East Williston
Quick Facts
County Nassau County (Town of North Hempstead)
Zip Code 11596
Approximate Population~2,600
Distance to Manhattan~25 miles
LIRR Station & Branch East Williston Station — Oyster Bay Branch
Nearest Major Roadways Hillside Avenue (NY-25B), I.U. Willets Road, Willis Avenue; LIE (I-495) accessible via nearby Mineola/Roslyn
Community Overview
East Williston is a small incorporated village in the Town of North Hempstead with a population of roughly 2,600 residents and fewer than 850 homes. It covers just over half a square mile — one of the smallest villages in Nassau County — and that compact footprint is a major part of its identity. Tree-lined streets, a walkable village center, and deep roots in the community define everyday life here.
The village core sits along East Williston Avenue and the area surrounding the LIRR station and Village Green. Station Plaza, the small commercial area near the train stop, anchors the village's historic center. The East Williston Village Historic District — listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1985 — preserves the residential and commercial fabric from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, featuring Colonial Revival, Late Victorian, and Gothic Revival architecture.
East Williston is almost entirely residential. There are no large shopping centers or commercial corridors within village limits, which keeps the streets quiet and the pace unhurried. Residents routinely describe a strong sense of belonging here. Volunteer organizations — including the East Williston Volunteer Fire Department — drive community life. Annual traditions like the Harvest Festival on the Village Green, Memorial Day and Veterans Day observances, and the holiday tree lighting ceremony draw residents together throughout the year.
The East Williston Public Library, located in Village Hall across from the train station, is another gathering point for the community. It offers programming for a wide range of interests and ages.
Things to Do in East Williston
Because East Williston is purely residential, dining, shopping, and nightlife options are found just outside village borders — most within walking distance.
Adjacent Williston Park, less than a mile away along Hillside Avenue and Willis Avenue, has a concentrated dining and retail corridor. Restaurants like Copperhill (a modern American restaurant set in a restored Victorian farmhouse), Sangria 71 (Spanish tapas and paellas), Skara Taverna (Greek), SriPraPhai (Thai), and La Marmite (French-Italian) are all within easy reach. Hildebrandt's, a longtime Williston Park diner, is a local institution. H Mart in Williston Park provides a full Asian grocery and fresh produce market.
Frantoni's Pizzeria, technically within East Williston, is a neighborhood favorite known for its variety of specialty slices.
The Wheatley Hills Golf Club, organized in 1913 on land purchased from the A.H. Titus Estate, is a private 18-hole course covering 110 acres within East Williston and Roslyn Heights. The original Titus homestead was converted into the clubhouse, and remnants of the Long Island Motor Parkway — built by the Vanderbilt family between 1908 and 1911 — are still visible on the property.
For broader shopping and dining, Mineola's downtown is a short drive south, and the Americana Manhasset and Roslyn's restaurant row are both accessible within 10 to 15 minutes by car.
Outdoor Recreation in East Williston
Devlin Field is the primary recreational space in the village, featuring baseball and softball diamonds and tennis courts. It sits across the street from the East Williston Village Green, which serves as the community's gathering space for seasonal events and everyday use.
The village's flat terrain and compact layout make it easy to walk or bike through the residential streets. Cherry trees along several blocks create a distinctive spring bloom.
For more extensive outdoor recreation, residents are within a short drive of several larger parks and preserves in nearby communities. Clark Botanic Garden in Albertson, the trails at Muttontown Preserve in East Norwich, and the waterfront parks in Roslyn and Port Washington are all easily accessible.
Nearby Communities
East Williston sits at the center of a cluster of established Nassau County communities, each with its own character.
Mineola borders East Williston to the south and serves as the Nassau County seat. Its revitalized downtown, direct LIRR service to Penn Station, and expanding dining scene make it one of the most accessible communities in the area.
Williston Park, directly to the west, shares a border with East Williston along the LIRR station. Its dense restaurant and retail corridor along Hillside Avenue and Willis Avenue is the closest commercial hub for East Williston residents.
