Cedarhurst, New York

Cedarhurst is an incorporated village in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, on Long Island’s South Shore. Located in the southwestern corner of Nassau County, Cedarhurst is one of the communities traditionally associated with the Five Towns, together with Lawrence, Woodmere, Hewlett and Inwood. The village is particularly well known for its Central Avenue shopping district, kosher restaurants, independent retailers, residential neighborhoods and active community life.

Despite occupying only approximately 0.68 square miles, Cedarhurst serves as an important commercial and cultural center for the surrounding Five Towns region. Its compact downtown, public park, commuter railroad station and concentration of neighborhood businesses give it a character that differs from the predominantly residential communities nearby. The village had 7,374 residents in the 2020 United States Census and remains one of the more densely populated incorporated communities in southwestern Nassau County.

History of Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst’s history predates its incorporation as a village. The area was settled during the colonial period, when much of southwestern Long Island consisted of farmland, woodland and relatively small settlements connected by local roads. During the American Revolution, British forces occupied portions of the surrounding region, which was then part of Queens County. Nassau County would not be established as a separate county until 1899.

The community was originally known as Ocean Point, a name associated with its early development during the 19th century. After the Civil War, improved railroad transportation began transforming the rural South Shore into a collection of residential and recreational communities accessible from New York City.

Rail service reached Ocean Point in 1869 through the South Side Railroad of Long Island. The railroad encouraged landowners and developers to subdivide agricultural properties into residential lots, attracting new residents and seasonal visitors. Among those involved in the community’s early development were Charles A. Cheever and brothers Thomas E. and Samuel A. W. Marsh, who acquired land and promoted residential development.

The Marsh brothers envisioned a planned community with a central green surrounded by public buildings, including a church, schoolhouse and town hall. Although the original plan was never fully realized, it reflected the ambition to transform Ocean Point into a desirable suburban settlement.

How Ocean Point Became Cedarhurst

The name Cedarhurst was adopted in 1884, when a local post office was established. According to the village’s historical account, the name referred to a grove, or “hurst,” of cedar trees that stood near the post office. The change also helped establish a distinct identity for the developing community.

During the late 19th century, the area became associated with affluent residents and recreational institutions, including the Rockaway Hunting Club, established in 1878. The club’s historic grounds are now within neighboring Lawrence, but its early development was closely connected with the wider Cedarhurst and Ocean Point area.

As the population grew, residents sought greater local control over road maintenance and public improvements. These concerns eventually led to the incorporation of the Village of Cedarhurst on September 16, 1910. Horatio P. Vandewater became the village’s first president, the title originally used for its chief elected official.

Incorporation gave Cedarhurst its own municipal government, distinguishing it from nearby unincorporated communities such as Woodmere, Hewlett and Inwood. The village continues to operate under a mayor and board of trustees, providing local government services within the larger Town of Hempstead.

Central Avenue and the Five Towns Shopping District

Central Avenue is Cedarhurst’s principal commercial corridor and one of the best-known shopping streets in the Five Towns. The district contains a concentration of independently operated boutiques, restaurants, bakeries, specialty food stores, professional offices and neighborhood services.

During much of the 20th century, Central Avenue developed a reputation for fashionable shopping and upscale retailers, sometimes earning comparisons with prominent shopping districts in New York City. Its established commercial character continues to attract customers from Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Woodmere and other surrounding communities.

Today, the business district is particularly notable for its selection of kosher restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, clothing stores and specialty retailers. The businesses reflect the area’s substantial Orthodox Jewish community, which has played an important role in the commercial and cultural development of the Five Towns.

Visitors should be aware that many businesses observe the Jewish Sabbath and religious holidays, meaning some shops and restaurants close before sundown on Fridays and remain closed on Saturdays. Sunday is often an active shopping day, although individual operating hours vary.

The Cedarhurst Business Improvement District helps promote the commercial area through merchant programs, community activities and downtown improvements. Municipal parking areas support the shopping district, although visitors should review posted regulations, payment requirements and time limits before leaving their vehicles.

Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park

Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park is one of the village’s most important public gathering places. Located near the downtown shopping district, the park provides landscaped grounds, recreational facilities and space for concerts, celebrations and community events.

The park underwent substantial renovations between 1995 and 1997, improving its appearance and establishing it as a central venue for village activities. It was later named in honor of Andrew J. Parise, who served as Cedarhurst’s mayor from 1995 to 2015.

The park includes playground facilities and a gazebo used for outdoor entertainment. The village’s popular summer concert series, commonly known as Tuesday Night Under the Gazebo, brings live music and community gatherings to the park during the warmer months. Seasonal programs and special events are organized by the village and participating community groups.

Andrew J. Parise Park is particularly valuable because Cedarhurst is a compact and heavily developed community with limited large open spaces. Its central location allows residents and visitors to combine a park visit with shopping, dining and other activities in the village center.

Current programming, facility availability and event schedules can be checked through the Village of Cedarhurst’s official park information. Those exploring recreational destinations elsewhere in the region can also consult Long Island Guide’s coverage of parks and other outdoor attractions.

Community Culture and Local Landmarks

Cedarhurst’s cultural identity is closely connected to the larger Five Towns, where religious institutions, schools, local businesses and community organizations play prominent roles in everyday life. Synagogues, private educational institutions, kosher businesses and charitable organizations serve residents throughout Cedarhurst and neighboring communities.

One of Cedarhurst’s notable local landmarks is the clock tower honoring legendary basketball coach Red Holzman, who lived in the village for approximately 40 years. Located at the intersection of Central Avenue and Cedarhurst Avenue, the memorial recognizes the longtime New York Knicks coach who guided the team to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973.

The clock tower provides a distinctive point of interest within the shopping district and reflects Cedarhurst’s connection to a prominent figure in New York sports history. The village’s public spaces, seasonal concerts and community celebrations also contribute to its identity as more than a residential suburb.

Residential Neighborhoods and Village Government

Beyond Central Avenue, Cedarhurst consists primarily of established residential streets with detached homes, multifamily residences, mature landscaping and neighborhood institutions. Its relatively small geographic area and population density create a compact suburban environment, with many homes located within a reasonable distance of shops, services and public transportation.

As an incorporated village, Cedarhurst maintains its own local government, including a mayor, board of trustees and municipal offices. Village Hall is located at 200 Cedarhurst Avenue, near the commercial district.

The distinction between incorporated villages and unincorporated hamlets is important in southwestern Nassau County. Cedarhurst and neighboring Lawrence have their own village governments, while nearby Woodmere and Inwood are unincorporated communities within the Town of Hempstead.

Residents receive municipal and public services through a combination of village government, the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County and specialized service districts. Police protection is provided through the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct, while the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department serves the local area.

Schools, Libraries and Education

Cedarhurst is located within Lawrence Union Free School District 15, which serves students from several communities in the western Five Towns. The district operates public educational facilities serving elementary, middle and high school students.

The village and surrounding communities also have a substantial network of private and religious schools. These institutions contribute to the area’s educational and cultural identity and serve families throughout Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Woodmere and neighboring communities.

Public library services are available through the Peninsula Public Library, which serves residents of the Lawrence School District. The library provides books, digital resources, educational programming and other community services. Its role extends beyond traditional lending, providing an important public resource for residents throughout the area.

Transportation and the Cedarhurst Railroad Station

Cedarhurst’s development has been closely connected to the railroad since the 19th century. The modern Cedarhurst station is served by the Far Rockaway Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, providing connections toward Jamaica Station and onward to Manhattan, Brooklyn and other destinations depending on train schedules and connections.

The station is located near Cedarhurst Avenue and Chestnut Street, within walking distance of the village’s Central Avenue shopping district. This convenient relationship between the railroad and downtown has helped Cedarhurst maintain its role as a commercial center and commuter community.

Historically, the railroad station was associated with the community’s original name, Ocean Point. Its facilities were rebuilt and modified as railroad service evolved, reflecting the changing transportation needs of the surrounding Five Towns.

