Uniondale, New York

File photo: Jai Agnish, licensed.
This image captures the fast-paced action of a professional hockey game, representing Uniondale’s long-standing connection to major league sports. Though the New York Islanders have since moved to UBS Arena, Uniondale was home to the team for decades at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum — a defining landmark of the community. The image is a nod to Uniondale’s legacy as a center for thrilling entertainment and sporting excellence. File photo: Jai Agnish, licensed.

Located in the heart of Nassau County, Uniondale is a diverse and energetic hamlet within the Town of Hempstead on Long Island. With its central location, proximity to major highways, and deep-rooted community pride, Uniondale has long served as a vital hub for education, culture, and commerce in the region.

One of Uniondale’s most defining features is Hofstra University, a nationally recognized private university that brings a vibrant academic and cultural presence to the community. With a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, Hofstra is also home to the Maurice A. Deane School of Law and the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. The university hosts major events, lectures, and sports competitions, drawing visitors from all over the country and contributing significantly to the local economy and culture.

Uniondale also boasts a proud legacy in entertainment and sports as the longtime home of the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum. For decades, the Coliseum served as a premier venue for concerts, family shows, and professional sports, including as the former home of the New York Islanders hockey team. Though the Coliseum has seen changes in recent years, it remains an iconic landmark and part of the larger Nassau Hub redevelopment plan, a transformative project aiming to create a mixed-use district with residential, commercial, and tech-centered facilities.

Beyond its institutional landmarks, Uniondale is a tight-knit and bustling residential community. It features a mix of single-family homes, apartment complexes, and locally owned businesses. The area reflects a rich cultural tapestry, with a diverse population contributing to a strong sense of identity and neighborly spirit. Uniondale’s schools, churches, and community centers play a vital role in bringing people together through events, outreach programs, and youth services.

Uniondale is also well-connected. It offers quick access to the Meadowbrook State Parkway, Southern State Parkway, and Hempstead Turnpike, making it easy to travel across Long Island or into New York City. Public transit options include several Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus routes, and nearby Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations in Hempstead, Garden City, and East Meadow provide convenient commuter access.

Whether you’re exploring the academic scene at Hofstra, catching a show at the Coliseum, or simply enjoying the warmth of its residential neighborhoods, Uniondale offers a dynamic slice of Long Island life.

Uniondale Area Snapshot

CategoryDetails
CountyNassau County
TownTown of Hempstead
PopulationApprox. 32,000
Known ForNassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Hofstra University
Nearby ParksEisenhower Park, Uniondale Avenue Park, Kennedy Memorial Park
Public TransitNICE Bus, LIRR access via Hempstead Station and nearby East Meadow

Uniondale continues to grow as a diverse, accessible, and culturally rich hamlet in the heart of Nassau County. Whether you’re visiting for a concert, touring Hofstra, or seeking a neighborhood with strong community roots and urban convenience, Uniondale delivers a well-rounded Long Island experience.