Then & Now
In July 1983, The New York Times published James Barron’s feature “If You’re Thinking of Living In: Five Towns.” It painted a vivid picture of Lawrence’s aristocratic “cottages,” Cedarhurst’s fashionable Central Avenue, Woodmere’s split‑levels, Hewlett’s historic Trinity Church, and Inwood’s modest homes — all under the constant hum of JFK jet traffic.
Nearly five decades later, we thought it would be fun to revisit that article and see what’s changed — and what’s stayed remarkably the same. The Five Towns remain one of Long Island’s most distinctive enclaves, but the housing market, community life, and local identity have evolved in fascinating ways.
📍 Geography & Setting
The Five Towns sit in southwestern Nassau County, within the Town of Hempstead. Just minutes from Queens and JFK Airport, the area blends suburban comfort with quick access to Manhattan.
🏘 Communities We Serve
When people say “Five Towns,” they usually mean Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett, and Inwood. But the lifestyle extends to nearby villages like Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, Hewlett Neck, Woodsburgh, and East Rockaway. Each neighborhood has its own character — from waterfront estates to walkable village centers.
The Five Towns: Then vs. Now
| Category | 1983 Snapshot (NYT, James Barron) | 2025 Update |
|---|---|---|
| Housing Prices | Lawrence “cottages” at $225K; Woodmere split‑levels $160K–$180K; few listings under $150K except Inwood | Lawrence estates $1.5M–$5M+; Hewlett/Woodmere $900K–$1.2M; Inwood $600K–$700K |
| Lifestyle & Amenities | Central Avenue known for dress shops; Far Rockaway once the hub; jet noise rattled windows | Central Avenue now a hub of kosher restaurants, boutiques, and cafés; jet noise still part of life but normalized |
| Community Identity | Lawrence “the most aristocratic”; Inwood most modest; Hewlett oldest with Trinity Church | Lawrence still prestigious; Inwood remains most affordable; Hewlett and Woodmere attract families with schools and balance |
| Commute | LIRR to Manhattan: 35–45 minutes; each town had its own station | Commute times remain 35–45 minutes; now with access to both Penn Station and Grand Central |
| Schools | Public schools “among the best on the Island” due to strong tax base; private schools like Lawrence Country Day and Woodmere Academy | Lawrence and Hewlett‑Woodmere districts still strong; expanded network of private/yeshiva schools reflecting community growth |
🏡 Housing & Neighborhood Character
- Lawrence: Prestigious and private, with sprawling estates, gated enclaves, and historic homes.
- Cedarhurst: Walkable and vibrant, anchored by Central Avenue’s boutiques, kosher restaurants, and specialty shops.
- Woodmere: A balance of large custom homes and more modest split‑levels, with waterfront options near Woodmere Bay.
- Hewlett: Family‑friendly, with strong schools and a mix of colonials, ranches, and co‑ops.
- Inwood: The most affordable entry point, with capes, multi‑families, and smaller homes. Diverse, close to JFK, and attractive to first‑time buyers and investors.
👉 2025 Market Snapshot: Median home prices range from $1.5M+ in Lawrence to $600K–$700K in Inwood, with Hewlett and Woodmere in the $900K–$1.2M range. Cedarhurst sits in between, depending on proximity to Central Avenue.
🎓 Schools & Education
- Served primarily by the Lawrence and Hewlett‑Woodmere school districts.
- A robust network of private and parochial schools, especially yeshivas, reflects the area’s strong Orthodox Jewish community.
- Smaller class sizes and high property‑tax revenues support strong academic and extracurricular programs.
🚆 Commute & Connectivity
- LIRR ride to Penn Station or Grand Central: 35–45 minutes, depending on the town.
- Proximity to JFK: 10–20 minutes, ideal for frequent flyers.
- Road access: Sunrise Highway, Southern State Parkway, and Rockaway Turnpike connect residents to Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.
🌳 Lifestyle & Amenities
- Central Avenue in Cedarhurst remains the cultural and commercial hub, with boutiques, bakeries, and restaurants.
- Beaches & clubs: Residents enjoy Atlantic Beach, the Rockaways, and private yacht, golf, and tennis clubs.
- Shopping: Green Acres Mall in Valley Stream and Roosevelt Field in Garden City are nearby, but many prefer the boutique feel of local shops.
- Community life: Synagogues, civic associations, and neighborhood groups are central to daily life.
💰 Property Taxes
- Lawrence: Lower effective tax rate, but high assessments mean large bills.
- Inwood: Higher rates, though homes are more modest.
- Hewlett, Woodmere, Cedarhurst: Middle ground, with strong school funding.
✅ Bottom Line
The Five Towns continue to offer a unique blend of suburban luxury, cultural vibrancy, and urban convenience. Whether you’re drawn to Lawrence’s estates, Cedarhurst’s walkability, Hewlett’s schools, Woodmere’s balance, or Inwood’s affordability, the area remains one of Long Island’s most distinctive enclaves.
At Five Town Homes & Living, we believe moving here isn’t just about buying a house — it’s about joining a community. Whether you’re drawn to the waterfront estates of Hewlett Harbor, the vibrant shopping of Cedarhurst, or the family-friendly blocks of Woodmere, we help you find not just a property, but a lifestyle that fits.
Thinking about buying or selling in the Five Towns? Let’s navigate it together. Contact Five Town Homes & Living for a personalized consultation that aligns with your goals.
516-342-0056 or 561-901-9232
Joey Frankel, a native of the Five Towns, Long Island with years of real estate experience is a social media expert, who will get your home the maximum exposure it needs. She is also a dual agent for both Manhattan and Long Island. Joey will bring you young professionals who are seeking the suburban lifestyle.
Sandy Carl is a native of the Five Towns Long Island and familiar with the surrounding communities and school districts on Long Island. She brings over 15 years of event sales experience and real estate with a keen eye for design and home renovations.
Frankel/Carl Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Office: 561-901-9232 |516-342-0056
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