If you’re considering a move to Long Island’s South Shore, Hewlett stands out as a unique and welcoming neighborhood. Located inside the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, this hamlet—along with its sister villages like Hewlett Bay Park and Hewlett Harbor—offers a distinct blend of suburban calm, village charm, and easy access to the amenities and opportunities of the wider New York metropolitan area. Whether you’re raising a family, starting a career, or looking for a safe and conveniently located community, Hewlett has a lot to offer. Here’s an honest, local perspective on life in Hewlett.
Community Vibe
Hewlett offers a tight-knit, established suburban feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in the New York area. There’s a certain serenity here—tree-lined streets, well-kept homes, and neighbors who greet each other by name. The area attracts families, professionals, and retirees who value privacy and community. On a stroll down Broadway or through the historic district near Westervelt Avenue, you’ll see kids riding bikes, neighbors chatting on porches, and lush, manicured lawns.
Hewlett has a diverse population, with longstanding families, newcomers, and a vibrant mix of cultures adding to the warm community spirit. Residents take pride in maintaining their homes and supporting local businesses, particularly along Broadway and Franklin Avenue, the two main commercial arteries.
Types of Housing
One of Hewlett’s defining features is its variety of housing. The real estate landscape ranges from classic pre-war colonials and elegant Tudors to updated split-levels and modern custom homes. Here’s a sampling of what you might find:
- Large, classic colonial homes along East Rockaway Road or Prospect Avenue, often on generous lots with mature landscaping.
- More modest capes and split-levels, perfect for young families or downsizers, sprinkled throughout the neighborhood.
- Gated, luxury residences in Hewlett Harbor, offering water views, private docks, and sprawling lawns.
- Condominiums and coop apartments, particularly closer to the LIRR Hewlett station and along Franklin Avenue, ideal for singles, young professionals, and empty-nesters.
Architecture reflects the area’s history, with homes often lovingly maintained and streetscapes unified by mature trees and thoughtful gardens.
Walkability
While Hewlett isn’t as urban as some Nassau communities, its main streets are notably walkable. Broadway, the community’s main commercial strip, features a mix of cafes, bakeries, boutiques, salons, and everyday conveniences. You’ll see residents walking to get coffee at Aroma Kosher Café or picking up bagels at Town Bagel.
For errands, families often stroll or bike to Central Avenue, which borders neighboring Woodmere, for expanded shopping and dining. The area around Franklin Avenue is also pedestrian-friendly, with the Hewlett Library, post office, and several synagogues within easy reach.
Most residential streets have sidewalks and low traffic, making dog walks or family bike rides safe and pleasant.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Hewlett is highly regarded for its excellent schools, a key reason many families choose to settle here. The neighborhood is part of the Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, a small, highly-rated district known for:
- Franklin Early Childhood Center on Church Avenue for pre-K and kindergarten
- Hewlett Elementary and Ogden Elementary for grades K-5
- Woodmere Middle School and George W. Hewlett High School, both with strong academic programs, arts, and athletics
The district is praised for its supportive teachers, involved PTAs, and commitment to both academics and personal growth. Several private and parochial schools (including the Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls on Hewlett Avenue) provide additional options.
The area’s family-friendliness also extends to its many playgrounds, day care centers, and youth organizations like the Hewlett Lawrence Soccer Club.
Parks and Green Spaces
Green space is one of Hewlett’s underrated benefits. Grant Park, on Broadway just past the Hewlett-Woodmere library, provides year-round recreation with:
- Picturesque walking and biking paths around a scenic pond
- Playgrounds and picnic areas for families
- Tennis and basketball courts
- Wintertime ice skating
Nearby North Woodmere Park, just a short drive away, offers golf, mini-golf, outdoor pools, and extensive athletic fields.
Many streets, such as Mill Road and Kenneth Place, are bordered by mature trees, lush lawns, and flower gardens, enhancing the neighborhood’s suburban tranquility.
Safety
Residents often cite safety as one of Hewlett’s top advantages. Crime rates here are low compared to more urban parts of Long Island and neighboring Queens. The community benefits from a visible Nassau County Police Department presence, friendly neighborhood watch groups, and the natural watchfulness of engaged residents.
Children walk or bike to school and parks, and it’s common to see families out after dusk, especially in warmer months. That said, like all suburbs, residents are advised to lock doors and stay aware, but Hewlett maintains a reputation for being a peaceful and secure environment.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of Hewlett’s practical advantages is seamless connectivity to New York City and nearby employment hubs:
- The LIRR Hewlett Station off Broadway offers a direct, roughly 40-minute commute to Penn Station, vital for professionals working in Manhattan.
- Kennedy Airport is a 15-minute drive away via Rockaway Turnpike, making travel easy for business or pleasure.
- Local highways and Sunrise Highway (NY-27) are easily accessed from Mill Road or Broadway, facilitating quick trips into the city, western Nassau, or out to the Hamptons.
While Hewlett itself is predominantly residential and retail, it’s within convenient reach of corporate centers in Garden City, Valley Stream, and the medical corridor in Rockville Centre.
What Residents Love Most
It’s difficult to distill everything locals love about Hewlett, but a few themes always come up:
- The sense of community—neighbors know and look out for each other
- High-performing schools and family-focused activities
- Green, peaceful streets perfect for evening walks or play
- Walkable shopping and authentic local eateries, from Central Avenue delis to Broadway’s family-run restaurants
- The convenience of city access without sacrificing safety or suburban calm
Many residents stay in Hewlett for generations, citing its deep sense of home and continuity. Whether you’re looking for excellent schools, a welcoming community, or simply the charm of a Long Island suburb, Hewlett is a place where you can truly put down roots.