Old Westbury, New York
Old Westbury, New York, is a historic village on Long Island’s North Shore, known for grand estates, equestrian tradition, and quiet, tree-lined roads. Located in Nassau County within the Town of North Hempstead, it retains a distinctly pastoral character while remaining within easy reach of New York City.
Best known publicly for Old Westbury Gardens and its place within Long Island’s storied Gold Coast, the village blends Gilded Age heritage with a low-density residential setting. Visitors come primarily for the gardens, scenic drives, and nearby cultural destinations rather than a traditional downtown district.
Location & Community
Old Westbury sits between Roslyn, Westbury, Brookville, and Jericho. Its winding roads, wooded buffers, and expansive properties make it one of the most distinctive residential landscapes on Long Island.
- County: Nassau
- ZIP Code: 11568
- Area Code: 516
- Coordinates: 40.7889° N, 73.6008° W
- Nearby Communities: East Hills, Brookville, Jericho, Westbury, Roslyn area villages
History & Heritage
Old Westbury’s history reaches back to the colonial era, but the village became nationally associated with wealth and estate living in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when prominent families established country homes on former farmland and rolling North Shore acreage.
Its best-known landmark, Old Westbury Gardens, centers on Westbury House, the former estate of John Shaffer Phipps, completed in 1906. Today the property operates as a historic house museum and public garden destination, with formal landscapes, woodlands, and estate architecture that help tell the story of the Gold Coast. Elsewhere in the village, historic estates continue to define the area’s identity, whether preserved as private homes, institutional campuses, or carefully maintained grounds.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Old Westbury offers a quiet, green, and highly residential setting shaped by gardens, golf, equestrian culture, and historic landscapes:
- Old Westbury Gardens: The village’s signature public attraction, featuring formal gardens, walking paths, exhibitions, and seasonal events. Hours and programs vary by season.
- Old Westbury Golf & Country Club: A longstanding private club tied to the area’s country-estate tradition.
- Equestrian facilities: Horse properties and riding programs in and around the village, including Newman Equestrian Center, reflect Old Westbury’s longstanding equestrian culture; public access varies by facility.
- College campuses and open space: SUNY Old Westbury and New York Tech add cultural programming, athletics, and expansive campus landscapes to the area.
Most public visitor activity is centered at Old Westbury Gardens and the local college campuses. Check ahead for tours, event calendars, parking guidance, and any ticketing requirements before visiting.
Housing & Real Estate
Old Westbury is consistently ranked among Long Island’s most exclusive residential markets. The village is known for large estate lots, long private driveways, and homes often set well back from the road behind mature landscaping, gates, and stone walls.
Architectural styles include Colonial, Georgian, Tudor-inspired, and contemporary luxury homes. Zoning, lot size requirements, and the village’s longstanding commitment to landscape preservation help maintain its secluded, country-estate feel.
Schools & Education
Public school attendance in Old Westbury depends on the property address. Homes within the village may fall within portions of the Jericho, East Williston, Westbury, or Roslyn school districts.
The village is also home to two major higher-education institutions:
- New York Institute of Technology (New York Tech) – Long Island campus
- SUNY Old Westbury (State University of New York)
These campuses contribute lectures, performances, athletic events, and other community programming, though public access and schedules can vary.
Getting There & Around
- By Car: Old Westbury is most easily reached by car via the Northern State Parkway, the Long Island Expressway (I-495), and Jericho Turnpike. Local travel is generally car-dependent.
- By Rail: There is no Long Island Rail Road station in the village proper, but nearby stations in Westbury and Hicksville provide convenient connections to Manhattan.
- By Bus or Ride-Share: Limited bus service and ride-share options can help connect nearby rail stations and local destinations, but service details may change.
- Airports: LaGuardia and JFK International Airport are common choices for the region; travel times vary widely with traffic.
Why Visit or Move Here
Old Westbury appeals to travelers looking for formal gardens, Gold Coast architecture, and scenic North Shore drives rather than a bustling shopping district. For residents, it offers privacy, large lots, and a setting defined by estates, campuses, and preserved greenery. For visitors, Old Westbury Gardens remains the essential stop, with nearby communities adding dining, retail, and rail access.
Key Facts and Details
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Village Name | Old Westbury |
| County | Nassau County, NY |
| Incorporated | 1924 |
| ZIP Code | 11568 |
| Population | About 4,700–4,800 residents |
| Housing Market | Generally among Long Island’s most expensive |
| School Districts | Jericho, East Williston, Westbury, and Roslyn |
| Main Attraction | Old Westbury Gardens |
| Character | Historic · Residential · Secluded · Affluent |
Old Westbury remains one of the North Shore’s most distinguished villages, where the legacy of Long Island’s Gold Coast still shapes the landscape through estates, gardens, and broad green spaces. For anyone drawn to beauty, history, and a quieter side of Nassau County, it offers a memorable look at one of Long Island’s most refined settings.
