Frequently characterized as a friendly community, the compact village of Malverne offers an array of amenities, including its own police department, parks, eateries, houses of worship and a quaint business district lined with American flags and flower baskets.

"We have a lot here for a little town," said Lynn Sullivan, a former resident and sales agent at Malverne Realty, noting the area's shopping, which includes a pastry shop that attracts "people from all over," as well as a movie theater, a bowling alley and two train stations (Malverne and Westwood). Malverne also is home to one of Nassau County's last working farms - Grossmann's Farm on Hempstead and Ocean avenues.

"Some call it 'Mayberry,'" said Malverne Mayor Anthony Panzarella. "And we take it as a compliment."

The village recently completed several projects and has more on the drawing board. The refurbished park on Church Street, which has a new gazebo, lighting and landscaping, was rededicated as the Chester A. Reese Veterans Memorial Park, named after a World War I veteran and a clerk with the Malverne Post Office.

Village roads will be repaved during a 10-year period, with the goal of completing about 2 1/2 miles each year, Panzarella said. Malverne has about 3,300 homes, many of them Colonials. Other styles include capes, Tudors, ranch styles and contemporaries that are generally priced from $420,000 to $700,000, although some can go higher, Sullivan said. The occasional new home - usually a Colonial that replaces a knock-down - is priced at about $750,000.

Annual events include a Memorial Day Parade, summer concerts and a festive holiday tree lighting complete with horse and buggy rides.

- Lisa Doll Bruno (5/26/2006)