The Five Towns

QUEENS, NEW YORK - JULY 9, 2020: Meadowmere Park bridge on Hook Creek. Meadowmere is a neighborhood in Queens, New York City. It is connected to Meadowmere Park in Lawrence, Nassau County, New York — The Meadowmere Park Bridge, which links Meadowmere, a small neighborhood in Queens, New York City, to Meadowmere Park, which lies just across Hook Creek in Lawrence, Nassau County – one of the Five Towns. Meadowmere Park, though technically a part of Lawrence, is a small waterfront community that’s often considered the westernmost edge of the Five Towns. It’s one of the last points in Nassau County before crossing into Queens. File photo: Leonard Zhukovsky, licensed.

The Five Towns of southwestern Nassau County are among the most historically significant and culturally diverse communities on Long Island. The name refers to a group of closely linked villages and hamlets located just east of the Queens border, known for their upscale suburban charm, waterfront living, and proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Despite the name, the “Five Towns” actually encompass more than five distinct communities – yet the moniker has endured as a symbol of regional identity, prestige, and shared heritage.

The Five Towns Explained

Traditionally, the term “Five Towns” refers to the following areas:

Lawrence – Known for its stately homes, tree-lined streets, and private country clubs.
Cedarhurst – Features a vibrant downtown with boutique shops, kosher dining, and community centers.
Woodmere – Offers a mix of residential elegance and family-oriented living, with convenient LIRR access.
Hewlett – Comprising multiple hamlets including Hewlett Bay Park and Hewlett Neck, noted for spacious estates.
Inwood – The westernmost and most urban of the five, located nearest to JFK Airport.

Some definitions also include adjacent communities such as North Woodmere, Atlantic Beach, and Woodmere Park, depending on cultural and postal boundaries.

Lifestyle and Character

The Five Towns region blends suburban tranquility with metropolitan convenience. Its population is known for cultural and religious diversity, particularly within the large and growing Orthodox Jewish community that has shaped the area’s schools, shops, and local services. The area features top-rated public and private schools, waterfront parks along Jamaica Bay, and proximity to Long Island’s South Shore beaches.

Residents enjoy access to fine dining, boutique shopping, and family recreation while being less than an hour from Manhattan – a balance that has made the Five Towns one of Nassau County’s most desirable residential areas for generations.

Category	Details
Location	Southwestern Nassau County, bordering Queens and Atlantic Beach
Communities Included	Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett, Inwood
Population	Approx. 45,000 combined
Known For	Affluent neighborhoods, Orthodox Jewish community, proximity to NYC and JFK Airport
Nearby Attractions	Atlantic Beach, North Woodmere Park, Green Acres Mall
Transportation	Long Island Rail Road (Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Lawrence, Inwood stations)

The Five Towns represent a unique fusion of suburban comfort, historical charm, and cultural vibrancy. From the elegant streets of Lawrence to the lively heart of Cedarhurst, each community adds its own character to the region’s collective identity. Whether you’re exploring its scenic parks, attending community events, or enjoying the short commute to New York City, the Five Towns continue to stand as one of Long Island’s most distinct and sought-after areas.