Is Elmont NY on Long Island?

Key Takeaways:

Elmont is located in the northwest corner of Nassau County, New York, positioning it on Long Island’s western border.
With close proximity to New York City, Elmont serves as a transition point between the city and suburban Long Island.
Despite connections to Queens, Elmont falls under the jurisdiction and governance of Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead.
Elmont’s location provides diverse housing options both within Long Island suburbia and New York City commuting distance.
Debate exists over whether Elmont should be considered part of Queens rather than a Long Island hamlet, though officially it is part of the latter.

Where Exactly is Elmont Located?

Elmont is situated in the northwest corner of Nassau County on Long Island, directly bordering the New York City borough of Queens to the west. It covers approximately 3.8 square miles of land nestled between other hamlets and villages like Floral Park, Franklin Square, and Valley Stream. The community is part of the Town of Hempstead, which comprises over 700,000 residents across southeastern Nassau County.

With the borough of Queens immediately adjacent, Elmont could be considered a transitional zone between New York City and suburban Long Island. The Cross Island Parkway runs north-south through Elmont, paralleling the border with Queens. This strategic location has earned Elmont the nickname “The Gateway to Long Island.”

Does Elmont Fall Under Nassau County or Queens?

Despite its close ties to Queens, Elmont officially falls under the jurisdiction of Nassau County on Long Island. Residents pay county taxes to Nassau and rely on county services like police, parks, roads, and infrastructure maintenance. Public school students attend schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District.

The hamlet has its own fire department, public library, and post office with a dedicated Elmont ZIP code. Various neighborhood, civic, and business associations serve the local community specifically.

Developers looking to build in Elmont must comply with zoning regulations set by the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County. Issues like property taxes, elections, law enforcement, and public transit for the area are all managed by Nassau County entities.

So in governance and administration, Elmont is firmly situated as a Long Island locale under Nassau County purview. However, its borders directly blend into Queens, creating an interwoven community.

What is the Basis for Saying Elmont Could Be Part of Queens?

The debate over whether Elmont belongs to Long Island or could be part of Queens stems from several factors:

Transportation integration – The LIRR provides direct rail service to Penn Station in Manhattan with a stop in Elmont. Several bus lines operated by MTA New York City Transit connect Elmont to subways stations in eastern Queens. This transit integration with the NYC system differs from much of suburban Long Island.
Commercial ties – Shoppers from Elmont patronize stores and malls in Queens that are closer than other Nassau County retail options. Queens Center mall is a major shopping destination.
Educational links – Some Elmont residents, especially in South Elmont, attend public schools in the New York City system that are situated in Queens. Schools like PS 131 are closer than districts in Nassau County.
Diverse housing – With more affordable home options than nearby Nassau towns, Elmont attracts a range of NYC commuters. The multi-family housing stock has more in common with urban Queens than most suburban LI communities.
Shared identity – Longtime residents may associate Elmont culturally with Queens and root for New York sports teams over Long Island ones. The diverse population has more in common with Queens than Nassau.

What are the Benefits of Elmont’s Geographic Placement?

The location of Elmont on the western fringe of Long Island provides residents with unique advantages:

Accessibility – Easy highway access via I-495 and I-678 and public transit via LIRR and Q65 bus means an easy commute to either NYC or LI. JFK Airport is under 30 minutes away.
Affordability – Home values and rents are generally lower than nearby Queens and Nassau towns, offering relative affordability. Strong demand stems from NYC commuters.
Diversity – With a population that is over 40% African American and 25% Hispanic/Latino, Elmont has more diversity than many Long Island areas. This multicultural community offers rich culture.
Amenities – Residents can enjoy suburban parks and recreation like Hendrickson Park while also taking advantage of urban entertainment, dining, and shopping options in Queens that are just minutes away.
Choice – Families can choose between school districts in Nassau County or New York City based on their needs and proximity. The location provides educational options.
Employment – Economic opportunities exist within Long Island and New York City, with access to jobs in both metro areas. Major employers like Belmont Racetrack and NYRA are right in the community.

So while the crossover between regions causes some identity confusion, ultimately Elmont’s border placement between the city and suburbs offers the best of both worlds to residents.

What is the Current Population and Demographic Profile of Elmont?

