If you want to buy in Levittown
Abraham Levitt and his sons Alfred and William built Levittown back in the 1940s bearing in mind that soldiers returning home from World War II would need a place to live. In keeping with its inception the hamlet created a memorial for every one its residents killed while serving their country since World War II. (Feb. 26, 2011) Credit: Newsday/T.C. McCarthy
Between 1947 and 1951, developer William Levitt produced 17,447 "Levitt" Capes (without basements) and sold them to World War II veterans and their families. "Some of the veterans still live here," says resident Gerry Rodgers of Century 21 Prevete Real Estate.
The houses Levitt built are easy to modify, says Traci Chiarello, also of Century 21 Prevete Real Estate, noting about 25 percent of them have been expanded up or out.
Levittown is an excellent place for a first-time buyer looking for an affordable house in a family-oriented neighborhood, Chiarello adds. Resident Patricia Tuerlings, of Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate in East Meadow, cites the library, recreation areas and the school district, which, Tuerlings adds, "has a very good special-ed program."
Levittown is also a magnet for retailers, eateries and services, most of which are along Hempstead Turnpike. Major highways are easily accessible as well.
Town: Hempstead
Area: 6.9 square miles
ZIP code: 11756
Population: 51,881
Median age: 41
Median household income: $90,251
Median home value: $315,000*
Monthly ticket: $254
School district: Most students attend Levittown, while others go to Island Trees (East Meadow)
