Oceanside: Shopping, proximity to beaches, NYC draw buyers
Liberty Lighthouse welcomes drivers to Oceanside's downtown. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
THE SCOOP Oceanside is known for being a close-knit community with easy access to both peaceful beaches and the bustling city.
"Buying in Oceanside is a great investment for your future," Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Laura Ryder said. "Whether you're new to the Island or a lifelong resident, Oceanside is the perfect place to settle down."
The area is a hub for retail and is home to several expansive shopping centers with brand-name factory stores, as well as Kohl's, Marshalls, Burlington and TJ Maxx department stores.
"Oceanside is such a great and beautiful waterfront community," said Richard Baumel, of Douglas Elliman Real Estate. "Its proximity to beaches and, of course, being so close to Manhattan and the other boroughs is also a big plus."
Oceanside Park features sports facilities, a public pool, a dog run and more. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
A popular spot in the hamlet is the Marine Nature Study Area, a 52-acre preserve devoted to environmental education and natural history.
"Nestled right on the marshes, the nature trail offers spectacular views of the tidal wetlands and is a popular destination for avid bird watchers and nature lovers," Ryder said.
The town-operated Oceanside Park has playgrounds, basketball courts, a roller hockey rink, multipurpose fields, a public pool and a dog run.
Oceanside Library recently completed renovations. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
After European settlers arrived in the late 1600s, the Town of Hempstead granted 100 acres in the area to St. George's Church in 1682 so it could support itself. The hamlet's original name, Christian Hook, attested to its deep religious roots.
Settlers working at gristmills in nearby communities came to Christian Hook, followed by an influx of farmers, fishermen and baymen throughout the 1800s. Oyster harvesting became a booming industry, spurring the 1864 renaming of the community to Oceanville. The name was changed again in 1890, to prevent confusion with another Oceanville in New York State, and soon after, to Ocean Side. By 1918, it was shortened to Oceanside, at a time when the hamlet was transforming from a rural fishing hamlet into a city suburb.
A real estate boom followed in the 1920s, as did the construction of Oil City, where oil tanks were positioned near Hog Island Channel. During Prohibition, many stores in Oceanside sold malt syrup, hops, corn sugar and yeast — ingredients to make beer — and many speakeasies also operated there.
Home prices today range from the $500,000s to nearly $2 million for a four-bedroom home on the water.
Homes along Evans Avenue, top, and Columbus Avenue in Oceanside. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
SALE PRICES Between Sept. 5, 2024, and Sept. 4, 2025, there were 273 home sales with a median sale price of $727,250, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 261 home sales with a median sale price of $676,000.
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are four condos, priced between $475,000 and $585,000, and seven co-ops, priced between $349,999 and $639,000, on the market.
OTHER STATS
Population 31,907
Median age 44.6
Median home value $732,500
Monthly LIRR ticket from Oceanside $287
School district, graduation rate Oceanside (96%)
Library Oceanside
Transit NICE Bus Route 15
Sources: 2023 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express
ON THE MARKET
$2 million
This $2 million Oceanside home has a pool and a hot tub. Credit: Douglas Elliman Realty
This contemporary 2,853-square-foot waterfront home has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, hardwood floors, a kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a screened-in porch. The 0.13-acre fenced-in property has a generator, an attached one-car garage, pool, hot tub and large dock that can hold several boats. Taxes are $17,811. Richard Baumel, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-669-3700
$1.45 million
This $1.45 million Oceanside home has a dock with new bulkhead. Credit: One FineDay/Howard Fritz
At 3,400 square feet, this light-filled waterfront contemporary features four bedrooms, three bathrooms, large windows and skylights, hardwood floors, an open floor plan and an updated eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances. The 0.14-acre property includes a dock for two large boats with new bulkhead, a large new deck, a saltwater pool, an attached two-car garage and a double shed. Taxes are $22,146. Ellen Caprino, Signature Premier Properties, 516-766-7900
$949,000
This $949,000 Oceanside home has four bedrooms. Credit: Greenroom Property/Michael Nelson
This four-bed, 3½-bath splanch is 3,003 square feet and features hardwood floors, dining and family rooms with built-ins, kitchen with stainless steel appliances and a finished basement. An extra kitchen with large dining area, bedroom and accessible bathroom makes for a possible mother-daughter unit. The 0.17-acre fenced-in property has a cobblestone driveway, a slate patio and an attached two-car garage. Taxes are $16,845. John Gandolfo and Barbara Gandolfo, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 516-779-8423
RECENTLY CLOSED
$751,500
Henry Street
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 1½
Built 1913
Lot size 0.12 acre
Taxes $11,819
+/- List price +$52,500
Days on market 5
$865,000
Chance Drive
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 2
Built 1951
Lot size 0.17 acre
Taxes $12,483
+/- List price +$6,000
Days on market 16
$1.3 million
Harrison Avenue
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1938
Lot size 0.18 acre
Taxes $20,718
+/- List price -$249,000
Days on market 64
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 54
Price range $349,999 to $1.6 million
Tax range $9,330 to $22,146