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Elmont is estimated at 37,000 residents. This makes it one of the larger hamlets in the Town of Hempstead. Compared to other Long Island communities, Elmont stands out for its diversity:

41% Black or African American
25% Hispanic or Latino of any race
20% White
10% Asian
4% Other/Mixed Race

With 66% of residents identifying as non-White, Elmont has far greater diversity than Nassau County overall, which is 62% White. More than 40% of households speak a language other than English at home.

There are just over 11,000 households in Elmont with an average household size of 3.2 people. Home ownership rate is lower than the county at 60%, with 40% of residents renting their homes. Median household income is estimated around $76,000 annually.

What Major Landmarks, Places, and Features Define Elmont Today?

Some of the most notable destinations and landmarks that give Elmont its contemporary identity include:

Belmont Park Race Track – Home of the Belmont Stakes, the 3rd race in horse racing’s Triple Crown. This major thoroughbred track was built in 1905 and hosts races from April to July. The large grandstand and iconic windmill make it a prominent local landmark.

Belmont Park Arena – A new $1.3 billion arena that is home to the NHL’s New York Islanders ice hockey team. The state-of-the-art venue opened in 2021 next to Belmont Racetrack as part of a major sports and entertainment district. Concerts and other events are also held there.

Cross Island Parkway – A key commuter parkway that runs north to south through Elmont connecting Queens and Long Island. The central artery features overpasses at major intersecting streets and leads directly to the racetrack.

Dutch Broadway – The main commercial thoroughfare in Elmont is lined with restaurants, shops, offices, and other businesses that serve the community.

Elmont Public Library – A vital community center providing resources, youth programming, and events for local residents. The modernized facility on Hempstead Turnpike opened in 2017.

Elmont Road Park – An 18-acre Nassau County park offering athletic fields, walking trails, playgrounds, and recreational facilities. The major community green space hosts sports leagues and events.

Hendrickson Park – Home to the town pool, ice rink, 9-hole golf course, sports courts, and other amenities alongside a scenic reservoir. The 76-acre park provides recreational opportunities in the area.

Sewanhaka High School – One of the main Long Island high schools attended by Elmont students. The school serves 9th-12th graders from Elmont and surrounding communities.

What Types of Homes and Neighborhoods Exist in Elmont?

The housing stock in Elmont includes a diverse mix of single-family homes, condos/co-ops, and multi-family rentals across its neighborhoods:

Southwest Elmont – Features more affordable multi-family homes like brick row houses, garden apartments, and co-op style condos. Denser population with urban feel.
Southeast Elmont – Includes postwar Cape Cod homes, Colonials, and split-levels near Belmont Park.Also has some newer luxury townhome communities. Suburban character.
Northwest Elmont – Offers more single-family detached housing, from bungalows to executive Colonials.properties back up to Nassau County’s Christopher Morley Park. A quiet residential area.
Northeast Elmont – Contains a mix of modest starter homes, multi-family complexes, and newer attached townhouses.Wider range of home styles and prices.
Dutch Broadway Corridor – The central business district has retail shops, restaurants, offices, and apartment units in several mid-rise mixed-use buildings. An emerging downtown area.

New luxury condominium developments are also taking shape on vacant land near Belmont Park to accommodate demand from commuters and young professionals.

What Plans or Developments are Shaping Elmont’s Future?

Some key projects and initiatives that will shape Elmont’s future evolution include:

The Belmont Park Redevelopment – Massive project to create a retail/entertainment village with 650,000 sq ft of shops, restaurants, hotel and office space next to the arena. Will provide amenities, services, and jobs.
Downtown Revitalization – Efforts to spur investment, fill vacancies, improve facades, add housing and promote walkability along Dutch Broadway to boost economic growth. Mixed-use development continues.
Library Expansion – Recently doubled in size in 2017, the library will get 12,000 more sq ft to enhance services, add a cafe, tech lab, and event space. An anchor institution for the community.

-Road Infrastructure – The redesign of major corridors like Hempstead Turnpike to relieve congestion and improve pedestrian safety and mobility with bike lanes, crosswalk enhancements and transit access.

