Williston Park's shopping district, commute, drawing buyers
Willis Avenue, part of the Village of Williston Park's bustling downtown. Credit: Jeff Bachner
The village keeps residents busy with parades on Memorial Day, July 4 and Halloween, and hosts 9/11 and Veterans Day commemorations as well as Operation Santa Claus.
Once used for hunting and camping by the Matineock Indians, the area was settled in 1675 by Henry Willis, and was soon dubbed Williston for his growing family. It largely retained its rural character until the Long Island Rail Road pulled into town two centuries later.
Homes along Primrose Road. Credit: Jeff Bachner
In 1926, the community east of the railroad became East Williston and to the west it became Williston Park. Purchasing 195 acres in the new village, developer William Chatlos built nearly 1,000 simple two-story wooden houses he called Happiness Homes, many of which are still extant.
Hillside Avenue has many shops and restaurants. Credit: Jeff Bachner
In the early 20th century, the village attracted many police officers, firefighters and teachers who worked in the city and were drawn to the area for its convenient commute by public transportation. The train from East Williston to Penn Station takes about 45 minutes.
“The homes were built without driveways because there were very few cars,” says Mitchell, noting that curb cuts and garages came years later.
The Roger Fay Williston Park Pool in August. Credit: Jeff Bachner
There are two distinct areas in the village, according to Christine Lavelle of Coach Realtors of Willistons: the western section, with Capes and Colonials typically starting at $800,000 and going up to $1.7 million for new construction; and the eastern section, where streets are named for colleges and have many Chatlos Colonials that, when they hit the market, range from $550,000 to $900,000 for a renovated, expanded home.
Hildebrandt's ice cream parlor, which opened on Hillside Avenue in the 1920s, recently got new owners. Credit: Jeff Bachner
Priced at $659,000, this Colonial on Syracuse Street has hardwood floors and an updated kitchen. Credit: Patrick Kwong
This 1,116-square-foot 1929 Colonial with an open floor plan has three bedrooms, one bathroom, hardwood floors, natural gas heat and an updated kitchen with quartz counters, new backsplash and stainless steel appliances. The partially fenced-in 0.09-acre property has a cement patio and shed. Taxes are $10,600. Adrian H. Chau, E Realty International Corp, 718-886-8110.
Priced at $620,000, this Colonial on Cornell Street features a finished attic and screened-in porch. Credit: VHT Studios
Built in 1927 with three bedrooms and 1½ baths, this 1,248-square-foot Colonial has hardwood floors, a bay window in the dining room, finished attic, and full unfinished basement. The 0.09-acre property, which is partially fenced-in, has a screened-in porch. Taxes are $9,468; a sale is pending. Christine Lavelle, Coach Realtors of Willistons, 516-248-9494.
Priced at $599,000, this Colonial on Syracuse Street is across from the village park and pool. Credit: VHT Studios
Situated across from the village park and pool on 0.09 acre, this four bedroom, one bath 1,356-square-foot Colonial has hardwood floors, a partially finished basement, walk-up attic and updated eat-in-kitchen with stainless steel appliances, bathroom and new boiler. Taxes are $11,891. Vivian Zhang, Coldwell Banker American Homes, 516-365-5780.
$1.588 million
Center St.
Gordon Dr.
Cross St.
