Levittown, NY Area Guide

Levittown's history began in 1947 when the building firm Levitt and Sons broke ground on what would become one of America's first truly mass-produced suburbs. Constructed on former potato farmland to meet surging postwar demand for affordable housing, the community was specifically designed for returning World War II veterans. At its peak, builders completed 30 homes per day, eventually finishing the planned community by 1951. The development's success established a prototype for suburban planning that spread across the country, and the original Cape Cod and ranch-style homes from that era still define much of the streetscape today.

The Levittown Historical Society operates a museum that preserves artifacts and stories from the community's founding years, offering residents a window into the era when this ambitious housing experiment began. While most of the original residential architecture remains largely intact throughout the tree-lined streets, the community has evolved to include garden-style apartment complexes and other rental options alongside the single-family homes that first put Levittown on the map. The layout and design principles from those early planning decisions continue to shape daily life here.

Levittown's dining scene is centered along Hempstead-Bethpage Turnpike, the community's main commercial corridor, where a mix of Italian and Chinese restaurants forms the backbone of local eating. Italian fare runs deep here, with neighborhood pizzerias and sit-down spots serving familiar classics like penne alla vodka, wood-fired specialty pies, and house-made pasta. Chinese cuisine is equally well represented, with options ranging from traditional dim sum to Cantonese-style preparations that go well beyond standard takeout. Diners will also find casual American spots, delis, and family-owned eateries scattered throughout the strip malls that line the turnpike, making everyday dining convenient for residents across the community.

Levittown is a car-dependent community, and most residents rely on personal vehicles to get around. The Wantagh State Parkway and Southern State Parkway are the primary regional routes, connecting residents to neighboring Nassau County towns, as well as to New York City roughly an hour to the west. Hempstead-Bethpage Turnpike serves as the main local commercial corridor. For those who prefer public transit, the Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus system provides regional connections, and nearby Long Island Rail Road stations in Merrick and Bellmore offer commuter rail service into Penn Station in Manhattan, with free parking available at both stops. JFK International Airport is the closest major air hub, accessible via the parkway system. Walking and biking are more common on quieter residential streets, though the heavier traffic roads are less suited to either.

Levittown offers a solid collection of neighborhood parks well suited to active residents and families. Levittown Firefighters Memorial Park and MacLaren Stadium both feature soccer fields, football fields, and playgrounds with open green space for casual recreation. Redwing Field adds a basketball court to its baseball diamond, while Thurman Munson Memorial Field, Jerusalem Avenue Field, and Polaris Field round out the community's dedicated baseball facilities. Just beyond Levittown's borders, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow is one of Nassau County's largest parks, offering golf courses, tennis courts, athletic fields, and open lawns. Bethpage State Park, a short drive away, is home to the acclaimed Black Course and miles of trails through wooded terrain, making it a draw for golfers, hikers, and cyclists alike.

Levittown sits within Nassau County on Long Island, one of the more expensive housing markets in the country. One-bedroom apartments average around $2,544 per month, while two-bedroom units average approximately $3,181 per month — both figures notably above the New York state average of $3,027 for a one-bedroom. The community is largely residential and built around its well-known postwar single-family homes, which means the rental inventory leans toward houses and smaller multi-family properties rather than large apartment complexes. The median household income of $130,572 reflects a relatively affluent community, and renters should expect pricing consistent with the broader Long Island market.

Shopping in Levittown centers on the Hempstead-Bethpage Turnpike, the community's main commercial corridor, where strip malls and retail centers line the road with a practical mix of apparel, home goods, and everyday essentials. The Levittown Mews shopping center is among the established retail hubs along this stretch, offering a convenient cluster of stores for residents. For a broader mall experience, Roosevelt Field Mall and Broadway Commons are both a short drive away and have served the region for decades with department stores, national retailers, and dining options. Community events add a local flavor to Levittown's retail scene, including the annual Levittown Street Fair, where residents can browse and buy directly from local artisans and vendors.