Elaine and Joseph O'Brien, of nearby New Hyde Park, walk...

Elaine and Joseph O'Brien, of nearby New Hyde Park, walk along a path in Ridder's Pond Park on Meadowfarm Road in Manhasset Hills, a celebration of their 56th wedding anniversary, they said. The park is an inviting feature of the Manhasset Hills community. (Sept. 15, 2012) Credit: Newsday / Karen Wiles Stabile

For many people, it's the combination of peaceful neighborhoods, well-respected schools and proximity to Manhattan that make the hamlet of Manhasset Hills so appealing.

"It's a great suburban community," says resident Rosanna Piazza of Venue Real Estate Group in New Hyde Park, noting that its proximity to major highways, shops and restaurants is another perk.

"I'm very happy here," says Irene Nictas, a resident and agent at Daniel Gale Sotheby's International Realty in Manhasset. "The [Herricks] school district is great," Nictas says, adding that she is pleased with the education her children have received. And it's easy to pop into Queens and the city, Nictas says.

Located south of the Long Island Expressway and Northern State Parkway, Manhasset Hills is comprised of quiet neighborhoods where winding roads are dotted by Colonials, split-levels, high-ranches, split-ranches and ranches.

An average lot size hovers between 75 by 115 feet and 82 by 120 feet. Prices typically start in the mid-$600,000s for a fixer-upper, agents say.

Residents have access to the many shops and restaurants that can be found along major thoroughfares, including Hillside and Marcus avenues, New Hyde Park Road and Jericho Turnpike. The upscale shops along Miracle Mile in Manhasset are nearby, as is Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City.

SALES PRICES
From Aug. 1, 2011, to Sept. 1, 2012, there were 43 sales with a median price of $706,250, according to Multiple Listing Service of Long Island data. The low price was $480,000, and the high was $973,000. From Aug. 1, 2010, to Sept. 1, 2011, there were 42 sales. The median price was $739,750, with low of $510,000 and a high of $1,080,000.

ATTRACTIONS
Ridder's Pond on Marcus Avenue and Meadowfarm Road has a walking path, benches, picnic tables and a playground. Fishing is permitted, although catches must be thrown back, says Nictas.

Town facilities include Clinton G. Martin Park in New Hyde Park, where amenities include pools and tennis courts. Herricks Community Center offers programs and provides a meeting space for groups.

OTHER STATS

Town: North Hempstead

Area: 0.6-square mile

ZIP code: 11040

Population: 3,592

Median age: 46.3

Median household income: $115,217

Median home value: $670,000*

LIRR time to NYC: From New Hyde Park, 30 minutes to 38 minutes at peak

Monthly ticket: $223

School district: Herricks

Sources: 2010 Census; mlsli.com; LIRR

*Based on sales in the past six months, according to MLSLI

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