Levittown growing more diverse, draws young families

Businesses on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown Credit: Morgan Campbell

By Ann Donahue-Smuklerann.smukler@newsday.comJune 9, 2021

THE SCOOP

Levittown, where the Levitt family built thousands of homes for World War II veterans, is a magnet for young couples and families drawn to the community, which has "lots of kids, good schools, a wonderful public library, and great outlets for community activities," says Hempstead Town Clerk and former Town Supervisor Kate Murray.

Houses on Old Farm Road in Levittown Credit: Morgan Campbell

The 6.9-square-mile hamlet is also unique for its nine town-operated public pools reserved for Levittown residents, and its popular six village greens, which are accessible to retail outlets, says Murray, a lifelong resident. "All this makes [Levittown] a walkable community," she says.

Bluegrass Lane Pool in Levittown Credit: Morgan Campbell

Racial inequities plagued the community's early years. The developers of Levittown prohibited people of color from moving in through contract clauses, or racial covenants, a common practice at the time, according to Newsday reports. The U.S. Supreme Court struck down restrictive racial covenants in 1948, but the Levitts kept them. The hamlet's population, which was 88% white according to the 2010 census, is now 75% white, 14.6% Hispanic, 7% Asian and 1% Black.

Noting how the community has changed, Jon Probstein, past president of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, says, "My children were exposed to a culturally diverse group of students in the Levittown School District and they are better people for it."

Recent improvements include renovations to the service streets along Hempstead Turnpike, ongoing park and pool maintenance, and a major reconstruction of the Levittown Public Library.

Homes priced at the low end of the market, in the $400,000 range, are selling fastest, says Richie Krug Sr., of Coldwell Banker American Homes. "With both inventory low and interest rates low, multiple offers are driving prices up, in some cases, to $70,000 higher than asking price," he says.

Because there is hardly any space for new development, "homes with functional obsolescence can sell for $300,000 to $350,000, get knocked down and new ones built priced at $900,000," Krug says.

In keeping with its veterans tradition, Levittown hosts one of the largest Memorial Day parades on Long Island, a huge celebration that closes Hempstead Turnpike and involves all the schools, Murray says.

CONDOS AND CO-OPS

There is one condo on the market for $299,900.

SALE PRICES

Between March 31, 2020, and April 30, 2021, there were 500 home sales with a median sale price of $486,750, according to OneKey MLS. The low price for that period was $280,000 and the high was $632,000. During that period a year earlier there were again 500 home sales with a median sale price of $449,950. The price range was $273,525 to $700,000.

OTHER STATS

Town Hempstead

Area 6.9 square miles

ZIP code 11756

County Nassau

Population 43,446

Median age 40.8

Median household income $125,486

Median home value $510,000*

Monthly LIRR ticket from Hicksville, Bellmore or Merrick $308

School district Levittown, Island Trees

Graduation rate Levittown 94%, Island Trees 95% (NYS average 85%)

Parks Several pool parks and several pocket parks

Library Levittown Public Library

Hospitals Nassau University Medical Center (East Meadow), St. Joseph Hospital (Bethpage),

Transit Nassau Inter-county Express bus route 72

SOURCES: 2019 American Community Survey 5-Year; OneKey MLS; LIRR, nicebus.org, data.nysed.gov

*Based on 288 sales in the past six months, according to OneKey MLS

NOW ON THE MARKET

$539,000

A Cape with a rear dormer, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home had a major renovation to the first floor in 2019 that included a new eat-in kitchen with quartz counters and new appliances, new flooring throughout and a new bathroom. Taxes are $12,389. Barbara Tomko, Berkshire Hathaway, 516-224-4600.

$499,999

This five-bedroom, two-bathroom expanded Cape is 1,556 square feet and located between Broadway and Jerusalem Avenue. Amenities include a first-floor master bedroom, a fireplace in the living room and a large cement patio. Taxes are $13,315. Tatiana Rodriguez, EXP Realty, 888-276-0630.

$469,000

Sitting on a 0.15-acre midblock lot, this three-bedroom, one-bathroom expanded Cape includes a great room with a wood-burning fireplace, a one-car attached garage and leased solar panels. Taxes $11,600. Alysia Stern, Northshore Properties Realty, 631-625-4500.

RECENTLY SOLD

$735,000

Address Elm Drive

Style Colonial

Bedrooms 4

Bathrooms 3

Built 1952

Lot size 0.14 acre

Taxes $15,081

+/- list price -$50,000

Days on market 301

$530,000