Sewanhaka High School Upgrades – The district recently rebuilt and modernized the Elmont Memorial High School campus to upgrade facilities and accommodate growing enrollment.
Hendrickson Park Improvements – Nassau County plans to refurbish the pool, add splash park features, renovate athletic fields and courts, and install a new playground and exercise equipment around the reservoir.
Increased Housing Density – Rezoning initiatives aim to encourage more mixed-use, transit-oriented developments around the LIRR station and along major corridors to provide housing options.

Does Elmont Have Good Schools That Serve the Community?

Elmont is served by several school districts that generally provide quality educational opportunities to meet the needs of families:

Sewanhaka Central High School District – Serves most Elmont students in grades K-12 with five schools in the area including Elmont Memorial High School and Alden Terrace School. Offers strong academics, athletics, performing arts, and enrichment programs. Graduation rate is over 90%.
West Hempstead School District – Covers the northeast section of Elmont, sending students to middle and high schools in West Hempstead. Also has high graduation rates and STEAM curriculum.
New York City School District #27 – Some students in South Elmont attend PS 131, MS 74, and public high schools in Queens. Provides more culturally diverse education and NYC academic options.
Elmont Union Free School District – Operates an independent K-8 district with 2 schools at Gotham Ave and Covert Ave solely serving Elmont students. Focus is on whole child development and community.

Between high-quality districts in Nassau County and New York City, Elmont families can find public and private schools that match their needs whether academic, athletic, special education, language immersion, or faith-based. Proximity and commuting are factors in school choice.

Is Elmont Considered a Safe Community? How Does Crime Compare to Surrounding Areas?

With dedicated policing and civic engagement, Elmont is regarded as a relatively safe, stable place to live in the context of denser suburban communities near New York City. Most criminal activity stems from quality-of-life issues or property crimes of opportunity rather than violent offenses.

Based on recent annual crime statistics:

The town of Hempstead as a whole, including Elmont, has substantially lower violent and property crime rates compared to Brooklyn and Queens.
Within the precinct covering Elmont, larceny theft accounts for over 60% of crimes, consistent with national trends.
Elmont’s violent crime rate is almost half that of nearby Valley Stream and just a third of Uniondale’s according to precinct data.
Police patrols, community watch groups, youth outreach programs, and responsive emergency services help deter and limit serious criminal activity.

While no community is completely immune from crime, families and business owners can feel secure that Elmont offers a safe living environment supported by engaged law enforcement and strong community institutions. Residents take pride in their hometown and look out for one another.

How Does the Elmont Community Build Culture, Identity, and Pride?

Elmont has developed a strong sense of community tied to its diversity, traditions, and hometown spirit:

Local business investment – Supporting and promoting family-owned shops and eateries along Dutch Broadway that serve as neighborhood anchors. The Elmont Chamber of Commerce facilitates local business growth.

Community events – Holding parades for holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or 100th anniversary celebrations that bring residents of all ages together to foster community pride.

Youth athletics – With robust Little League and youth sports programs, Elmont develops the next generation through positive athletic experiences and competition.

Civic engagement – Active neighborhood associations and service groups like the Elmont Coalition for Sustainable Development and ElmontBeautiful advocate for quality of life improvements.

Shared experiences – Graduating from Elmont High School or attending community church services and functions creates a sense of common identity among residents over generations.

Diversity embracing – Culturally inclusive events at the library, interfaith community dinners, and heritage month celebrations recognize Elmont’s diversity as an asset.

Volunteerism – Support for food banks, blood drives, park and roadway cleanups, and similar service activities bring out community spirit and build bonds.

With strong neighborhood pride and spirit, Elmont residents share an identity shaped by the community’s diversity and traditions despite differences in race, ethnicity, age, or language.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, while Elmont’s geographic location on the Queens border causes occasional debate, the hamlet firmly falls under the jurisdiction of Nassau County and the Town of Hempstead that define Long Island proper. The considerable integration with Queens does lend some rationale that Elmont could be considered part of the NYC borough given the many cross-border ties. However, governance and civic identity align Elmont with suburban Long Island, even as it serves a transitional “gateway” role between the city and island. This unique placement offers residents suburban character with urban access – the best of both worlds. Ongoing investments, diversity, and community fabric continue to shape Elmont’s future as a stable, vibrant Long Island hometown.

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