Thinking about making Old Westbury your next home? You wouldn’t be alone—this leafy, historic gem in North Hempstead has long held a special allure for those seeking a tranquil, upscale lifestyle just outside New York City. Famous for its sprawling estates, beautifully manicured landscapes, and a strong sense of community, Old Westbury offers an experience unlike any other on Long Island. Here’s what it’s really like to call this special neighborhood home.
The Community Vibe: Quiet Prestige With a Welcoming Spirit
Despite its reputation for luxury, Old Westbury is not pretentious. Residents tend to be down-to-earth but privacy-oriented, preferring garden parties to block parties. The vibe here is peaceful, safe, and family-focused, with a community that values both tradition and inclusiveness.
Long-term residents often admire the area for its old-world charm—the stately gates along Old Westbury Road, the winding private drives off Wheatley Road, and the grandeur of former Gold Coast mansions. Still, newcomers say they’ve felt welcomed, especially at events held by groups like the Old Westbury Gardens or through the Village of Old Westbury’s seasonal gatherings.
Housing: Grand Estates, Modern Homes, and Secluded Retreats
Old Westbury is known for its exceptional real estate, with properties that feel more like private sanctuaries than suburban homes. Here, you’ll find expansive estates ranging from historic early-20th-century mansions to sleek, modern homes nestled on 2+ acre lots.
- Streets like Wheatley Road, Store Hill Road, and Old Westbury Road are dotted with grand homes set far back from the street.
- Many properties feature private tennis courts, pools, and stables—a nod to the community’s equestrian roots.
- For those seeking something a little more manageable, there are smaller, high-end homes and a few gated communities sprinkled near Glen Cove Road and Jericho Turnpike.
It’s worth noting: The zoning in Old Westbury keeps things peaceful and spread out, so don’t expect dense developments or cookie-cutter subdivisions.
Walkability: Designed for Tranquility, Not Traffic
Old Westbury’s allure is its open space, but that comes with trade-offs. The neighborhood isn’t highly walkable in the traditional sense—sidewalks are rare, and estates are separated by long, quiet stretches of tree-lined road.
- A walk down Post Road or past The Meadowbrook Polo Club gives you postcard-perfect views, but errands by foot aren’t practical.
- For fitness, many residents jog or cycle along Wheatley Road, or use their own properties for outdoor activities.
You’ll need a car for daily needs, but the reward is serenity: the only sounds you’re likely to hear are wind in the trees and birdsong.
Schools and Family-Friendliness: Top-Tier Education and Safe, Spacious Living
Old Westbury is part of some of Long Island’s most highly-rated school districts, including:
- East Williston Union Free School District (particularly Wheatley High School)
- Jericho Union Free School District
- Roslyn Union Free School District
These schools are known for excellent academics, diverse extracurriculars, and tight-knit parent communities. Private options, such as Holy Child Academy and Old Westbury Hebrew Congregation Pre-School, are nearby.
Families love the space here—kids can roam safely and play outdoors, often riding bikes on their own driveways or exploring backyard woods. Many homes have room for swing sets, basketball courts, and even small soccer fields. The neighborhood’s low crime rate enhances that sense of security, making it popular with those who want a safe haven for their children.
Parks and Green Spaces: Acres of Nature at Your Doorstep
Nature lovers are never disappointed in Old Westbury. The jewel of the neighborhood is Old Westbury Gardens, a 200-acre estate with formal gardens, woodlands, and even a reflecting pool. Families and couples alike wander here on weekends, enjoying picnics, outdoor concerts, and seasonal festivals.
There’s also the nearby Eisenhower Park (just a short drive away), offering playgrounds, golf courses, and athletic fields.
Hikers and equestrians can take advantage of the wooded trails winding around the area, and the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club offers not just golf, but tennis and social activities for all ages.
Safety: Peace of Mind, Day and Night
Ask any local and they’ll tell you—Old Westbury is one of the safest places to live in Nassau County. The area is served by dedicated local police, and active neighborhood watch groups keep an eye out for one another.
With private security for many estates and regular patrols along the main roads, it’s a place where residents still leave doors unlocked and kids are free to play outside until dusk.
Proximity to Downtowns and Major Employers: Suburban Calm, Urban Access
One of Old Westbury’s biggest perks is its easy access to the rest of Long Island—and to Manhattan.
- The Long Island Expressway (I-495) borders the south of the neighborhood, making for a quick commute to NYC.
- The LIRR stations at Westbury and Hicksville are about 10–15 minutes away by car, offering direct trains into Penn Station.
- Roosevelt Field Mall and downtown Mineola—or even the vibrant shops and cafes in nearby Roslyn—are just a short drive.
Old Westbury is also home to NYIT and SUNY Old Westbury, making it a hub for education and employment as well as a residential retreat.
What Residents Love Most
Ask anyone who lives here what sets Old Westbury apart, and you’ll get familiar answers:
- “The tranquility—you hear birds, not traffic.”
- “Room to truly breathe.”
- “The history and beauty of the old estates.”
- “Having enough space for multi-generational living.”
- “Feeling far from the city, but being able to get there in 30 minutes.”
Most locals agree: if you value natural beauty, top schools, and a lifestyle that blends privacy with community spirit, Old Westbury is hard to top.
Final Thoughts
Old Westbury is not for everyone—it’s best for those who crave open space, top amenities, and a bit of old-world glamour. But for those seeking a luxurious, peaceful life with all the benefits of suburban Long Island and easy city access, it’s truly a neighborhood where you can put down roots for generations.