The Five Towns

The Five Towns of southwestern Nassau County are among the most distinctive communities on Long Island. Located just east of the Queens border, this closely connected area is known for its established residential neighborhoods, busy local shopping districts, waterfront edges near Jamaica Bay and Reynolds Channel, and convenient access to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Despite the name, the “Five Towns” describe a broader cluster of villages, hamlets, and neighborhoods whose shared identity has remained strong for generations.

The Five Towns Explained

Traditionally, the term “Five Towns” centers on the following communities:

1. Lawrence – A historic South Shore village known for grand homes, country clubs, and waterfront settings.
2. Cedarhurst – The area’s best-known downtown center, with shopping, dining, and a strong community identity.
3. Woodmere – A primarily residential hamlet with parks, established neighborhoods, and convenient LIRR service.
4. The Hewlett area – Often grouped together under the name “Hewlett,” this part of the Five Towns includes Hewlett and nearby incorporated communities such as Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Bay Park, and Hewlett Neck.
5. Inwood – The westernmost of the traditional five, closest to JFK Airport and the city line.

In everyday local use, the Five Towns can also extend to closely associated places such as Woodsburgh, North Woodmere, Atlantic Beach, Woodmere Park, and Meadowmere Park. Exact boundaries depend on historical usage, postal designations, school districts, and community identity.

Lifestyle and Character

The Five Towns blend suburban living with easy access to New York City. The region is especially known for its large Orthodox Jewish population, along with a broader mix of longtime residents, families, and professionals who value the area’s schools, houses of worship, neighborhood shopping, and transportation options. Visitors will also find public parks, marinas and waterfront views, and quick connections to the South Shore.

While much of the Five Towns is residential, Cedarhurst and parts of Hewlett and Woodmere serve as the area’s main commercial hubs for dining, errands, and everyday local activity. Depending on traffic and rail schedules, Manhattan is often reachable in about an hour or less, helping give the region its long-standing appeal as a suburban community with strong city ties.

---

The Five Towns Area

---

The Five Towns

Category	Details
Location	Southwestern Nassau County, along the Queens border and near Jamaica Bay, Reynolds Channel, and the Atlantic Beach area
Core Communities	Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, the Hewlett area, and Inwood
Broader Area Often Includes	Woodsburgh, North Woodmere, Atlantic Beach, Woodmere Park, Meadowmere Park, and nearby Hewlett villages
Known For	Established residential neighborhoods, strong community identity, kosher dining and shopping, waterfront access, and proximity to NYC and JFK Airport
Nearby Attractions	Atlantic Beach, North Woodmere Park, local waterfront parks, and regional shopping such as Green Acres
Transportation	Long Island Rail Road stations in Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, and Woodmere, plus road access via Peninsula Boulevard and nearby parkways; schedules and traffic conditions vary

For visitors, the Five Towns offer a look at one of Long Island’s most recognizable South Shore enclaves. Expect a mix of elegant residential streets, active village centers, community institutions, and waterfront scenery close to the city. Because many attractions here are neighborhood-based rather than resort-style destinations, it is smart to check park access, business hours, and transit details ahead of time before making a special trip.

From the stately character of Lawrence to the bustle of Cedarhurst and the bayfront feel of communities nearer Inwood and the Queens line, the Five Towns continue to stand out as a culturally rich and well-established part of Long Island.