Flower Hill
Quick Facts
County: Nassau County
Town: Town of North Hempstead
Zip Codes: 11030 (Manhasset), 11050 (Port Washington), 11576 (Roslyn)
Approximate Population: 4,794 (2020 Census)
Incorporated: 1931 (Village)
Area: Over 22 miles of roadway
Distance to Manhattan: ~20 miles
Nearest LIRR Stations: Manhasset, Plandome, Port Washington (Port Washington Branch); Roslyn (Oyster Bay Branch)
Nearest Major Roadways: Port Washington Boulevard (NY-101), Northern Boulevard (NY-25A), Middle Neck Road, Stonytown Road
School Districts: Manhasset UFSD, Port Washington UFSD, Roslyn UFSD (varies by address)
Average Household Income: $234,702
Community Overview
Flower Hill is an incorporated village in the Town of North Hempstead, located at the intersection of three of the North Shore's most prominent communities: Manhasset, Port Washington, and Roslyn. What makes Flower Hill unique is the number three — the village is served by three different school districts, three fire districts, three water districts, three zip codes, three post offices, and three library systems. Depending on where you live within the village, your services come from different Manhasset, Port Washington, or Roslyn districts.
The village was incorporated on May 25, 1931, after Port Washington announced plans to incorporate as the "City of Port Washington" with boundaries matching the Port Washington UFSD. Had that plan succeeded, much of what is now Flower Hill would have been absorbed into the proposed city and would have been its primary source of tax revenue. Carlos W. Munson, heir to a steamship fortune and Flower Hill's founding father, organized residents to incorporate the village and block the proposal. When Flower Hill incorporated, it had a population of 288. Port Washington never incorporated and remains an unincorporated hamlet to this day.
Flower Hill's terrain is hilly, wooded, and elevated — providing scenic overlooks throughout the village. From Mason's Overlook, residents can see the Manhattan skyline. From Sand Miner's Overlook, the views extend across Long Island Sound to Westchester County. The tree-lined streets, large lots, and elevation changes give the village a character distinct from the flatter, more grid-like neighborhoods nearby.
The village has no LIRR station within its borders, but the Port Washington Branch forms part of Flower Hill's western boundary, and residents have access to Manhasset, Plandome, and Port Washington stations — all on the Port Washington Branch with direct service to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. The Roslyn station on the Oyster Bay Branch is also nearby for residents in the southeastern portion of the village.
St. Francis Hospital, one of the most recognized cardiac care centers in the United States and the only specialty-designated cardiac center in New York State, is located within Flower Hill on Port Washington Boulevard at its intersection with Middle Neck Road.
The Rule of Three — Understanding Flower Hill's Districts
Flower Hill's most important detail for buyers is that the village spans three school districts, and the district serving a specific address directly affects schools, taxes, library access, and property value.
Manhasset UFSD — Serves the western portion of the village. Homes in this section use the 11030 zip code and are served by the Manhasset Public Library. The Manhasset portion of Flower Hill includes some of the village's largest properties, with lots up to an acre or more. Many homeowners in this section add pools and tennis courts.
Port Washington UFSD — Serves the northeastern portion of the village. Homes use the 11050 zip code and are served by the Port Washington Public Library. South Salem Elementary School (Port Washington UFSD) is located within this section of Flower Hill. Residents can park at the Port Washington train station.
Roslyn UFSD — Serves the southeastern portion of the village. Homes use the 11576 zip code and are served by the Bryant Library in Roslyn. The former Roslyn-Flower Hill Elementary School operated within this section from 1953 to 1980.
Buyers should verify which school district, zip code, fire district, and water district serve any specific property before purchasing. The boundaries do not follow obvious geographic lines, and a single street can be split between districts.
Things to Do / Lifestyle & Amenities
Flower Hill has a small commercial district along Port Washington Boulevard extending from its western end (diagonally across from the Americana Manhasset) to Mineola Avenue and Fernwood Lane at its eastern end. The strip includes local businesses, professional offices, and an Aston Martin/McLaren dealership.
For broader dining, shopping, and entertainment, residents are within a short drive of three distinct downtowns. Manhasset's Plandome Road offers restaurants, cafes, and the Americana Manhasset luxury retail center on Northern Boulevard. Port Washington's Main Street has over 50 restaurants, the Dolphin Bookshop & Cafe, and the Landmark on Main Street performing arts center. Roslyn's walkable downtown includes restaurants, boutiques, the Roslyn Movie Theatre, and Roslyn Pond.
The Flower Hill Village Historical Gallery, established in 2023 inside Village Hall, documents the village's history through images, documents, and maps. The gallery was created by Village Historian Mitchell Schwartz.
Outdoor Recreation
Flower Hill's hilly terrain and scenic overlooks provide a natural recreational character within the village itself.
Flower Hill Village Park
A village-owned park featuring walking trails, a stage, a sports wall, a basketball court, and a playground. The park was recently renovated by the village.
