Westbury, New York

Westbury, located in the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County, is a centrally located Long Island community known for its diversity, transit access, and mix of residential neighborhoods, shopping, and entertainment. The incorporated village and surrounding Westbury area offer an easy base for exploring central Nassau, with a lively downtown, regional attractions nearby, and convenient connections to the rest of Long Island and New York City.
History and Community
Westbury traces its roots to the 1600s, when Quaker settlers established one of the area’s earliest communities. Over time, it grew from a farming settlement into a busy suburban village with strong civic ties and a notably diverse population. Today, Westbury is widely recognized for its cultural variety, longstanding neighborhoods, and active local identity.
Local Attractions
Visitors to Westbury can explore downtown Post Avenue for restaurants, shops, and community events, then catch a show at the well-known Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, a longtime Long Island performance venue. Samanea New York has also become a prominent local destination, adding entertainment, dining, and retail to the former Mall at The Source property. For larger-scale shopping, nearby Roosevelt Field remains one of the region’s major retail centers. Just north of the village, Old Westbury Gardens offers landscaped grounds, seasonal programming, and a classic look at Long Island’s Gold Coast heritage. Hours, ticketing, and event schedules may vary, so it is best to check ahead before visiting.
Parks and Recreation
Westbury residents and visitors have access to local parks, playgrounds, athletic facilities, and recreation programs, while nearby Eisenhower Park adds golf, tennis, swimming, trails, and seasonal events on a much larger scale. Westbury is also within a reasonable drive of Jones Beach and other South Shore destinations, making it a convenient inland base for day trips. Park amenities and hours can change by season.
Transportation
Westbury is a strong commuter location thanks to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station in the village. Depending on the schedule and time of day, service may include trains to Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, or connections through other hubs, so riders should confirm current service details before traveling. By car, Westbury is close to the Northern State Parkway and has convenient access to major routes across central Nassau County, including nearby connections to the Long Island Expressway and the Meadowbrook State Parkway.
Visitor Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Central Nassau County, within the Town of North Hempstead |
| Population | About 15,000 residents in the incorporated village, with a larger surrounding Westbury area |
| Known For | Diverse community, downtown Westbury, Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, Samanea New York, nearby Old Westbury Gardens and Roosevelt Field |
| Transportation | Westbury LIRR station, major Nassau road access, and nearby parkway connections |
| Nearby Parks | Local village parks, Eisenhower Park, and South Shore beaches within driving distance |
| Education | Westbury Union Free School District serves much of the area, with neighboring districts serving some nearby sections |
| Local Vibe | Diverse, convenient, active, and community-oriented |
Westbury combines suburban comfort with a busy central Nassau location, giving visitors easy access to entertainment, shopping, parks, and transportation. Whether you are heading to a performance, exploring Old Westbury Gardens, visiting Samanea New York, or using the LIRR for a day trip into Manhattan, Westbury remains one of Long Island’s most practical and welcoming communities to explore. As always, check attraction hours, event calendars, and transit schedules before you go.
Are you ready for fall on Long Island? Check out these local seasonal guides:
🍎 Apple Picking 🍓 Strawberry Picking 🎃 Pumpkin Picking 👻 Haunted Houses 🍂 Farm Festivals