Manhasset is a hamlet (a census-designated place) and neighborhood in Nassau County, New York, on the North Shore of Long Island. As of the United States 2000 Census, the population was 8,362. Manhasset is a Native American term that translates to "the island neighborhood." In 2005, a Wall Street Journal article ranked Manhasset as the best town for raising a family in the New York metropolitan area . As with other unincorporated communities in New York, its local affairs are administered by the town in which it is located, the Town of North Hempstead, New York.
The hamlet is served by the Long Island Rail Road, which provides direct and convenient access to New York City at the Manhasset station.
Manhasset is located in The Township of North Hempstead
The town of North Hempstead is located in the northwest part of Nassau County on the North Shore of Long Island. The Long Island Sound is just to the north and Queens County, New York is its western neighbor.
Within the town are 30 incorporated villages, including the affluent communities of Great Neck, Roslyn, East Hills, Manhasset Hills and King’s Point.
The North Shore was known as Long Island’s “Gold Coast” through the early-to mid-20th century, home to impressive mansions, some of which date back to the Revolutionary War. The area around Kings Point provided the fictional backdrop to F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book “The Great Gatsby,” and East Hills is one of the country’s most exclusive communities. Neighborhoods like Great Neck and Manhasset Hills are known for their excellent schools—they’re rated among the country’s finest—and a safe family lifestyle with great shopping and restaurants, historic districts and homes on tree-lined avenues that, for many, symbolize the American suburban ideal.
You’ll find plenty of dining choices, including more than 21 restaurants in one square mile area along Old Northern Boulevard offering cuisine from Mexican to Thai, from Italian to seafood, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Continental, American and more.
Also found on the North Shore is the more laid-back seaside vibe of Port Washington with its charming natural beauty, country lifestyle and diverse population, turn-of-the-century houses near 20th century split-levels and parent-approved schools. Beautiful beaches and seafood and other fine restaurants that line Main Street, Shore Road, Manorhaven Boulevard, and Manhasset Bay draw a significant resort and tourist population in addition to permanent residents, and there are a number of seaside resort hotels to accommodate them.
The area’s proximity to the Long Island Railroad makes it about a 35 minute commute to Manhattan. North Hempstead is served by the Oyster Bay Branch of the Long Island Railroad as well as major highways including the Long Island Expressway with bus service available via Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) as well. The area’s many beaches provide beautiful waterfront views and plenty of recreational opportunities for activities like sailing and boating.
Manhasset is a hamlet rich in early American history and traditions. Its current citizens and business people reflect the feeling of community and charity. Our various schools rank among the best in the nation. Parks and Long Island Sound access provide diverse outdoor activities for the young and old alike. Boasting two areas of commerce, Manhasset offers Plandome Road for your daily needs with “old-world service and attention” while international cosmopolitan shopping is experienced on Northern Boulevard in its Americana Shopping Center. Closely nestled to New York City the Long Island Railroad makes commuting for our residents a snap while others prefer to conduct business within this island neighborhood from where Manhasset derives its ancient Native American name.
Some Local Manhasset Points of Interest:
Harbor Links Golf Complex
West Shore Road. 767-4816
18 hole links golf course, 9 hole executive golf course, mini golf.
Helen Keller National Center
111 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point. 944-8900 (voice) 944-8637(TTY)
Diagnostic evaluation, rehabilitation training, employment services for deaf-blind youths and adults. Also, headquarters in Sands Point provides training seminars for professionals/parents; information & referral; community education; volunteer program; national parent network and technical assistance for transitional services.
Hempstead Harbor Beach Park
West Shore Road 571-7930
Basketball, handball, miniature golf, paddleball, picnic areas, playground, shuffleboard, volleyball, softball, beach, swimming.
Manorhaven Beach Park (Town of North Hempstead)
Manorhaven Blvd. 767-4618
Beach, swimming, playground, boat ramp, outdoor pool, platform tennis, tennis, handball, basketball, softball, picnic area.
Mary Jane Davies Green
Plandome Road
Gazebo and children’s playground.
North Shore Animal League America
Lewyt Street ,Open 7 days, 10AM – 10 PM. Call 883-7575
Free adoption center. Free pets, including pure breeds. Puppies, kittens, dogs, cats.
Manhasset Public Library
30 Onderdonk Avenue 627-2300
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 9AM-9PM, Tuesdays 11 AM-9PM, Fridays 9AM-
5:30 PM, Saturday 9Am-5PM, Sunday hours vary according to season.
Art exhibits, concerts, movies, special programs.
Sands Point Preserve and Falaise
Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, 6 miles north of LIE Exit 36. For special exhibits and information call 571-7900.
Preserve has 216 acres, 6 natural trails (3 are self guided and some include shoreline.) Falaise is Normandy- style manor house. Escorted tours available Mon.-Wed and weekends.
Science Museum of Long Island
Leeds Pond Preserve, P.O. Box 908, Plandome. 627-9400
Outdoor preserve on 45 acres, including 9 acre pond. Guided nature walks alternate Sundays (preregistration.) Special student educational programs and family workshops by
reservation. Gift shop.
Sunset Park and John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell
Lower Main Street 883-6566
Park and bandshell on Manhasset Bay.
Spectacular views of harbor, especially at sunset. Free summer concerts.