Elderfields Preserve
A historic farm, museum, and nature preserve owned by Nassau County, located within the village. The property is operated by the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society and includes the Sands-Willets Homestead — a historic home dating to the colonial era. The Sands Barn, dating to the 17th century, is also on the property.
Scenic Overlooks
Flower Hill's elevation provides multiple vantage points throughout the village. Mason's Overlook offers views of the Manhattan skyline. Sand Miner's Overlook provides views across Long Island Sound to Westchester County. These views are a defining feature of the village's character.
Nearby Parks
Manorhaven Beach Park, North Hempstead Beach Park, Bay Walk Park, and the Sands Point Preserve are all accessible in Port Washington. Christopher Morley Park (98 acres) in Roslyn Heights offers a pool, ice rink, golf, and nature trails. Whitney Pond Park sits on the Manhasset-Roslyn border.
Nearby Communities
Manhasset borders Flower Hill to the west, with its LIRR station, walkable downtown, and the Americana Manhasset. Port Washington is to the north, with its waterfront Main Street and the terminus of the Port Washington Branch. Plandome and Plandome Manor border to the northwest and north. Roslyn and Roslyn Estates are to the south and southeast. North Hills is accessible to the south.
For a broader look at all the communities we cover, visit our communities hub.
Commute to Manhattan
Flower Hill does not have its own LIRR station, but the Port Washington Branch forms part of the village's western boundary, and multiple stations are within a short drive.
Nearest LIRR Stations (Port Washington Branch):
Manhasset — ~37 to 43 minutes to Penn Station
Plandome — ~38 to 45 minutes to Penn Station
Port Washington — ~35 to 48 minutes to Penn Station (express)
All three provide direct service to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison without a transfer at Jamaica.
Roslyn Station (Oyster Bay Branch) — accessible from the southeastern portion of the village; ~50 to 65 minutes to Penn Station with a transfer at Jamaica or Mineola.
Parking: Flower Hill residents are entitled to park at the Port Washington train station through the Port Washington Parking District.
Driving to Midtown Manhattan: Approximately 19 to 23 miles. Without traffic, the drive takes roughly 28 to 38 minutes via Port Washington Boulevard south to Northern Boulevard or the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to the Queens-Midtown Tunnel. During peak commute hours, expect 50 to 75 minutes depending on route and conditions.
Bus: NICE bus routes serve Flower Hill along Northern Boulevard and Port Washington Boulevard.
History
The land now known as Flower Hill was originally inhabited by the Matinecock people, who called the area Sint Sink, meaning "Place of Small Stones." After European settlement, the area became known as Cow Neck, with the name "Flower Hill" first appearing in local records shortly thereafter to define large portions of the peninsula.
Farms in Flower Hill occupied an ideal location — goods were produced and taken down to Manhasset Bay or Hempstead Harbor, then shipped by water to New York City. A long fence was built extending from Manhasset Bay to Hempstead Harbor to enclose the Cow Neck Peninsula for grazing, and the Hewlett family was among the original holders of gate rights (approximately 20 acres per right). By the American Revolution, the heart of the community was centered around modern-day Port Washington Boulevard, Bonnie Heights Road, and Country Club Drive — the same area where the village center remains today.
Carlos W. Munson, heir to the Munson Steamship Line fortune, became Flower Hill's founding father. His estate, Elderfields, occupied a large portion of the village. When Port Washington proposed incorporating as a city in 1930, Munson organized residents to form their own village instead. Flower Hill was incorporated on May 25, 1931, with a population of 288 and Arthur G. Elvin as its first mayor.
The post-war baby boom transformed Flower Hill from a small estate community into a residential village. The Broadridge development, the Flower Hill Country Estates (built over the former Munson and Ricks estates), and the Pinewood at Flower Hill development (built over the D'Oench family's Sunset Hill estate) added hundreds of homes in the late 1940s and 1950s. From the early 1900s through the 1920s, a trolley line ran through the village connecting Mineola, Roslyn, and Port Washington, with a trolley yard and power station at the corner of Middle Neck Road and Northern Boulevard.
The Flower Hill Cemetery (also known as the Burtis Cemetery) was designated a Village of Flower Hill Historic Landmark in 2023. The George Washington Denton House on West Shore Road was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Real Estate Overview
Flower Hill's housing stock spans a wide range, from post-war split-levels and ranches to large colonials and Tudor-style homes on lots up to an acre or more. The village includes several distinct residential sections — Broadridge, Flower Hill Country Estates, Pinewood at Flower Hill, Rolling Wood, Heritage Hills/Overlook Estates, and Wildwood — each developed at different times and with different housing styles.
The Manhasset portion of Flower Hill includes some of the village's largest and most expensive properties, with homes ranging from approximately $1.5 million to $7.8 million. These homes often sit on lots of a half acre to over an acre, with many featuring pools and tennis courts. Colonials are the most common style, alongside Tudors and ranches.
The Port Washington portion includes the Flower Hill Country Estates and other sections, with homes generally ranging from $900,000 to $2.5 million. The Roslyn portion offers additional housing options, with some properties at comparatively lower price points.
The village has a design review board that reviews new house designs and major renovations. The average household income in Flower Hill is approximately $234,702, one of the highest in Nassau County.
