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Hempstead, NY

Frequently asked questions

Hempstead Town, NY

The Town of Hempstead (historically known as South Hempstead) is the largest of the three towns in Nassau County (alongside North Hempstead and Oyster Bay) on Long Island, in New York, United States. The town's combined population was 793,409 at the 2020 census, which is the majority of Nassau County's population and makes it, by far, the largest population of any town in the United States.

It occupies the southwestern part of the county, on the western half of Long Island. Twenty-two incorporated villages (one of which is named Hempstead) are completely or partially within the town.

If Hempstead were to be incorporated as a city, it would be the second-largest in New York, behind New York City; it is about three times the size of Buffalo, which has long been the state's second-largest city. It would be the 18th-largest city in the country, behind San Francisco, California, and ahead of Seattle, Washington. Hempstead is thus the most populous municipality in the New York metropolitan area outside New York City. Hofstra University's campus is located in Hempstead.

The town was first settled around 1644 following the establishment of a treaty between English colonists, John Carman and Robert Fordham, and the Lenape Indians in 1643. Although the settlers were from the new English colony of New Haven (1638), later incorporated into, Connecticut in 1662, a patent was issued by the government of New Netherland after the settlers had purchased land from the local natives. This transaction is depicted in a mural in the Hempstead Village Hall, reproduced from a poster commemorating the 300th anniversary of Hempstead Village.

In local Dutch-language documents of the 1640s and later, the town was invariably called Heemstede, and several of Hempstead's original 50 patentees were Dutch, suggesting that Hempstead was named after the Dutch town and/or castle of the same name, both of which are located near the cities of Haarlem and Amsterdam. However, the authorities possibly had Dutchified a name given by co-founder John Carman, who was born in 1606 in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, England, on land owned by his ancestors since the 13th century.

In 1664, the settlement under the new Province of New York adopted the Duke's Laws, austere statutes that became the basis upon which the laws of many colonies were to be founded. For a time, Hempstead became known as "Old Blue", as a result of the "Blue Laws".

During the American Revolution, the Loyalists in the South and the American sympathizers in the North caused a split in 1784 into "North Hempstead" and "South Hempstead". With the 1898 incorporation of the Borough of Queens as part of the city of New York, and the 1899 split of Queens County to create Nassau County, some southwestern portions of the Town of Hempstead seceded from the town and became part of the Borough of Queens.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 191.3 square miles (495.5 km²), of which 120.0 square miles (310.7 km²) is land and 71.4 square miles (184.8 km²) (37.30%) is water.

The western town line is the border of Queens County in New York City. Its northern border, with the town of North Hempstead and the town of Oyster Bay, is along the main line of the Long Island Rail Road and along Old Country Road in Garden City heading east towards the Wantagh Parkway. Its eastern border, also with the town of Oyster Bay, runs parallel to (and several hundred feet west of) Route 107. To the south is the Atlantic Ocean, off of Atlantic Beach, Lido Beach, Point Lookout, and Jones Beach, as well as the city of Long Beach.

The most popular beach on the east coast of the United States, Jones Beach State Park, is located in Hempstead. The beach is a popular destination for Long Islanders and residents of New York. The beach itself receives approximately six million visitors per year.

Health and wellness are integral to the fabric of Hempstead Town. The Nassau University Medical Center serves as a central healthcare hub, offering comprehensive medical services to residents. HSS Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center is affiliated with the Hospital for Special Surgery, this center offers advanced sports rehabilitation services, including physical therapy for athletes and active individuals. Professional Physical Therapy with multiple locations across NYC, Professional Physical Therapy provides a range of rehabilitation services, personalized treatment plans, and experienced therapists. Finish Line Physical Therapy specializes in sports rehabilitation and performance enhancement, offering individualized treatment plans and state-of-the-art equipment. SPEAR Physical Therapy is known for its evidence-based approach to therapy, SPEAR Physical Therapy has several locations in NYC and offers comprehensive rehabilitation services. Physio Logic is an integrative wellness center offering physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and other holistic healthcare services.

Top Sites in Hempstead Town, NY: Jones Beach State Park, Old Westbury Gardens, and Sagamore Hill National Historic Site.

Population: 793,409 (2020). ZIP Code: 11550. Area codes: 516, 363. Area: 191.77 sq mi (496.68 km²).

FAQs

Is Hempstead Town, NY a good area?

Hempstead, New York is a great destination to explore for both locals and visitors alike. Home to Hofstra University, the area features an abundance of educational opportunities and cultural diversity. Stroll through historic gardens and parks or take a walk down Main Street for some shopping and sightseeing. Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the local eateries or catch a show at the Broadway Theatre. With its picturesque views, stunning architecture, and endless entertainment options, Hempstead offers something for everyone. Shoreline, arts & culture, and moderate winters make Hempstead a great place to live.

Is Hempstead Town, NY expensive to live in?

The cost of living in Hempstead, NY is 8% higher than the state average and 37% higher than the national average. Hempstead, NY housing is 102% more expensive than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 17% pricier. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 17% more in Hempstead, NY than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 17% more. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 19% more here compared to the U.S. average.

What is Hempstead Town, NY famous for?

The Town of Hempstead offers some of the finest wildlife and nature areas in the country. Nature lovers and bird watchers can enjoy our hiking trails and nature preserves including the Lido Beach Passive Nature Area and Marine Nature Study Area. The town’s commitment to preserving the beauty of Hempstead is also evident in almost 1,400 acres of parkland. Be sure to visit Long Island's most innovative environmental recreation facility, Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve, which features an array of wildlife, Nigerian Dwarf goats, walking trails, and breathtaking views of Long Island and the New York City skyline.

Sources

Town of Hempstead

Wikipedia

Best Places

Rent Cafe

Nassau University Medical Center

HSS Sports Rehabilitation and Performance Center

Professional Physical Therapy

Finish Line Physical Therapy

SPEAR Physical Therapy

Physio Logic

Jones Beach State Park

Old Westbury Gardens

Sagamore Hill National Historic Site

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