East Meadow, NY

In 1655, surveyors for the town of Hempstead determined that the area presently occupied by East Meadow would be suitable for grazing, making cattle and sheep grazing a fixture in the village during the 1700s. The sheep there provided over 50 percent of the country's wool at the time. The year 1814 saw the formation of the East Meadow School District, the first school building at the corner of Front Street and East Meadow Avenue. The post-WWII economic boom expedited the shift from an agricultural to a surging suburban residential community.

Several museums sit close to the village, including the visual arts exhibits of the Hofstra Museum in neighboring Hempstead or the aerospace displays at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in nearby Garden City. Nassau-Suffolk Performing Arts in East Meadow provides talented musicians in Long Island additional means to hone their skills with educational programs and award-winning concert performances.

East Meadow's extensive selection of restaurants includes many different ethnic foods for all budgets. Arguably the best, and certainly most ingrained Italian restaurant in the neighborhood, Borrelli's Italian Restaurant on Hempstead Turnpike has been dishing out fantastic cuisine since 1955. The long-lasting restaurant has adapted to the present while retaining all of the benefits of the past, including sentimental old-school Italian pizza/entrees and a homey "brick wall" ambiance. The chicken and veal parm come tender and piping hot, while specialty pizzas such as the shrimp topping are local favorites. Well-priced specials and discounts frequent the menu at this landmark restaurant in East Meadow. East Meadow has quite a few Asian cuisine destinations, but the one most recommended for its sushi is Yuzu Sushi. Described as a "NYC sushi restaurant without the NYC price attached," Yuzu provides a great spot for a healthy lunch or dinner. You can't beat the two roll special with miso or salad, perfectly priced for a sushi order. The sushi melts in your mouth, but the restaurant handles other dishes like the large Bento boxes and premier beef teriyaki just as well. The great food, smooth decor and friendly service help attract repeat customers and steady traffic to this treasured local sushi spot. A happening nightlife greets those who seek a little adventure in the village of East Meadow. The Nest Bar & Lounge has a decent selection of drinks, karaoke nights, open-mic nights and even live paintings. Head on over to Aura Nightclub on Hempstead Turnpike for an active scene of enthusiastic dancing, with a diverse crowd and a top DJ.

The Southern State Parkway and Northern State Parkway let residents easily commute to work. Near the western border of the neighborhood is the Meadowbrook State Parkway and to the east is the Wantagh State Parkway, two major roadways that can take you to Jones Beach or connect to other important roads.

Shopping areas have free public parking, and those wanting to bike or walk in the neighborhood are advised to do so on the local roads around residential complexes.

Grab a taxi in East Meadow by calling up 516 Car Service or by using the Uber app. Public transportation, such as the Nassau Inter-County Express buses, give residents a cheap option to visit surrounding neighborhoods or commute to work. Residents have a few local train stations in nearby villages to pick from, though the station in Merrick has the advantage of free parking. Air travel in the region is handled by JFK International Airport.

Possibilities for visiting local outdoor parks are plentiful in East Meadow, with several enjoyable options. The Senator Speno Memorial Park has a playground and multiple sports courts including baseball fields, handball and even shuffleboard. Veterans Memorial Park has been a part of the neighborhood for over 45 years, keeping locals coming back for its Olympic-sized pool, athletic complex, tennis courts and basketball courts. An all-purpose playground, a picnic area and free parking make the location perfect for families with children.

Conceivably the pinnacle of all parks in East Meadow, Eisenhower Park's massive 930 acres include athletic fields, picnic spaces, pools, hiking/fitness trails, playgrounds, three golf courses and a dog park.

East Meadow has many events year-round, and Eisenhower Park and Veterans Memorial Coliseum host many shows, concerts and other attractions. The Nassau County Cruise To The Show includes an annual parade and car show at Eisenhower Park. In addition to the hundreds of custom automobiles, the event also features a live concert, charity auction, children's activities and vendors.

East Meadow has an overall high cost of living, especially when compared to national averages. Compared to the rest of Hempstead, East Meadow is about 7 percent more expensive due to higher housing costs. Renting a residence in East Meadow will cost about $1,982 per month.

Daily expenses in East Meadow are all above national averages. You can travel to surrounding villages and beyond for a fare of $2.50 on the Nassau Inter-County Express buses. Gas prices in the neighborhood sit about 10 percent above national figures. Head to the local clubs and bars in East Meadow for some refreshing beers priced at about $6 per drink.

Many of the stores in East Meadow are off the Hempstead Turnpike, where residents have a ton of shops to choose from. Clothes shoppers in East Meadow have several successful chain stores in the area; purchase clothing, shoes and accessories at the Mandee Shop, or shop discount for the whole family at Marshalls.

A local jewelry store based in East Meadow, the family-owned Rena Marie Jewelers has a welcoming, comfortable environment in which all your precious trinkets can be fashioned. They also make jewelry and repair watches on-site. Add a friend to the family at BirdBrain Parrots, an award-winning local pet store in East Meadow. The store specializes in parrots, obtaining healthy exotic birds like African Greys and Conures from private professional breeders. The store has parrot care experts to assist shoppers, other animals for sale and general pet supplies.

East Meadow's grocery destinations include a Super Stop & Shop and a Waldbaum's, two popular large supermarkets. Uncle Giuseppe's Marketplace sells high-quality Italian groceries and foods, including meats, cheeses and fresh pastas. Residents can travel into neighboring North Merrick for Pat's Farms, a farmers market with phenomenal produce and fruit at prices that can't be beat.