Major entertainment venues nestled in the suburbs of Long Island
Not all communities are blessed with a claim to fame, and even fewer are blessed with two — but Elmont, located just 23 miles from Manhattan, is one of the lucky few. First opened in 1905, Belmont Park is the area’s original source of fame. One of the world’s largest thoroughbred racecourses, it hosts the Belmont Stakes, which is the third leg of the prestigious Triple Crown races. “It’s one of the best well-known racetracks in the entire United States,” says Julie Calabrese, a licensed real estate salesperson at HomeSmart Premier Living Realty who has sold homes here for seven years. The track has ushered Elmont from farmland to suburban sprawl; even the streets around the park bear the names of famous racehorses, like Secretariat Avenue and Ruffian Road. The old Bellmont Park building, which was last renovated in 1968, is currently being demolished and rebuilt. The project, which will cost $455 million, will create thousands of construction-related jobs and, once completed, more full-time jobs and revenue at the racetrack itself. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.
Elmont’s second claim to fame, the UBS Arena, doesn’t have as much of a worldwide appeal, but it’s still a big deal for locals. “That’s where the New York Islanders play, and they have concerts and stuff there, which is really great,” Calabrese says, adding that the New York Islanders’ hockey games are a big deal for locals. “You’re so close, which is amazing.” The arena seats 17,250 and is nicknamed “The Stable” as a nod to its proximity to Belmont Park.
Beyond these major event venues, Elmont is a lively neighborhood where sidewalk and tree-lined residential streets occasionally give way to retail. “Elmont has a suburban feel, although it’s just over the city border,” says Ian Rubenstein, a licensed real estate salesperson at Redfin Real Estate. “It’s perfect for people who like to live in the suburbs but don’t want long commutes.”
UBS Arena Exterior from highway
UBS Arena
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Older Capes and a handful of newer homes
Most homes here were built between 1930 and 1969. Cape Cods are the most common style among these older homes, but ranch-style houses and hi-ranches also make frequent appearances. New homes have begun to spring up, usually built in the new traditional style. “Elmont is a neighborhood in transition. It has become very popular, and houses don’t stay on the market long,” Rubenstein says. Although yards tend to be small, most homes have off-street parking. The median home price is $687,500, which is higher than the National Association of Realtor’s reported median of $406,100. It’s a little lower than the medians in surrounding communities like Floral Park and Franklin Square.
Some homes in Elmont have driveways, but most people park on the street.
Beautiful colonial style home in Elmont.
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Highly rated Elmont schools
Niche gives the Elmont Union Free School District an A and lists it among the 15 most diverse school districts in the state.
Morning view of Elmont Memorial High School's facade
Elmont memorial High School has plenty of clubs and organizations
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Major highways, LIRR to Manhattan
Cross Island Parkway runs alongside Elmont, and hopping on the Southern State Parkway only takes a few minutes. “The Cross Island will bring you into the city, and the Southern State runs across all of Long Island, so it’s a great location,” Calabrese says. From the Long Island Rail Road’s Elmont-UBS Arena Station, trains reach Manhattan’s Penn Station in about 45 minutes. Mercy Hospital and John F. Kennedy International Airport are both 6 miles away.
Pocket parks, soccer games at Dutch Broadway Park
Many of Elmont’s parks are little playgrounds tucked into small lots. At the community’s edge, Dutch Broadway Park has 13.8 acres of soccer fields. Many residents drive under 3 miles to Arthur J. Hendrickson Park for its athletic courts, fishing lake and outdoor swimming pool.
Elmont Road Park in North Valley Stream has a water park to stay cool during the warmer months.
Running is a daily routine at Averill Boulevard Park
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Dining and shopping on Hempstead Turnpike
Restaurants dot Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont Road and Meacham Avenue. Italian is particularly numerous; even Elmont’s well-known bakery, Sapienza Bake Shop, is an Italian spot, offering sweet treats like cheesecake and cannoli since 1978. There are exceptions, like a popular Jamaican restaurant and a breakfast diner. Elmont also has major retailers like Target, Marshalls and Home Depot alongside a few local spots. The closest grocery store is less than a mile away. “You don’t have to go far to meet your needs, basically,” Calabrese says.
Stop 20 Diner is a family-owned and operated Diner since 1944—a classic in Elmont, NY.
Pepperpot Restaurant in Elmont is a Caribbean restaurant where people make lines for take out.
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Belmont Park, New York Islanders games, concerts and library events
Even when horse racing season has ended, Belmont Park remains open. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and admission is free until 1 p.m. The popular Breakfast at Belmont program welcomes families to enjoy a breakfast buffet while watching racehorses train. UBS Arena is also a center for major events, from New York Islanders games to concerts by major artists like Nicki Minaj and Seventeen. It even presents performances like Disney on Ice and the Cirque Du Soleil.
The Elmont Memorial Library is the center of day-to-day activity. It offers ongoing events like yoga, language classes and story time for the kids. Each season, the library sponsors four Broadway musicals starring local artists and a live orchestra, which perform on the library’s 399-seat playhouse. Its annual Original Musical Theater Summer Festival highlights shows created by local artists and playwrights.
The Elmont library is open year round.
Belmont Race Track
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Hurricane season on Long Island, below average CAP Index
During hurricane season, First Street, a climate risk data organization, reports that Elmont has a minor risk of flooding but a major risk of high winds.
Covered by the Nassau County Police Department’s Fifth Precinct, Elmont’s CAP Index crime score is 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
