East Rockaway

East Rockaway is a small incorporated village in the Town of Hempstead. With fewer than 10,000 residents, it’s one of Nassau’s least populated areas. It occupies one square mile on the South Shore. Originally called Near Rockaway, it was a busy hub for shipping and trading. It was a free port, meaning ships could unload cargo without paying customs duties, and its free status made it very busy.

The village is somewhat isolated, at least by Long Island standards. It is located a good distance from Sunrise Highway, the nearest major road. Drivers who need the Southern State Parkway must access it through Malverne or Rockville Centre. The village’s location, however, has helped it retain a level of charm missing from much of the South Shore, with its overabundance of strip malls. Though East Rockaway is not devoid of shopping, its retailers are generally not of the big-box variety. Rail commuters can choose from two LIRR stations, at East Rockaway and Centre Avenue. There is a two-minute difference between the two stations; travel time runs between 40 and 45 minutes.

The school district is the smallest in Nassau County, with approximately 1,200 students. There are two elementary schools, Rhame Avenue and Centre Avenue, for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Students in seventh through twelfth grade attend a combined junior and high school. In 2009, the U.S. Education Department designated Centre Avenue School a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Overall, scores on state assessments, including Regents exams, have been strong. Nine Advanced Placement courses are offered to high school students, and scores have been increasing steadily. An alternative program for struggling students has a 91% graduation rate.

Despite its small size, East Rockaway has a lot of recreational offerings. In 2011, the John Street Recreation Center opened, providing a place for area kids to participate in organized activities. The department runs sports and preschool camps. Memorial Park has a recently renovated playground, and its bandstand is the site of outdoor summer performances. Bay Park, run by the county, has 96 acres with tennis and basketball courts, athletic fields and bike and running paths. Its location along the water also allows for fishing and boating. There are no swimming beaches, but several Town of Hempstead beaches are nearby.

East Rockaway’s real estate prices vary, with a good amount of affordable inventory. However, property taxes are very high. Many of the homes were built during the 1920 and before, and these homes tend to be small. The village’s larger homes were built later, after World War II. There are several condo and co-op complexes.