Levittown, New York - Long Island Guide

a dense grid of single-family homes with manicured lawns and tree-lined streets—a hallmark of Levittown’s suburban planning. Rows of identical and modest Cape Cod and Ranch-style houses stretch across winding, yet organized roads. Mature shade trees and carefully maintained yards create a leafy, green backdrop throughout the neighborhood. File photo: icaroferracini, licensed.

Located in central Nassau County, Long Island, Levittown is recognized nationwide as America’s prototypical postwar suburb. Nearly equidistant from the North and South Shores, it’s bordered by East Meadow, Wantagh, Bethpage, Island Trees, Seaford, and Plainedge – offering a quintessential slice of mid-century American life.

History & Growth

Established in 1947 by visionary developer William Levitt and his company, Levitt & Sons, Levittown was built on former potato fields. The neighborhood’s rapid construction and innovative assembly-line homebuilding made it the nation’s most famous planned suburb. With over 17,000 nearly identical houses erected in just a few years, Levittown provided affordable housing for returning World War II veterans and ignited the suburban boom across the U.S. The town’s growth continued through the 1950s and 1960s, with schools, parks, shopping centers, and places of worship following the residential construction.

Population & Demographics

2020 population: ~52,989; density ~7,717 people/mi²
Median age: 43.9 years; strong family orientation
Racial makeup (2020): 83% White, 13% Hispanic, 3% Asian, 2% African American
Median household income (2023): ~$126,500; below poverty: ~4.7%

Transport & Connectivity

Rail: LIRR is accessible from nearby Wantagh and Hicksville stations
Roadways: Served by Hempstead Turnpike (NY 24), Wantagh Parkway, Southern State Parkway, and Jerusalem Avenue
Bus: Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE bus route) serves Levittown
Driving: Excellent highway access to NYC and all parts of Nassau County

Parks & Recreation

Community Pools and Parks: Levittown has several community pools (East Village, West Village, and Willowood) and parks, including small neighborhood playgrounds and the larger Wantagh Park nearby
Sports & Clubs: Home to longstanding youth sports leagues and civic associations
Recreation Centers: Bowling, fitness clubs, and easy access to miles of nearby beaches and parks

Education & Institutions

School districts: Three top-rated public districts – Levittown, Island Trees, and East Meadow.
Notable schools: Division Avenue High School and MacArthur High School; both offer robust academics and extracurriculars.
Library: The Levittown Public Library is a community anchor and local study hub

Economy & Employers

Major employment sectors: Education, healthcare, retail, local government
Local commerce: Shopping plazas along Hempstead Turnpike, independent small businesses, restaurants, and service providers

Notable Places & Culture

Historic status: Often called “the cradle of suburbia” and studied by historians for its pioneering suburban design
Levittown Historical Society & Museum: Preserves suburb’s rich legacy
Events & Community: Robust neighborhood associations, school fairs, holiday parades, and community days
Cultural legacy: Setting of books, documentaries, and academic studies on postwar America

Additional Highlights

Affordable living: Originally designed for modest budgets but now in high demand due to community pride and centrality
Preserved homes: Some houses remain virtually unchanged since the 1950s, while others are beautifully updated
TV & film: Featured in works exploring the American Dream, such as ‘Revolutionary Road’ and PBS documentaries

Town Snapshot

Feature	Details
Population	~52,989 (2020); density ~7,717/sq mi
Area	~6.9 sq mi
Founded	1947; archetype of postwar suburbia
Demographics	83% White, 13% Hispanic, diverse mix
Income	Household: ~$126k; poverty ~4.7%
Schools	Three districts; strong academics
Transit	Highway, bus; close to LIRR
Parks	Pools, playgrounds, proximity to Wantagh Park
Economy	Retail, education, healthcare, govt
Landmarks	Levittown Memorial Education Center, museums
Culture	Community events, local history society

Levittown stands as a living monument to the promise and complexities of suburban America. Known for its unique history, enduring neighborhoods, and strong community networks, it remains a vibrant and welcoming place for families and residents of all backgrounds.