Elmont

Elmont
One hundred two countries are represented in the Town of Hempstead hamlet of Elmont, population 33,000. Its diversity, large selection of well-kept homes, and proximity to the city have made it a desirable place to live in recent years.

Belmont Park is the hamlet’s most well-known landmark. Located in Elmont’s northwest corner, the raceway was built in 1905, and modeled after European race tracks. Belmont is recognized nationally at the home of the Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown, horseracing’s most coveted prize. The park brings substantial traffic to Elmont, especially on weekends and during important races.

Leisure time activities are abundant. The Elmont Memorial Library is a modern 62,500 square foot facility with performing arts space used by the Broad Hollow Theater Company, a local organization which puts on performances for adults and children. Hempstead Turnpike, which is the hamlet’s major road, features ample shopping opportunities. Roosevelt Field and the greater Westbury area, which offer shoppers more possibilities than anywhere else in Nassau, are about fifteen minutes away. The Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development, a community group representing a cross-section of area organizations, is actively focused on involving residents in the process of community planning as Elmont looks to the future.

Residents can also choose among several parks. Averill Boulevard Park and Pool has a swimming pool and spray pool, as well as a playground, playing fields, picnic areas and a jogging trail. Dutch Broadway Park and Elmont Road Park offer similar amenities, including playing fields and playgrounds. Though Elmont is located north and west of Nassau’s South Shore beaches, Jones Beach State Park and the Town of Hempstead’s beaches are easily accessible by way of the Southern State and Meadowbrook Parkways.

Elmont is one of only a handful of towns served by separate elementary and high school districts, Elmont and the Sewanhaka Central High School District. The Elmont School District serves 4,000 students in kindergarten through sixth grade. There are six elementary schools. The state education department recently placed Elmont on the list of schools needing improvement in English Language Arts at the elementary and middle school levels. Only half of the seventh and eighth graders scored at or above grade level in ELA on recent state exams. Results at Elmont Memorial High School, which educates 2,000 students, are better. The high school has been recognized by the College Board for having large numbers of African-American students taking and passing Advanced Placement exams. Overall, graduation rates are high, with the vast majority of students heading to two-year or four-year colleges.

A big part of Elmont’s appeal is its affordability. Prices vary widely, allowing residents to start in one of its many small capes, and trade up while remaining in the area. Many legal two-family homes are available, and often buyers live in one and rent out the other. Ages of homes vary as well, with inventory from the 1920s and 1930s readily available. Like most of Nassau, Elmont grew rapidly after World War II, leading to a great deal of home construction during the 1950s and into the 1960s. A new senior complex, Foster Meadow Golden Age, opened last year with 30 co-op units priced at $150,000.

Elmont has a great background new cultures have come to Elmont and gave it vibe! It is predominately African American. Everybody knows each other. Great commute!