Island Park

Island Park is part of the geographic region of Long Island, but it isn’t on Long Island. A hamlet in the Town of Hempstead, it’s on a small island located between Oceanside and Long Beach. Its 4,600 residents reside within a 1.5 square mile space.

During the Revolutionary War, the island was strategically important, and it was the site of several attacks and at least one big battle. After the war, the island remained mostly undeveloped, populated by pigs that were brought to the island to graze, leading to the name “Hog Island.” By 1900 Island Park had become a popular resort area for people from nearby New York City. Small bungalows popped up all over the island, and later winterized and expanded as summer residents became year-rounders.

Its small size means there is little shopping, though it is fairly easy to obtain necessities. Nearby, Long Beach offers nightlife, shopping and dining, with a beach primarily for residents. However, three Town of Hempstead beaches, Point Lookout, Lido Beach, Lido West and Sands, are a short drive away. Oceanside also offers shopping and recreation. Though Island Park isn’t convenient to major parkways, it does have its own LIRR station. Travel time to Manhattan is about 50 minutes.

Students in Island Park deal with a unique situation when they finish middle school. The Island Park School District, which includes the adjacent hamlets of Harbor Isle and Barnum Island, has no high school. Students have two options: nearby Long Beach High School, or West Hempstead High School, which is about a half hour away and relatively similar with regard to academic offerings and graduation rates, though West Hempstead is smaller. The district’s K-8 population is about 700. Scores on state assessments are adequate, with 2-5% of students failing to meet standards, depending on subject and grade. Approximately one-fifth of elementary and middle school level students live in poverty.

Unsurprisingly, flooding causes issues. However, its proximity to the water also makes it a desirable place to live, with a good selection of affordable homes. Prices vary widely, from small bungalows and ranches to larger, newer homes on waterfront property.