Merrick

Merrick is a family-oriented hamlet of 23,000 in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County. Its proximity to Manhattan, attractive homes and excellent school district has made it a sought-after town. Native Americans, the Merokees, were the first to settle the 5.2 square mile town, followed by Puritans from England. After World War II, the population soared as young servicemen and their families left the cities for the suburbs.

The town has great recreational facilities. Normal Levy Park and Preserve, named for the former state senator, local resident and environmental advocate, was built in 2000 on top of a former landfill. It features the highest point on the South Shore, a 115-foot spot with views of both Manhattan’s skyline and the Sound. There are trails and ranger-led tours. On a smaller scale, Camman’s Pond has 8 acres for “passive” recreation- benches and a half-mile walkway. Merrick Road Park has facilities for sports, including baseball, soccer, tennis and basketball.

People who settle in Merrick often cite the schools as a key asset. Two districts serve the town, an elementary district for students in kindergarten through sixth grade, and a high school district which draws students from four area districts. The elementary district has 1,800 students in 3 schools. Scores on state exams are strong, with most students meeting standards. The high school district offers Advanced Placement courses in 19 different subjects.

Merrick has an active community. There are numerous civic organizations and a library offering programs in addition to its lending capabilities. The Merrick Historical Society, founded in 1975, strives to preserve the history of “The Merricks” which include Merrick and North Merrick. The group organizes speakers who share their expertise on topics including the town’s involvement in the whaling industry and oral histories of residents. The Merrick Theater and Center for the Arts is celebrating its twentieth year of performances, music and acting classes and summer camps. It offers a program for children and families in addition to its regular season performances.

The Long Island Rail Road provides service from Merrick’s train station, with travel times averaging forty to forty-five minutes. The Meadowbrook Parkway borders the town’s western border, and Sunrise Highway and the Southern State Parkway also run through the town.

Home prices have dropped significantly since 2008. Today, there is inventory below $300,000, making Merrick more accessible to buyers than it has been in the past. Prices range all the way to the million-dollar mark, allowing residents to trade up if they are able.