"If Hicksville, like so many other Long Island places, had an Indian name, it might be translated as "place of many little houses and big stores" in tribute to this solid, old-line, mid-Nassau County communitys expanses of snug Cape Cods, split-levels and ranches, and its two retail giants." John Rather, New York Times
Located in eastern Nassau County and the dead center, north-south wise, of Long Island is the hamlet of Hicksville. An unincorporated collective area within the Town of Oyster Bay, Hicksville is bordered on the south by the eponymous Levittown, and has many similar qualities to the post-World War II version of suburbia. Along the many main arteries that crowd the town such as Old Country Road, Broadway, and Newbridge Roadare a series of strip malls, furniture stores, and other types of commercial development. The most notable industrial aspect of Hicksville is the large Broadway Mall, which is home to IKEA, Macys, Target, a large multiplex and around 100 other shops--shopaholics will swoon.
But Hicksville is a whole lot more than a series of stores along a busy road
"If Hicksville, like so many other Long Island places, had an Indian name, it might be translated as "place of many little houses and big stores" in tribute to this solid, old-line, mid-Nassau County communitys expanses of snug Cape Cods, split-levels and ranches, and its two retail giants." John Rather, New York Times
Located in eastern Nassau County and the dead center, north-south wise, of Long Island is the hamlet of Hicksville. An unincorporated collective area within the Town of Oyster Bay, Hicksville is bordered on the south by the eponymous Levittown, and has many similar qualities to the post-World War II version of suburbia. Along the many main arteries that crowd the town such as Old Country Road, Broadway, and Newbridge Roadare a series of strip malls, furniture stores, and other types of commercial development. The most notable industrial aspect of Hicksville is the large Broadway Mall, which is home to IKEA, Macys, Target, a large multiplex and around 100 other shops--shopaholics will swoon.
Living in Hicksville
But Hicksville is a whole lot more than a series of stores along a busy road. James Janis, Hicksvilles town historian, told Newsday in 2011 that: "The best way to define Hicksville is really two ways. It’s really a series of immigrations of people coming for business opportunities and later on for people looking for a nice place to live."Over the past year the median sale price for homes was between just above the national average, but still a good buy for Long Island. It is one of the least expensive, and desirable communities in the area, with amenities such as the Hicksville Gregory science museum, a large library, and especially Cantiague Park, a 127-acre area with tennis, handball, paddleball, basketball, and other courts, an 18-hold mini-golf course, a 9-hole regular golf course, a pool, an indoor ice rink, and more.
So what will you find when looking for a home? Well, a defining feature of Hicksville is the number of homes that have been expanded by residents. Youll find everything from simple additions above the garage or into the backyard, to ornate remodeling of the exteriors of the homes. Homes in the area tend to rest on lot sizes that are only about 50 by 100 feet, so many additions are built upward. When you head out to meet with your broker or prospective landlord, make sure to bring all the right paperwork - your proof of income, bank statements and credit history are the most essential, but some landlords may want to see references as well. And be sure to bring your checkbook so you can jump on that apartment you've been waiting for!
Another common aspect of both Hicksville and surrounding towns is the growing number of illegal divisions of houses. You have been warned. Many homeowners will divide up their houses into two or three apartments, and quietly rent out for very low prices. However, if you’re looking for a more stable apartment, there are the Eagle Rock Apartments, which rent out one and two bedroom apartments for relatively reasonable prices.
When searching for a home in Hicksville, be aware that a majority of the houses were originally built in the 1950s, even if they look new and beautiful due to renovations. Although there are sections of the town that are filled with "Levitt" homes, there are other areas that have different style homes. According to the 2000 census, 61 percent of homes in the town were built during that decade, with another almost 30 percent having been built earlier. Many of these homes have been passed down from generation to generation, and 85.5 percent of residences are occupied by homeowners. A positive for the area are relatively low property taxes for Nassau County. Also, one of the busiest stops on the Long Island Rail Road is in the town. In fact, Hicksville gets its name from Valentine Hicks, the second president of the LIRR.
Because many of the houses are decades old, there are a few things to be wary of when purchasing a home because sometimes oldies aren't goodies. Important questions to ask include what type of heat and fuel the homes use; many use gas, which is the most affordable option that requires the least maintenance, while a good portion use oil. You wouldn't want to dish out for something undisclosed such as oil bills. Also, be sure to ask what kind of siding the home has (if it has siding), since many still have asbestos in them. If that's the case, make sure you have an inspector check that it is safe. Lastly, don't forget to ask if the house is hooked up to the town sewage system, or if it uses a septic tank.
What about Neighborhoods?
And there are neighborhoods anyone would love to call home! Although the hamlet doesnt have distinct neighborhoods, with only 6.8 square miles of land, there are more than 13,000 homes spanning across many different price ranges and styles. As the quote above states, there are homes designed in every different architectural structure, from capes to ranches to colonials, although many homes both in Hicksville and the surrounding areas are split-levels.
Hicksville is definitely a great place to live. With such a varied population, easy access to New York City, and close proximity to parks, beaches, and shopping, there is nothing the town is wanting. The town also has a great nightlife, with many local bars, movie theaters, and entertainment centers. You won't worry about sitting in front of the tube every weekend!
Lastly, it's important to note that Hicksville and its neighboring towns are home to many corporations and headquarters, such as Sleepy's The Mattress Professionals and Sam Ash, a large music instrument chain. Nearby towns are home to many engineering companies, furniture stores, and financial institutions as well. Together, this has provided many local jobs, which is a big boon to the local economy. So although Hicksville may be in close proximity to the greatest city on earth, a huge asset is that you have the opportunity to work within just a few miles of your home.
