Buying in Roslyn: Historic charm, New England vibes draw homebuyers
Attempting a catch off the pier at Gerry Park in Roslyn. Credit: Howard Simmons
The Roslyn Landmark Society has compiled the backgrounds for about 260 properties in the area, proud of Roslyn Village's beginnings as a 17th century commercial hub at the head of Hempstead Harbor. Several properties and areas are on the National Register of Historic Places, from the historic Main Street to homes that show off Greek Revival, Colonial and Victorian architecture.
Preservation has been strong since local residents Roger and Peggy Gerry fought in the 1960s to save old properties from developers.
Locals frequent the lake and gazebo in Gerry Park all year long. Credit: Howard Simmons
A walk along Main Street in Roslyn offers views of historic homes behind white picket fences. Credit: Howard Simmons
The community's latest project, the 1700s Roslyn Grist Mill, is at the tail end of a $7.7 million restoration that required lifting the building to fix the foundation, then lowering it back down. After all, George Washington visited there, writing in an April 1790 diary entry that he was "kindly received and well entertained" by Hendrick Onderdonk, whose home adjoined the mill.
Old Northern Boulevard is a main business area of Roslyn. Credit: Howard Simmons
The next big goal is recreating the water wheel in time for a grand reopening next year for the 125th birthday of Nassau County, which owns the property, said Howard Kroplick, co-president of Roslyn Landmark Society, which is overseeing the project.
"It's a pleasure to live in a community that cares about its history," he said.
People want to live in the village because of this history, the schools, walkability and beauty, said Jing Sun, who lives and works there as an associate broker for Douglas Elliman Real Estate.
"Roslyn Village is like a quaint charm, European-style village," she said.
When fall brings color to trees, many are reminded of New England. There's the quiet vibes and historical buildings around the pond at Gerry Pond Park. In winter, kids on sleds can glide down the elevated parts of the park.
But buying in this Gold Coast village is often expensive, so expect many homes to carry price tags of more than $1 million, Sun said.
Longtime Mayor John Durkin, who lives in an 1875 home, said a number of new housing complexes have gone up in the past five years, along with a dog park, walking paths around the harbor and mixed-use developments, he said.
While the past is in the present for the village, Durkin noted that "it’s all the charm and none of the hassle of the 1800s."
Preserving historic homes has been paramount in Roslyn since the 1960s. Credit: Howard Simmons
Homes along Dicks Lane in Roslyn. Credit: Howard Simmons
This $1.8 million townhome was built in 2021. Credit: Douglas Elliman Real Estate
The buyer will be the first occupant in this three-story, three-bedroom townhome that is a corner unit in the Roslyn Landing complex. Built in 2021, the unit is 3,000 square feet, along with an elevator, two-car garage, alarm system, air filter system, wine cooler and unfinished attic. Amenities include a fitness center, private clubhouse, barbecue area, playground, paddle boards and kayaks. The development is within walking distance of the waterfront. The homeowners association fee is $509 monthly for the first two years, then $800. Jing Sun, Douglas Elliman, 646-431-2821.
This $280,000 co-op in Roslyn was recently remodeled. Credit: Compass
This one-bedroom co-op is on a cul-de-sac of a landscaped, garden-style complex and has outdoor parking for $40 a month or $70 monthly for garage space. The apartment was built in 1950 and was fully remodeled in the past three months to include quartz countertops in the kitchen and oakwood floors. A monthly maintenance of $805 includes the property taxes. Renee Hughes, Compass, 516-996-9737.
Regent Place
Regent Place
Grist Mill Circle
