills or Huntington

• 🛍️ Vibe: Family-owned shops, historic downtown, and local parks

• 🏫 Schools: Strong public school system and active youth sports programs

• 🏞️ Nature: Caleb Smith State Park and nearby beaches

Why we love it: It’s peaceful, affordable, and full of community pride. A great option for those starting out.

🏖️ 4. East Northport, NY – Best for Affordability Near the Water

East Northport is a hidden gem. Tucked between Northport Village and Commack, it offers both value and access to coastal living.

• 💰 Home Values: Generally lower than nearby Northport but close in proximity

• 🌊 Location: Minutes from Northport Harbor, local beaches, and waterfront parks

• 🛒 Daily Life: Quiet neighborhoods with access to everything you need

• 🚌 Commuting: Close to Northport LIRR station and local parkways

Why we love it: East Northport gives you the North Shore lifestyle without the North Shore price tag.

🏙️ 5. Huntington, NY – Best for Culture, Dining & Walkability

If you want the convenience of walkable streets, live music, boutiques, and dining—Huntington Village is unmatched.

• 🍷 Lifestyle: Dozens of restaurants, bars, theaters, and festivals

• 🏠 Homes: Historic colonials, townhomes, and condos in prime locations

• 🚶‍♀️ Walkability: Park your car and enjoy life on foot

• 🎨 Culture: The Paramount theater, art galleries, and more

Why we love it: It’s the Brooklyn of Long Island, with suburban perks and waterfront views.

🎯 Bonus Picks Based on Buyer Goals

• 🧑‍🎓 Best for School Districts: Jericho, Half Hollow Hills, Syosset

• 🏄‍♂️ Best for Beach Lovers: Long Beach, Babylon, Montauk

• 👩‍💼 Best for NYC Commuters: Rockville Centre, Garden City, Port Washington

• 🏘️ Best for Growing Families: Commack, East Islip, Plainview

• 💸 Best for Value & ROI: East Northport, Patchogue, Ronkonkoma

🌟 Overall Best Towns to Live on Long Island (Based on Schools, Safety, Amenities & Livability)

1. Great Neck (Nassau County)

• 💡 A+ school district

• 💰 Expensive, but extremely desirable for families and professionals

• 🚆 Quick LIRR access to NYC

2. Huntington (Suffolk County)

• 🏙️ Vibrant downtown with culture, dining, and live music

• 🏠 Wide range of home styles

• 🌊 Close to beaches and marinas

3. Syosset (Nassau County)

• 🎓 One of Long Island’s top school districts

• 🏘️ Great for families and commuters

• 🛣️ Easy access to LIE, Northern State, and train lines

4. Port Washington (Nassau County)

• 🚆 Direct LIRR line to Penn Station

• ⚓ Beautiful waterfront town

• 🏫 Strong public schools

5. Manhasset (Nassau County)

• 🛍️ High-end shopping and country clubs

• 🏫 Elite schools

• 💼 Ideal for NYC commuters

🏡 Best Family-Friendly Towns

• Commack – Excellent schools, parks, and central location

• East Meadow – Affordable with strong school district

• Plainview – Family-focused with top-rated schools and amenities

• Massapequa Park – Great for growing families with walkability and strong community vibe

• Wantagh – Safe, suburban, and close to Jones Beach

💰 Best for Value & Affordability (Rising Star Towns)

• East Northport – Underrated, near water, and more affordable than Northport

• Patchogue – Revitalized downtown, strong arts scene, and great walkability

• Kings Park – Coastal feel with affordable prices and access to Sunken Meadow

• Selden – Affordable starter homes and growing demand

• Ronkonkoma – Access to LIRR hub, potential growth with MacArthur Airport nearby

🌊 Best Beach Towns on Long Island

• Long Beach – Walkable city feel with a beach lifestyle

• Bayville – Quaint, tight-knit, and scenic views

• Westhampton Beach – Upscale but more accessible than East Hampton

• Fire Island communities – Seasonal, car-free, and unique

🧠 Sources Commonly Used for Rankings:

• Niche.com

• Newsday’s annual “Best Places to Live” list

• Local market stats (price per square foot, school scores, crime rates)

• U.S. Census & public school performance data

💬 Final Thoughts: So, What’s the Best Place to Live on Long Island?

That depends on your lifestyle, budget, and future plans—but the best decision starts with local experts who know the market. At The Galluzzo Team, we’re a family business that’s sold hundreds of homes across Suffolk and Nassau Counties. We don’t just know the area—we live here.

📞 Ready to Find Your Home on Long Island?

Let us help you find the perfect fit—whether you're just starting to explore or ready to buy.

📲 Call or text us at 631-774-3333
🌐 Visit GalluzzoTeam.com
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