Top-rated schools. A 24-minute express train to Penn Station. Luxury living on Long Island's storied North Shore.
Explore the GuideA 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.
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 across the peninsula.
The heart of the Great Neck market. Renovated colonials with updated kitchens, hardwood floors, and private yards. Kensington, Russell Gardens, and Great Neck Estates are prime picks.
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.
| Great Neck | 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 just a commuter town.
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.