Mineola

With a name born from a Native American word meaning “pleasant village,” Mineola is proving an increasingly popular place to live for its convenient location and nearly endless entertainment. Its suburban single-family homes give way to a bustling, walkable downtown. “Anywhere you go, there’s just tons of restaurants and shops, no matter where you’re living,” says Michelle McArdle, a licensed real estate salesperson at Douglas Elliman Real Estate. Commuting from the village is also easy, as Mineola Station is within walking distance of many homes. The train takes commuters to Pennsylvania or Grand Central stations in about 40 minutes. According to McArdle, nearby access to Meadowbrook Parkway, the Northern State Parkway and Long Island Expressway also provide convenience. “You don’t have to drive more than 10 minutes for really anything,” McArdle says.

Mineola is also gaining popularity because it creates an excellent environment for first-time homebuyers, especially given its many co-op and condominium options. At Birchwood Court, the largest co-op complex in Mineola, home prices range from $200,000 for studio apartments up to $450,000 for a two-bedroom. “Birchwood Court is such a beautiful, gated community,” McArdle says. “It’s the only gated community in the area and has 24-hour gated security. And they spent a lot of money renovating the complex. It’s such a beautiful place to call home.” And with higher interest rates, McArdle adds, more people are gravitating toward co-ops and condominiums. Single-family homes in Mineola are also incredibly popular and typically range in price from $600,000 to $900,000, but some new constructions sell for over $1 million. On the other end of the spectrum, fixer-uppers can sell for as low as $450,000.

According to McArdle, just like in other markets, inventory is very low in Mineola. “There are currently only 20 houses on the market, which a few years ago would have been closer to 40 to 50,” McArdle says. Especially when paired with the area’s growing popularity, this has led to increased competition for the homes, condos and co-ops that do come on the market. Bidding wars aren’t uncommon—in fact, potential homebuyers should likely expect that they’ll automatically be in competition with one or more other people when they begin looking at a home. Multiple people bidding on the same house drives the price higher, like an auction. This holds true even on houses that need a lot of work. McArdle stresses that even in the current market, properties still need to be priced well to attract this kind of attention. No matter what the market bears, homes that are priced realistically and strategically often sell quickly and may go for above the asking price.

Most children in Mineola are served by the Mineola Union Free School District, which has an A rating on Niche. They spend kindergarten through second grade at one of two primary schools, such as Hampton Street School, before spending third and fourth grade at Jackson Avenue School. Students then attend Mineola Middle School for fifth through seventh grade and finish up their education at Mineola High School. With a B-plus on Niche, the high school has a New York State Seal of Biliteracy and is an Apple Distinguished School for showing innovation throughout its learning and teaching processes. A few small pockets of Mineola are served by the East Williston or Carle Place school districts, so if which school district your new house is in matters to you, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to which district the homes you’re looking at are in. Mineola is also home to Chaminade High School, a prestigious private school for boys where many parents in Mineola and beyond choose to send their children.

When residents aren’t at work or school, they love spending time in one of Mineola’s great parks. Wilson Park is popular for its many athletic fields and courts and its pool, complete with a water slide, where residents love to cool off on hot summer days. Along with athletic areas and a playground, Mineola Memorial Park’s band shell and green space make it a local destination for summer concerts and the yearly Fourth of July fireworks show.

Grab groceries to make dinner at North Shore Farms or treat yourself to a meal at one of Mineola’s many restaurants when you don’t feel like cooking. “It’s a great place to go for food,” McArdle says. Local favorites include Biscuits & Barbeque for its tender brisket and peach cobbler and Tulum Tacos & Tequila, a popular newcomer to the village. The St. James, an Irish pub that’s been a go-to spot among locals for decades, is the perfect place to meet up with friends for a drink after a long day. And when you catch the shopping bug, you don’t have to go far for a little retail therapy, as Roosevelt Field is less than 3 miles away. With so much convenience and entertainment, as well as the opportunities that Mineola offers to potential homeowners at all stages of life, there’s no question that it lives up to its name as a truly pleasant village.

Written By

Jessica Haddad

Photography Contributed By

Perez Folds

Video By

Syd Silberman