Cedarhurst is also served by Nassau Inter-County Express bus routes connecting the village with neighboring communities. For drivers, Peninsula Boulevard, Rockaway Turnpike and surrounding roads provide connections through southwestern Nassau County and toward Queens.

John F. Kennedy International Airport is located northwest of Cedarhurst in Queens. Its proximity is useful for residents and visitors traveling by air, although traffic conditions can significantly affect travel times.

Nearby Communities, Beaches and Recreation

Cedarhurst is closely connected to the neighboring villages and hamlets that make up the Five Towns. Lawrence lies immediately to the south and shares important commercial and community connections with Cedarhurst. Woodmere and Hewlett are located farther east, while Inwood occupies the western portion of the traditional Five Towns region.

Other nearby communities include Valley Stream and Lynbrook, which provide additional shopping, transportation and recreational opportunities.

Although Cedarhurst is associated with Long Island’s South Shore, the village itself is not an oceanfront destination. Residents and visitors seeking Atlantic Ocean recreation can travel to nearby Atlantic Beach and Long Beach, where beaches and waterfront facilities provide seasonal opportunities for swimming, walking and other activities.

North Woodmere Park, a Nassau County recreation facility serving the surrounding region, offers additional opportunities for golf, swimming, athletics and outdoor recreation. The combination of nearby parks, beaches and established shopping districts makes Cedarhurst a convenient starting point for exploring southwestern Nassau County.

Visiting Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst is best experienced by exploring Central Avenue and the surrounding downtown streets. Its compact commercial district makes it practical to combine shopping, dining and a visit to Andrew J. Parise Park in a single outing.

Visitors arriving by Long Island Rail Road can walk from Cedarhurst station to the main shopping district, while those arriving by car can use municipal parking areas and nearby street parking where permitted. Parking restrictions, meter requirements and time limits should be checked on arrival.

Because many local businesses observe Jewish religious traditions, visitors planning shopping or dining trips should confirm operating hours, especially on Fridays, Saturdays and religious holidays. Community concerts and other seasonal programs provide additional reasons to visit, with current schedules available through the Village of Cedarhurst.

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Cedarhurst, New York

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Key Facts and Details

Community	Cedarhurst
Municipal Status	Incorporated village
Town	Town of Hempstead
County	Nassau County
Region	Five Towns, South Shore of Long Island
ZIP Code	11516
2020 Census Population	7,374
2010 Census Population	6,592
2025 Population Estimate	7,334
Land Area	Approximately 0.68 square miles
2020 Population Density	Approximately 10,924 residents per square mile
Historic Name	Ocean Point
Railroad Service Established	1869
Name Cedarhurst Adopted	1884
Named For	A grove of cedar trees near the original post office
Incorporation Date	September 16, 1910
First Village President	Horatio P. Vandewater
Primary Shopping District	Central Avenue and surrounding downtown streets
Known For	Five Towns shopping, kosher dining, established neighborhoods and community events
Principal Public Park	Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park
Notable Local Landmark	Red Holzman memorial clock tower at Central Avenue and Cedarhurst Avenue
Public School District	Lawrence Union Free School District 15
Public Library	Peninsula Public Library
Rail Transportation	Cedarhurst station, Long Island Rail Road Far Rockaway Branch
Bus Transportation	Nassau Inter-County Express bus service
Nearby Airport	John F. Kennedy International Airport
Nearby Communities	Lawrence, Woodmere, Hewlett, Inwood and Valley Stream
Nearby Beaches	Atlantic Beach and Long Beach
Village Hall	200 Cedarhurst Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
Official Website	Village of Cedarhurst

Cedarhurst occupies a distinctive position among the communities of Nassau County, combining a history that began under the name Ocean Point with a thriving commercial district and a strong neighborhood identity. Its development alongside the railroad, incorporation in 1910 and evolution into a major shopping center helped establish the village as an important destination within the Five Towns. Today, Central Avenue, Andrew J. Parise Park, community institutions and the historic railroad connection remain central to village life. Together with neighboring Lawrence, Woodmere, Hewlett and Inwood, Cedarhurst continues to serve as a commercial, cultural and residential center in southwestern Long Island.