A snapshot of what makes Great Neck one of the most desirable communities on Long Island.
Great Neck Public Schools is ranked among the top districts in New York State, serving approximately 6,200 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Both high schools consistently outperform state averages across all metrics.
The district's commitment to academic excellence has earned multiple Blue Ribbon School awards from the U.S. Department of Education — a recognition given to the nation's most outstanding schools.
Great Neck is a federation of nine incorporated villages — each with its own government, tax rate, and personality — unified by one outstanding school district. Click any village to learn more.
The crown jewel. Grand waterfront estates on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. Home to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the real-life inspiration for Gatsby's "West Egg."
Waterfront residential village with its own beach, Olympic-sized pool, boat dock, and tennis courts. Has its own police force. Strong community amenities for families.
Small, exclusively residential, and ranked #1 "Best Suburb" in NY by Niche. Planned community with tree-lined grid streets. All homes owner-occupied. Quiet, leafy, private.
Oldest village (est. 1911) on the northwest shore. Home to a c. 1700 tidal grist mill on the National Register of Historic Places — the oldest continuously operating in the U.S.
The commercial and transit hub. 250+ shops and restaurants within 1/3 sq mi. The LIRR station is here. Ranked among the top 5 most walkable towns in Nassau County.
Tiny and charming (135 acres). Originally polo grounds, now a quiet residential enclave. All utilities underground from its 1930s development — forward-thinking for its era.
Most commercially oriented village — 53% of its property tax comes from businesses, easing the residential burden. Home to the Lake Success Golf Club, closest course to Manhattan.
Peaceful, family-friendly village at the southeast corner. Tree-lined streets, easy LIRR access, and strong bus service. Residents skew highly educated professionals and artists.
The "Old Village" — largest by population (~11,000). A mix of single-family homes and co-ops along the Middle Neck Road commercial corridor. The civic center of the peninsula.
Answer 5 quick questions and we'll match you with the Great Neck villages that fit your lifestyle.
Drag the slider to explore what homes look like at every price point.
Sprawling properties with water views, private gardens, and high-end finishes. The entry point for Kings Point and Saddle Rock waterfront.
One of the closest Long Island communities to Midtown. The LIRR Port Washington Branch puts Penn Station within reach.
Port Washington Branch • LIRR
Midtown Manhattan • NYC
| Location | To Midtown | Transit | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Neck | 24 min express | LIRR | $252 |
| Long Island City | 10 – 15 min | 7/E/M subway | $132 |
| Hoboken / JC | 20 – 35 min | PATH train | $100 |
| Short Hills, NJ | 45 – 55 min | NJ Transit | $319 |
| Scarsdale (Westchester) | 35 – 45 min | Metro-North | $310 |
You're not just choosing Great Neck — you're choosing it over somewhere else. Pick where you're coming from to see a focused comparison.
| Category | This Area | Short Hills, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Commute to Midtown | 24 min LIRR | 50 min NJ Transit |
| Median Home Price | $1.27M | $1.55M |
| What You Get | 4BR colonial, yard | 4BR colonial, yard |
| Property Tax (Annual) | $18K typical | $28K typical |
| School District | A+ (Niche) | A+ (Niche) |
| Outdoor Space | Yard + waterfront | Yard |
| State Income Tax | NY (up to 10.9%) | NJ (up to 10.75%) |
| Best For | Families wanting top schools + fast commute + space | Families wanting NJ schools + suburban life |
An honest look at what it costs to live in Great Neck — because smart buyers start with real data.
| Median Home Price | $1.27M |
| Property Taxes (Annual) | $13,800 – $22,700 |
| Cost of Living (Single) | $4,257/mo |
| Cost of Living (Family of 4) | $9,374/mo |
| LIRR Monthly Pass | $252 |
| vs. National Average | 72% above |
No town is perfect. Here are the trade-offs — and why most buyers decide they're worth it.
The character, culture, and daily rhythm that make Great Neck more than a commuter suburb.
F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in Great Neck from 1922 to 1924. The town inspired "West Egg" in The Great Gatsby — the glamorous, aspirational side of the bay. That spirit of possibility and refinement still defines the community today.
“He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.”— F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby
Middle Neck Road is lined with Persian, Korean, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese restaurants. Great Neck's cultural diversity — with significant Persian-Jewish, Korean, and Chinese communities — makes for an uncommonly rich dining scene for a town this size.
Unlike many suburban enclaves, Great Neck is genuinely multicultural. Persian markets, Korean bakeries, and kosher delis sit alongside each other. It's a community where global backgrounds are the norm, not the exception.
Waterfront access, sailing, tennis, and hiking trails wind through protected green spaces. Steppingstone Park hosts summer concerts overlooking the Sound.
Summer evenings come alive with outdoor dining, live music, and community gatherings along Great Neck Plaza. Weekend farmers markets round out the warm-weather calendar.
Saturday mornings at the Great Neck Plaza farmers market. Afternoons at the Parkwood Sports Complex pool or sailing on Manhasset Bay. Evening strolls through Steppingstone Park. The pace here is intentionally slower.
Whether you're relocating from the city, upgrading from a condo, or just starting your search — let's find the right home for you on the North Shore.