Sea Cliff

Sea Cliff is a densely populated, artsy village occupying one square mile along Hempstead Harbor. Part of the Town of Oyster Bay, it has a population of 5,000. Unlike much of Nassau County, the majority of the village’s housing stock predates World War II. Many buildings are listed on local, state and national historic registries.

Recreational choices include numerous public parks and playgrounds within Sea Cliff, as well as several private clubs. Part of the North Shore Country Club is located along the southern border of the village, with an 18-hole golf course. To the west, the Glen Head Country Club is open 365 days a year for golf. Sailors can join the Sea Cliff Yacht Club, which holds regattas and offers a children’s program. Harry Tappen Beach, also located in nearby Glenwood Landing, offers a long stretch of waterfront access along with a pool and playground.

Sea Cliff is one of the towns located within the well-regarded North Shore Central School District, which educated approximately 3,000 students. Students also hail from Glenwood Landing, Glen Head, and Old Brookville. In 2008, North Shore High School was ranked 263rd nationally by Newsweek magazine. The district also has a middle school and three elementary schools, including one in Sea Cliff. Recent third grade scores show 10% of the students at Sea Cliff Elementary failing to meet standards, though all remaining grades fared better.

Geography has made Sea Cliff somewhat isolated from much of Nassau’s hustle and bustle, as well as its big-box shopping. However, the village has a nice selection of independent shops along Glen Cove Avenue and Sea Cliff Avenue. Route 107 provides access to Northern Boulevard and the area’s major parkways. Sea Cliff has a station on the Long Island Railroad, located just outside the village’s border.

House-hunters seeking older homes with period details will appreciate what Sea Cliff has to offer. It’s one of the few Long Island towns with a good selection of Victorians, in addition to colonials, capes and Tudors. Most prices begin in the ballpark of $400,000, but there are a handful of lower-priced options. No condominiums or co-ops are available.