Buying in Elmont
ELMONT, NY - JUNE 10: Horses come out of the gate to start the 138th running of the Belmont Stakes on June 10, 2006 at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) Credit: Getty/Streeter Lecka
THE SCOOP: Elmont will be abuzz tomorrow as the Belmont Stakes - the final leg of the Triple Crown - takes place at Belmont Park, the hamlet's 430-acre racetrack.
"Even if you don't go to the track, all the local pubs and restaurants will have TVs on," says Louis Tullo, a resident and agent at Century 21 Maridon Realty in Franklin Square.
The fate of future horse racing at this park remains to be seen as the New York Racing Association, operator of Belmont, is running low on funds.
Still, there's plenty of giddyap left in this diverse community's future. The Town of Hempstead is working on several projects to revitalize and beautify commercial areas. An urban renewal plan seeks to redevelop the former Argo movie theater area into a 40,000- square-foot supermarket with parking, according to a town spokeswoman. A streetscape project on the horizon will beautify the south side of Hempstead Turnpike between School Street and Elmont Road with brick walks, decorative lighting and benches. Nassau County is in the process of enhancing both sides of Dutch Broadway from Corona Avenue to Elmont Road.
Elmont traditionally attracts first-time home buyers from Queens, Brooklyn and the Bronx, says Jean Colasacco of Century 21 Prevete People Services in Elmont. Architectural styles range from bungalows to legal two-families.
CONDOS AND TOWN HOUSES: Two listed, $389,000 and $469,990.
HOUSE RENTALS: About $2,000 a month.
SALES PRICE: Since May 2009, 249 houses sold, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The median price was $299,900. The low was $65,000 and the high was $560,000. From April 2008 to April 2009, there were 186 sales. The median price was $338,500, with a low of $80,000 and a high of $540,000.
ATTRACTIONS: The renovated Elmont Public Library is a community showcase. Town parks include Averill Boulevard Park and Swimming Pool Complex.
Other stats
Town: Hempstead
Area: 3.4 square miles
ZIP code: 11003
Population: 31,688
Median age: 38.8
Median household income: $78,400
Median home value: $290,000*
Median age of homes: 54
Percent owning home: 76
Percent renting home: 21.2
LIRR time to NYC: From Floral Park, 35 to 42 minutes at peak
Monthly ticket: $204
School districts: Elmont, Sewanhaka Central High and Valley Stream 13
SOURCES: Claritas 2009; mlsli.com; Long Island Rail Road;
*Based on sales in the past six months, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island