The most critical detail for buyers: which school district serves the property. Homes in the Manhasset and Port Washington UFSD sections generally command higher prices than comparable homes in the Roslyn section, though all three districts carry strong reputations.
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Schools
Flower Hill is served by three public school districts:
Manhasset UFSD — Serves the western portion of the village. Operates Munsey Park Elementary, Shelter Rock Elementary, Manhasset Middle School, and Manhasset Secondary School.
Port Washington UFSD — Serves the northeastern portion. South Salem Elementary School is located within this section of Flower Hill. The district also includes four other elementary schools, Carrie Palmer Weber Middle School, and Paul D. Schreiber Senior High School.
Roslyn UFSD — Serves the southeastern portion. Operates Heights School, Harbor Hill School, East Hills School, Roslyn Middle School, and Roslyn High School.
The Vincent Smith School, a private school serving grades 1 through 12, is located within Flower Hill on Port Washington Boulevard.
Buyers should verify which school district serves a specific address before purchasing, as district boundaries within the village do not follow obvious geographic lines.
For additional details, visit the individual school district websites or review district information on GreatSchools.org.
Who Considers Flower Hill?
Buyers consider Flower Hill for large lots, scenic views, village governance, and access to three of the North Shore's most sought-after school districts — all within a single incorporated village.
The Manhasset portion of Flower Hill is particularly attractive to buyers who want Manhasset school district access on larger lots than are typically available within the hamlet of Manhasset itself. Properties in this section can approach an acre or more, with room for pools and tennis courts — a scale that's uncommon in the core Manhasset neighborhoods.
The Port Washington portion appeals to buyers who want the Port Washington UFSD at a different price point or lot size than what's available in Port Washington proper, Sands Point, or Baxter Estates.
The village's scenic overlooks, hilly terrain, and tree-lined streets give it a character that buyers frequently describe as feeling more like the Gold Coast estate communities to the east than the denser residential neighborhoods to the south. Buyers relocating from Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other North Shore communities are drawn to the combination of space, views, and school district access.
Buying or Selling in Flower Hill?
Eric Berman and The Eric Berman Team at Compass operate from the North Shore, with direct knowledge of Flower Hill and the surrounding communities. The team understands the three-school-district dynamic that defines this market — including how district boundaries affect pricing, buyer interest, and resale value at the address level. Whether you're buying a colonial in the Manhasset section or selling a split-level in Rolling Wood, the team brings local knowledge and real transaction experience.
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Call Eric Berman directly: 917-225-8596
Frequently Asked Questions About Flower Hill
Q: What school districts serve Flower Hill?
A: Flower Hill is served by three public school districts: Manhasset UFSD (western portion), Port Washington UFSD (northeastern portion), and Roslyn UFSD (southeastern portion). The district serving a specific address depends on location within the village and significantly affects pricing. A single street can be split between districts, so buyers should verify boundaries at the address level.
Q: How far is Flower Hill from Manhattan?
A: Flower Hill is approximately 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The nearest LIRR stations are Manhasset, Plandome, and Port Washington on the Port Washington Branch, providing direct service to Penn Station in approximately 35 to 48 minutes with no transfer required. By car, the drive takes 28 to 38 minutes without traffic and 50 to 75 minutes during peak hours.
Q: What types of homes are available in Flower Hill?
A: Flower Hill includes colonials, Tudors, split-levels, ranches, and contemporary homes across several residential sections. The Manhasset portion features the largest properties, ranging from approximately $1.5 million to $7.8 million on lots up to an acre or more. The Port Washington portion generally ranges from $900,000 to $2.5 million. The Roslyn portion offers additional options at varied price points.
Q: Why does Flower Hill have three of everything?
A: Flower Hill is located at the junction of three major North Shore communities — Manhasset, Port Washington, and Roslyn. When the village incorporated in 1931, it drew its boundaries across all three areas. As a result, different sections of the village are served by different school districts, fire districts, water districts, zip codes, post offices, and library systems. The specific district serving a property depends entirely on its location within the village.
Q: What is St. Francis Hospital?
A: St. Francis Hospital, located in Flower Hill on Port Washington Boulevard, is one of the most recognized cardiac care centers in the United States and the only specialty-designated cardiac center in New York State. It is operated by Catholic Health Services of Long Island.
Q: What is Elderfields Preserve?
A: Elderfields Preserve is a historic farm, museum, and nature preserve owned by Nassau County, located within Flower Hill. The property includes the Sands-Willets Homestead (a colonial-era home) and the Sands Barn (dating to the 17th century), both operated by the Cow Neck Peninsula Historical Society.
Q: Why was Flower Hill incorporated?
A: Flower Hill was incorporated in 1931 after Port Washington proposed incorporating as the "City of Port Washington." Had that plan succeeded, much of Flower Hill would have been absorbed and taxed as part of the new city. Carlos W. Munson, heir to a steamship fortune, organized residents to form their own village and block the proposal. Port Washington never incorporated and remains an unincorporated hamlet today.
