What Are The 8 Safest Neighborhoods In Nassau County, New York?

Paige Hanawalt
by Paige Hanawalt

Nassau County is located on western Long Island, New York. It is one of the most affluent counties in New York. It is considered to be one of the most desirable places to live in the US, thanks to above average schools as well as its proximity to New York City.

The safest neighborhoods in Nassau county include Kensington, Great Neck Estates, Garden City, Lake Success, and Port Washington. These neighborhoods have excellent crime and safety ratings, and many boast crime rates well below the national average. Despite its closeness to New York City, Nassau County is a very safe area to call home, and has a variety of neighborhoods that value safety firs

Not only is Nassau Country conveniently located, you’ll also enjoy water views and several different outdoor activities. Choose Nassau County if you want to live in a safe neighborhood as well as benefit from the perks of living near a big city!

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8 Safest Neighborhoods in Nassau County

If you work in New York City but want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city living, you’ll love Nassau County. You’ll be close enough to public transportation for work yet far away from some of the downsides of living in NYC, like elevated crime levels

The safest neighborhoods in Nassau County:

  • Kensington
  • Great Neck Estates
  • Garden City
  • Lake Success
  • Port Washington
  • Sands Point
  • Old Westbury
  • Malverne

Let’s explore the 8 safest neighborhoods in Nassau County!

1. Kensington

  • Population: 1,176
  • Median Income: $175,625
  • Crime Rate: 90% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.5%

Kensington, NY is located on the North Shore of Long Island in Nassau County. Here, you’ll enjoy water views of the Manhasset Bay as well as Allenwood Park, a green space within Kensington. With a crime rate 90% less than the national average, this neighborhood is one of the best suburbs to live-in in New York.

Locals call this Nassau County neighborhood residential with an urban feel. There are numerous amenities in Kensington, like coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and food stores, all within walking distance. Benefit from public transportation and skip owning a car!

If you have children, you’ll be happy to know that the public schools in Kensington boast high ratings. Great schools paired with numerous parks, low crime rates, and attractive homes make this one of the safest neighborhoods in Nassau County!

2. Great Neck Estates

  • Population: 2,820
  • Median Income: $152,614
  • Crime Rate: 89% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 0.8%

Great Neck Estates is a Nassau County neighborhood located on the Great Neck Peninsula in North Hempstead, Long Island. It is on the North Shore of the island and features water views of Little Neck Bay.

This Nassau County neighborhood has a crime rate 89% less than the national average. Locals say that Great Neck Estates has a mostly suburban feel, and that it’s a great place to raise children. In addition to beautifully maintained homes, there are several parks and walking trails to enjoy with your family.

Great Neck Estates is also a good place to retire, and there are many retirees who call this neighborhood home. And, if you’re on a budget and aren’t ready to buy, you can always opt to rent an apartment in the area.

3. Garden City

  • Population: 22,531
  • Median Income: $157,366
  • Crime Rate: 71% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.2%

Garden City is located in central Long Island, in the town of Hempstead. It’s only 35-minutes away from NYC by train, and residents say that this neighborhood is like a slice of Manhattan outside the city thanks to unlimited amenities within walking distance.

You’ll find lots of yummy food and plenty of shopping options inside the Roosevelt Mall, the largest shopping center of its kind on Long Island. There are also several other strip malls if you can’t find what you’re looking for at Roosevelt!

For those of you with kids, the public schools in Garden City are excellent. Plus, crime rates are 71% less than the national average, so you know it’s a safe neighborhood for children. The homes have large yards too!

4. Lake Success

  • Population: 3,084
  • Median Income: $179,531
  • Crime Rate: 87% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5%

Lake Success is another North Hempstead neighborhood on the North Shore of Long Island, NY. Its namesake, Lake Success, is the centerpiece of the area and is surrounded by a golf course, schools, and well-maintained homes.

