Elmont, New York
Elmont is a diverse, primarily residential hamlet and census-designated place in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, just east of Queens, New York City. Known for its strong community identity and convenient location, Elmont offers a suburban setting with easy access to major highways, rail service, and regional attractions. Its best-known landmark is Belmont Park, the historic racing grounds long associated with the Belmont Stakes, while nearby UBS Arena has added a major year-round sports and entertainment draw.
History
- Early Settlement: Originally farmland, Elmont developed in the 17th and 18th centuries as part of the Dutch and English settlement of western Long Island.
- Belmont Park: Opened in 1905, the racetrack helped transform Elmont into an internationally recognized horse-racing destination.
- Suburban Growth: Following World War II, Elmont experienced major residential expansion as families moved from New York City into Nassau County.
- Modern Development: The area continues to evolve, with the opening of UBS Arena in 2021 and ongoing changes around the Belmont Park campus.
Community & Lifestyle
- Population: About 35,000 to 36,000 residents.
- Character: Culturally diverse and family-oriented, with established neighborhoods, local schools, houses of worship, and small businesses.
- Location: Elmont directly borders Queens, giving commuters and visitors convenient access to New York City and western Long Island.
- Education: The community is served by multiple public school districts, including Elmont Union Free School District and Sewanhaka Central High School District.
Attractions & Things to Do
- Belmont Park: A historic racing complex and one of thoroughbred racing’s signature venues. Racing schedules, marquee events, and access details may vary by season or redevelopment phase, so it is smart to check ahead.
- UBS Arena: A modern arena that hosts the NHL’s New York Islanders along with concerts, family shows, and other major entertainment events.
- Belmont Park Village: A shopping and dining destination near the Belmont campus, adding another visitor draw to the area.
- Local Parks & Recreation: Elmont also has neighborhood parks, athletic fields, and community facilities that support youth sports and everyday recreation.
Nearby Landmarks
- Queens (NYC) – Immediate access to the borough for dining, shopping, airports, and cultural attractions.
- Long Island Jewish Medical Center – A major regional healthcare facility nearby in New Hyde Park.
- Hempstead Turnpike – A major commercial corridor running through Elmont and connecting nearby communities.
- Elmont-UBS Arena / Belmont Park Station (LIRR) – Rail access serves arena and racing visitors, though service patterns can vary by event, branch, and season.
Q&A – Elmont
Q: Is Elmont part of New York City?
A: No. Elmont is in Nassau County on Long Island, though it directly borders Queens and has strong day-to-day connections to NYC.
Q: What is Elmont best known for?
A: Elmont is best known for Belmont Park, UBS Arena, and its position along the Nassau-Queens border.
Q: Is Elmont a good place to live?
A: Many residents value Elmont for its established neighborhoods, diversity, community institutions, and convenient access to jobs and entertainment across the region.
Q: How do you get to Elmont from Manhattan?
A: By car, travelers often use the Grand Central Parkway and Cross Island Parkway. Visitors arriving from eastern Long Island frequently use the Long Island Expressway before connecting to local parkways. By rail, visitors may use the LIRR via Elmont-UBS Arena service, nearby stations such as Bellerose or Floral Park, and limited/event-based service to Belmont Park station. Check current schedules before traveling.
Vicinity of the Area
Key Facts & Details
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Western Nassau County, bordering Queens |
| Population | About 35,000+ |
| Character | Diverse, suburban, commuter-friendly |
| Key Attractions | Belmont Park, UBS Arena, Belmont Park Village |
| Nearby | Queens, Floral Park, Franklin Square, New Hyde Park |
| Transportation | Cross Island Parkway, Hempstead Turnpike, and LIRR access via Elmont-UBS Arena plus event-based Belmont Park service |
Elmont, NY, blends established Long Island neighborhoods with some of the region’s highest-profile sports and entertainment destinations. From the storied grounds of Belmont Park to the concerts and games at UBS Arena, the hamlet offers both local character and regional appeal. Whether you are visiting for a race day, an arena event, shopping, or a broader western Nassau County trip, Elmont is easy to reach and worth exploring. As always, check current event calendars, traffic conditions, and transit options before you go.
