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West Hempstead: Diversity, range of housing options, convenient commutes draw buyers

Halls Pond Park is a favorite of the community for... — Halls Pond Park is a favorite of the community for walks, bike rides, bird watching and even hockey. Credit: Jeff Bachner

By Frank LoveceSpecial to NewsdayNovember 7, 2026 5:00 am

THE SCOOP If America is a melting pot, West Hempstead is the jambalaya in it. Few places can boast a population that's roughly one-fifth Asian and Latin American immigrants and that also has not one but three Orthodox Jewish synagogues — as well as a nondenominational Christian church, a Catholic church and an Indian Knanaya Catholic Community Center.

And one and all go to Riesterer's Bakery, one of the oldest on Long Island, which celebrated its 95th anniversary last month.

The housing stock in this Town of Hempstead hamlet is equally diverse, real estate professionals said.

"You have ranches, you have high ranches, you have Capes, you have Colonials, you have Tudors," said Douglas Elliman Real Estate agent Marisa Filardo, who was raised in adjacent Franklin Square.

Riesterer's Bakery on Hempstead Avenue is a West Hempstead staple... — Riesterer's Bakery on Hempstead Avenue is a West Hempstead staple and one of the oldest bakeries on Long Island. Credit: Jeff Bachner

As well, added Eileen O'Hara of Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Reality, there is a range of prices that begin lower than usual for Nassau County. "You can start out there as a first-time buyer in a modest home and then move up as your family grows," said the broker, who grew up next door in Malverne. "Similarly, people who have lived there a long time and need to downside have a lot of options as far as affordable smaller homes."

Indeed, at least two houses in late October were listed at just under $500,000, and three at under $600,000. "It's hard to find anything in Nassau right now in the $600s," let alone below that, O'Hara said. The latest median price in Nassau was $840,000, Newsday reported last month.

Hempstead Turnpike slices through West Hempstead and is home to... — Hempstead Turnpike slices through West Hempstead and is home to delis, shops and other small businesses. Credit: Jeff Bachner

The hamlet of more than 20,000 residents is particularly convenient for commuters, with three Long Island Rail Road stations, including a terminus, and with Route 24/Hempstead Turnpike running through it and the Southern State Parkway as the southern border.

That border bisects Hempstead Lake State Park, part of which is in West Hempstead and all of which offers boat launches, equestrian trails, biking, ice skating, pickleball and more, including accessible fishing and tennis and an accessible playground. Completely within the hamlet is the Olympic-sized indoor pool and dive tank of the Echo Park Swimming Complex, open to Town of Hempstead residents. Hall's Pond Park has nature trails and is adjacent to the Police Activity League's roller hockey rink.

Hempstead Avenue is a quieter street than Route 24, but... — Hempstead Avenue is a quieter street than Route 24, but is full of more small businesses. Credit: Jeff Bachner

Other recreational offerings include the 24-hour Pickleball Plus and the 18-hole Hempstead Golf & Country Club, founded in 1921 and also featuring a pool, tennis, paddle tennis, bowling and basketball.

Dining choices are mostly pizza and fast food, but there are two Mediterranean restaurants, a sushi restaurant and the Somerset Brewing Company. Several supermarkets service the area.

And schools are abundant, with three elementary and one secondary — comprising both middle school and high school — in the West Hempstead Union Free School District. The hamlet also is home to the Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, the kindergarten and elementary Diamond Charter School and the Gersh Autism Academy West Hempstead.

"A balance of value, convenience and community," Filardo describes the community. "There's a lot of character."

Homes near Broadway and Belmont Avenue in West Hempstead. Credit: Jeff Bachner

SALE PRICES Between Nov. 4, 2025, and Nov. 3, 2026, there were 134 home sales with a median sale price of $785,000, according to OneKey MLS. During the same period a year earlier, there were 153 home sales with a median sale price of $750,000.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS There are no condos or co-ops on the market.

OTHER STATS

Population 20,648

Median age 37.5

Median home value $810,000

Monthly LIRR ticket from $264.25

School districts, graduation rates West Hempstead (97%), Sewanhaka (96%)

Libraries West Hempstead, Franklin Square

Transit NICE Bus Routes 6, 6x, 31, 32

Sources: 2024 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR; data.nysed.gov; Nassau Inter-County Express

RECENTLY SOLD

$1.31 million