According to locals, Lake Success has a rural feel thanks to the lake, golf course, and large country club. This Nassau County neighborhood is another good place to raise children. The crime rate is 87% less than the national average and the schools are top rated. Plus, Lake Success even has its own police force.

Thanks to the golf course and country club, there are several areas to play sports, work out, and relax. There are also several amenities like restaurants and a pool, plus there are coffee shops and food stores within walking distance.

5. Port Washington

  • Population: 15,925
  • Median Income: $117,647
  • Crime Rate: 80% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 3.1%

Port Washington, another Nassau County neighborhood located in North Hempstead, may be the most scenic place to live in the area. You’ll find views of Manhasset Bay and several different golf courses, country clubs, as well as other green spaces. Port Washington is known in the golf world as an epic place to get on the links!

The crime rate in Port Washington is 80% less than the national average, making it one of the safest neighborhoods in Nassau County. The population comes in just under 16,000 and locals say that it has a distinctly suburban feel.

There are a lot of families with children who call this area home, and for good reason. The green spaces, proximity to the water, and above average school system are to thank!

6. Sands Point

  • Population: 2,859
  • Median Income: $231,667
  • Crime Rate: 89% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 1.3%

Sands Point, located in Cow Neck Peninsula in North Hempstead, is one of the most affluent and safest neighborhoods in Nassau County. Surrounded by Hempstead Bay and Manhasset Bay, Sands Point also features two golf courses, one of which is one the water.

This neighborhood is ideal for retirees who enjoy golf and a slower-paced life, without having to move far away from a large city. Residents say that Sands Point is the perfect distance from the center of North Hempstead to enjoy all of the amenities they may need while also remaining peaceful and quiet.

The crime rate in Sands Point is a whopping 89% less than the national average. It is by far one of the safest neighborhoods in Nassau County!

7. Old Westbury

  • Population: 4,582
  • Median Income: $164,286
  • Crime Rate: 70% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.5%

Old Westbury is located in North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, Long Island in Nassau County. Like many other neighborhoods in the area, there are two golf courses as well as the Old Westbury Gardens, a botanical garden located on 200-acres. Plus, Manhattan is easily accessible for work or entertainment.

Old Westbury is a quiet and calm place to live. This Nassau County neighborhood is very affluent and the houses are large and well-maintained. The crime rate is 70% less than the national average, and the homes are quite expensive. It is described as clean and safe.

For those of you with younger children, the public schools are very highly rated. If you can afford it, Old Westbury would be a great place to raise a family!

8. Malverne

  • Population: 8,556
  • Median Income: $105,213
  • Crime Rate: 66% less than the national average
  • Unemployment Rate: 2.9%

Malverne is centrally located in Hempstead, Long Island. Its crime rate is 66% less than the national average and this Nassau County neighborhood even has its own private police force! There are several amenities, like restaurants, banks, a movie theater and a pharmacy, within walking distance and the main street is well-maintained.

Residents say that Malverne boasts a safe, small town feel despite its proximity to New York City. There is a real sense of community here. While there aren’t any water views in the neighborhoods itself, you can visit the shore within minutes by car!

The school system in Malverne is well above average, and the homes here feature large backyards. This neighborhood is safe, attractive, and perfect for kids and pets!

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Our Conclusion

Nassau County has so much to offer! Between its closeness to New York City and its scenic landscape, it should come as no surprise that over 1.3 million people choose to call it home.

There are so many reasons to settle down in Nassau County and safety is one of them! There are several different safe neighborhoods in the area where you’ll feel comfortable, confident, and safe.

Paige Hanawalt
Paige Hanawalt

Paige is an elementary school librarian with a passion for writing. Her hobbies include reading an exorbitant amount of fantasy, slowly teaching herself to draw, and home decor. While she isn't the most talented artist or interior designer, what she lacks in skill she more than makes up for in enthusiasm. When she's not curled up with a book, you can certainly find her curled over the keyboard.

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