Roslyn and Roslyn Heights sit to the north and northeast, offering a historic downtown, waterfront access along Hempstead Harbor, and a range of dining options along Roslyn's Main Street.
Old Westbury lies to the east, where larger estates and horse properties define the landscape. East Williston's compact village character contrasts sharply with Old Westbury's expansive lots.
Albertson, an unincorporated hamlet, flanks East Williston to the northeast and shares the same zip code area. For a full list of Nassau County communities served by The Eric Berman Team, visit the Communities page.
Commute to Manhattan from East Williston
East Williston has its own LIRR station on the Oyster Bay Branch, located at Hillside Avenue and Pennsylvania Avenue on the border with Williston Park. Most residents can walk to the station.
Trains on the Oyster Bay Branch run to Jamaica Station, where riders connect to Penn Station in Manhattan. The total commute is approximately 50 to 60 minutes door-to-door, depending on connections and time of day. Some commuters opt to drive to the nearby Mineola station on the Main Line for more frequent direct service and a faster ride — Mineola to Penn Station runs roughly 35 to 40 minutes.
By car, the Long Island Expressway (I-495) is accessible via Mineola or the Willis Avenue corridor, putting Midtown Manhattan approximately 25 miles west. Northern Boulevard (NY-25A) and Hillside Avenue (NY-25B) provide additional east-west routes.
NICE Bus routes N22, N23, and N27 serve the area around the East Williston station, connecting to nearby communities and transit hubs.
History of East Williston
The land that is now East Williston was farmland for centuries. The Willis family, among the area's earliest settlers, began purchasing property here in the late 1600s — Henry Willis bought land in the area in 1675. By the mid-1800s, numerous Willis family descendants lived throughout what was then simply called Williston. The area's name was changed to East Williston in 1879 when residents applied for a post office and discovered another Williston already existed upstate.
The arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1865 changed the village's character. A train station brought manufacturing — including brick making, windmill production, and carriage building. Henry M. Willis designed the East Williston Runabout Roadcart, a popular two-wheeled, two-seat carriage known for its smooth ride over rough roads. In 1926, the eastern portion of the community incorporated as the Village of East Williston, while the western portion incorporated separately as Williston Park, reflecting the distinct characteristics of each area.
In the 1930s, the Wheatley Ridge housing development was built on land that had previously been an estate owned by humorist and entertainer Will Rogers. The development was planned and constructed by Newell & Daniel, a major Long Island real estate firm of the era. In 1985, the village's historic residential and commercial core was designated as the East Williston Village Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
East Williston Real Estate Overview
East Williston's housing stock consists almost entirely of single-family detached homes. The roughly 850 homes in the village span a wide range of styles — colonials, capes, split-levels, and ranch-style houses are all common. Many homes date to the early-to-mid 1900s, with some properties along East Williston Avenue going back to the late 1800s. Newer construction is rare within village limits, which keeps the streetscape consistent and the architectural character intact.
Home prices in East Williston generally range from the mid-$800s to approximately $2.5 million, depending on lot size, condition, and proximity to the village center. The median property value has risen significantly in recent years, reflecting strong demand in a market with very limited inventory. The homeownership rate is extremely high — above 97% — and very few properties are rentals.
Because the village is so small, homes do not come on the market frequently. When they do, competition tends to be strong. It is common for buyers who grew up in East Williston to return as adults looking to purchase here, which adds to demand.
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Schools in East Williston
East Williston is served by the East Williston Union Free School District, which operates three schools:
North Side School (Grades K–4) — 110 East Williston Avenue, East Williston, NY 11596
Willets Road School (Grades 5–7) — 455 I.U. Willets Road, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
The Wheatley School (Grades 8–12) — 11 Bacon Road, Old Westbury, NY 11568
The district serves approximately 1,600 students with a student-to-teacher ratio of 9 to 1. Information about curriculum, enrollment, and academic programs is publicly available on the district's website at ewsdonline.org and through resources like GreatSchools.org.
