Great Neck: top schools, express train, vibrant village
In business since 2010, Great Neck Diner took over from Frederick's, which had opened in 1951. Credit: Linda Rosier
“You have just so many village amenities and programs,” said Panna Vinciczki of Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, noting events, fairs and summer weekend concerts.
“Our library system has four branches, which is unusual for a suburban community,” said Janet Esagoff, president of Destination Great Neck, a nonprofit homeowners’ organization working to centralize the nine village governments in and around Great Neck as an umbrella group.
The notably walkable commercial district in the village has the train station and many restaurants and shops, some which have been around for decades, revolving around Middle Neck Road. The Nassau County and New York City bus systems also serve the area.
Shops along Middle Neck Road. Credit: Linda Rosier
Great Neck parks include The Parkwood Sports Complex, which has tennis and aquatic centers and an ice rink; the Steppingstone marina, and Great Neck House, with cultural offerings and a dog park.
Once a farm village, Great Neck converted to a commuter town in the 19th century with the arrival of the railroad. The area was the thinly disguised backdrop to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel “The Great Gatsby,” set during the Roaring Twenties, and it drew residents who were big names in show business, such as Eddie Cantor, Sid Caesar and the Marx Brothers.
Dana Sussman and her 15-month-old daughter, Sienna, at Firefighters Park. Credit: Linda Rosier
House hunters looking in Great Neck will find housing stock not only in the village but in nearby Great Neck Estates, Kensington, Kings Point and other contiguous spots. Home styles in the area include Tudors, Colonials and ranches, with starter homes typically priced at about $800,000 and mansions reaching the millions.
Apartment buildings, many of which are in walking distance to the train station, offer a wide choice of condos and coops.
The Great Neck train station. Credit: Linda Rosier
Priced at $4.95 million, this Colonial on North Drive in Kensington underwent a gut renovation. Credit: Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty
This 6,955-square-foot brick Colonial built in 1915 on 0.37 acre in Kensington has five bedrooms, 6½ baths and several entertainment areas on the first floor. The kitchen has multiple stovetops, imported cabinetry and a waterfall island. The top-floor primary suite spans the width of the house and has two full bathrooms. The basement has a lap pool, theater and exercise space. Taxes are $21,858. Panna Vinciczki and Jason Friedman, Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty, 516-466-4036.
Priced at $1.398 million, this center-hall Colonial on North Ravine Road features a finished basement. Credit: Keller Williams Realty Landmark
Built in 1931 on 0.32 acre, this center-hall Colonial has four bedrooms and 2½ baths. The main level features a living room, formal dining room, eat-in-kitchen and sunroom. The finished basement has a family room. There’s also a two-car garage. Taxes are $15,220. Deirdre Folan, Keller Williams Realty Landmark, 917-251-4499.
Priced at $648,000, this top-floor co-op on Maple Drive was combined from two units. Credit: Patrick Kwong
A cooperative in a 1929 elevator building in the heart of town, this top-floor combined unit with 9-foot ceilings has about 1,325 square feet and comes with 80 square feet of storage bins. There are two bedrooms and 2½ baths, a living room/dining area, two kitchens and a washer and dryer in the unit. The primary bedroom has four closets. Monthly maintenance is $1,560. Edna Mashaal, Edna Mashaal Realty, 516-504-8884.
Bellingham Ln.
Hemsley Ln.
Baker Hill Rd.