Note: The East Williston UFSD also serves portions of adjacent communities, including parts of Roslyn Heights, Albertson, and Old Westbury. North Side School is the only district school physically located within the Village of East Williston.
Who Considers East Williston?
Buyers who tend to look at East Williston are typically drawn to a few specific features of the community.
The village's walkability and compact layout appeal to buyers who want a neighborhood where daily errands, the train station, and community amenities are within walking distance. The LIRR station at the edge of the village makes East Williston a consideration for Manhattan commuters who prefer a quieter residential setting with direct rail access.
The housing stock — mostly mid-century single-family homes on modest lots — attracts buyers looking for character and established landscaping rather than new construction. The limited inventory and high homeownership rate signal a community where turnover is low and residents tend to stay long-term.
Buyers who prioritize access to the East Williston Union Free School District are a significant portion of the market here. The district's three-school structure and small enrollment are distinctive features.
East Williston also draws interest from buyers relocating from Queens or other parts of western Nassau County who want to remain close to the city while gaining a more residential setting. The village's proximity to Mineola, Williston Park, and Roslyn means residents are never far from dining, shopping, and services.
Buying or Selling in East Williston?
Eric Berman and The Eric Berman Team at Compass specialize in Nassau County's North Shore and North Hempstead communities, including East Williston. With deep local knowledge of the village's housing stock, pricing patterns, and market dynamics, Eric provides clients with the kind of hyper-local insight that national platforms and out-of-area agents simply do not have.
Whether you are buying your first home, relocating to the area, or selling a property you have owned for decades, The Eric Berman Team brings a data-driven, client-first approach to every transaction.
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Call Eric directly at 917-225-8596.
Frequently Asked Questions About East Williston
What is the commute from East Williston to Manhattan?
East Williston has its own LIRR station on the Oyster Bay Branch. Trains run to Jamaica Station, where riders transfer to Penn Station in Manhattan. The total trip typically takes 50 to 60 minutes. Some commuters also drive to Mineola station for more frequent direct service, which runs approximately 35 to 40 minutes to Penn Station.
How much do homes cost in East Williston?
Home prices in East Williston generally range from the mid-$800s to approximately $2.5 million. The median property value has been rising in recent years due to strong demand and limited inventory. The village has roughly 850 homes and turnover is low, so competition for available listings tends to be strong.
What school district serves East Williston?
East Williston is served by the East Williston Union Free School District, which operates three schools: North Side School (K–4), Willets Road School (5–7), and The Wheatley School (8–12). The district serves approximately 1,600 students. Detailed information is available at ewsdonline.org and GreatSchools.org.
Is East Williston walkable?
East Williston is one of the most walkable villages in Nassau County relative to its size. The LIRR station, Village Green, East Williston Public Library, and the commercial corridor in adjacent Williston Park are all within walking distance for most residents. The flat terrain and tree-lined streets make it easy to get around on foot or by bike.
What is there to do near East Williston?
While East Williston itself is primarily residential, Williston Park is directly adjacent and offers a wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and shops along Hillside Avenue and Willis Avenue. Mineola's downtown is a short drive south. Roslyn and Manhasset are both within 10 to 15 minutes by car and offer additional dining, shopping, and waterfront access.
Is East Williston a good place to live on Long Island?
East Williston consistently ranks among Nassau County's most desirable communities due to its compact village setting, strong community involvement, access to the East Williston Union Free School District, and proximity to Manhattan via the LIRR. The high homeownership rate and low turnover reflect a community where residents choose to stay for the long term.
What types of homes are in East Williston?
The housing stock is almost entirely single-family detached homes, including colonials, capes, split-levels, and ranches. Many homes date to the early-to-mid 1900s, with some properties along East Williston Avenue dating to the late 1800s. New construction is uncommon within the village.
