Lynbrook
Quick Facts
County: Nassau County
Town: Town of Hempstead
Zip Code: 11563
Approximate Population: 20,438 (2020 Census)
Incorporated: 1911 (Village)
Area: 2.0 square miles
Distance to Manhattan: ~18 miles
LIRR Stations: Lynbrook, Westwood (Babylon Branch)
Nearest Major Roadways: Sunrise Highway, Merrick Road, Peninsula Boulevard, Southern State Parkway
Community Overview
Lynbrook is an incorporated village on the South Shore of Nassau County, located within the Town of Hempstead. It sits approximately 18 miles east of Manhattan, bordered by Malverne to the north, Valley Stream to the west, Hewlett to the southwest, East Rockaway to the southeast, and Rockville Centre to the east. With a population of about 20,400, it's a compact, walkable village with a functioning downtown and strong commuter rail access.
The village's name is an anagram of "Brooklyn" — a nod to the many residents who relocated from that borough at the turn of the 20th century. Before that, the area was known by several names: Rechquaakie (its original Native American name), Parson's Corners, Bloomfield, and Pearsall's Corners (after a general store that served as a stagecoach stop for travelers between New York City and Long Island). The intersection where Hempstead Avenue, Merrick Road, and Broadway meet was called "Five Corners" because of that stagecoach stop. Lynbrook was incorporated as a village in 1911.
The downtown runs along Sunrise Highway and Atlantic Avenue, with restaurants, shops, cafes, a Regal movie theater, and local businesses. The LIRR station sits off Sunrise Highway between Peninsula Boulevard and Broadway, providing direct service to Penn Station on the Babylon Branch. The walkable grid of residential streets features sidewalks, mature trees, and a mix of colonials, Tudors, Cape Cods, and two-family homes.
Lynbrook has a notably active civic life. The village hosts events including an annual Oktoberfest, holiday parades, and seasonal festivals at Greis Park. Pop culture connections include the sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond, which is set on a fictional Fowler Avenue in Lynbrook (a real street in the center of town), and the model train store Trainland on Sunrise Highway, which was featured in The Sopranos.
Things to Do / Lifestyle & Amenities
Lynbrook's downtown along Sunrise Highway and Atlantic Avenue includes a mix of local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and shops. Dining options span Italian, American, Peruvian, and halal cuisines, with a range of sit-down and casual spots. The Regal Lynbrook multiplex provides a movie theater within walking distance of the train station.
Greis Park, the village's main park, hosts community events including Oktoberfest and seasonal festivals. The park includes a roller hockey rink, athletic fields, and the Lynbrook Village Pool (residents only).
Green Acres Mall in neighboring Valley Stream is a short drive west and provides a large-format retail center. Rockville Centre, directly to the east, offers a well-known restaurant and bar scene along its own downtown strip.
The Lynbrook Public Library provides community programming, resources, and events for residents.
The village's proximity to the South Shore beaches is another draw. Jones Beach State Park, Long Beach, and the barrier island beaches are all accessible via a short drive south on the Meadowbrook or Loop Parkway.
Outdoor Recreation
Lynbrook's South Shore location provides access to beaches, parks, and waterfront recreation within a short drive.
Greis Park
The village's primary park includes athletic fields, a roller hockey rink, a playground, tennis courts, and the Lynbrook Village Pool. The park hosts Oktoberfest and other community events throughout the year.
South Shore Beaches
Jones Beach State Park is accessible via the Meadowbrook State Parkway or Wantagh State Parkway, approximately 15 to 20 minutes south. Long Beach, a barrier island city with a boardwalk, beach, and dining, is also nearby. Point Lookout and Lido Beach offer additional shoreline access.
Nearby Parks
Hempstead Lake State Park, located north of Lynbrook, covers over 700 acres and includes hiking trails, a lake, athletic fields, and a carousel. The park connects to the Greenway Trail system. Eisenhower Park in East Meadow and Bethpage State Park are also accessible by car.
Nearby Communities
Lynbrook's South Shore location places it within easy reach of several neighboring communities. Rockville Centre, directly to the east, is one of the most well-known South Shore villages with a walkable downtown and strong dining scene. Malverne borders Lynbrook to the north. Valley Stream is to the west, closer to the Queens border. Hewlett and East Rockaway are to the south and southeast. Garden City is accessible to the northeast, and Lynbrook is approximately 4 miles from the Queens border.
For a broader look at all the communities we cover, visit our communities hub.
Commute to Manhattan
Lynbrook has its own LIRR station on the Babylon Branch, providing direct service to Penn Station.
LIRR Station: Lynbrook (located off Sunrise Highway between Peninsula Boulevard and Broadway)
Secondary Station: Westwood (off Whitehall Street, also within the village)
Branch: Babylon Branch
Typical Travel Time to Penn Station: ~35 to 42 minutes
Service to Grand Central Madison: Available via transfer at Jamaica
Train Frequency: Every 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours; approximately every 30 to 60 minutes off-peak
Driving to Midtown Manhattan: Approximately 18 to 20 miles. Without traffic, the drive takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes via the Southern State Parkway to the Belt Parkway, or via Sunrise Highway to the Cross Island Parkway to the Queensboro Bridge or Midtown Tunnel. During peak commute hours, expect 50 to 75 minutes depending on route and conditions.
Primary Driving Routes: Southern State Parkway west to Belt Parkway; Sunrise Highway west through Valley Stream and Queens; Peninsula Boulevard north to connecting routes.
Bus: NICE bus routes n4, n25, n31, and n32 serve Lynbrook and connect to Hempstead, Valley Stream, and other Nassau County corridors.
History
The area now known as Lynbrook was originally called Rechquaakie by the Native Americans who inhabited it. European settlers arrived in the colonial period, and the area went through several names — Parson's Corners, Bloomfield, and Pearsall's Corners — before becoming known as Lynbrook in 1894. The name was created by reversing the syllables of "Brooklyn," reflecting the large number of Brooklyn residents who were relocating to the area at the time.
The arrival of the South Side Railroad in the 1860s accelerated residential development. The village was incorporated in 1911. Through the early and mid-20th century, Lynbrook grew into a densely settled residential community with a commercial downtown along Sunrise Highway.
Three houses in Lynbrook were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2008: the House at 251 Rocklyn Avenue, the House at 474 Ocean Avenue, and the House at 73 Grove Street. Rockville Cemetery, which straddles the Lynbrook-Rockville Centre border, was listed in 2015.
Notable residents and connections include Bob Keeshan ("Captain Kangaroo"), who was born in Lynbrook; Whittaker Chambers, the journalist and anti-Communist figure who grew up in the village; Alan Colmes, the television and radio personality; and Tony Kornheiser, the ESPN commentator, who was raised here.
Real Estate Overview
Lynbrook's housing stock is a mix of single-family detached homes, two-family homes, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and some condo and co-op units. The most common styles are colonials, Tudors, Cape Cods, and brick homes, with the majority of the housing stock built before 1939 (approximately 45%) or between 1940 and 1969 (approximately 41%). Newer construction and renovations are also part of the mix.
Single-family detached homes account for roughly 56% of the housing inventory. Two-family and multi-unit properties are more common in Lynbrook than in many Nassau County villages, which adds variety to the housing options and attracts buyers looking for rental income or multi-generational living.
The median home price in Lynbrook has generally tracked between $650,000 and $750,000. Prices range from the mid-$400s for co-ops and smaller condos to $900,000 and above for fully renovated single-family homes on larger lots. Two-family homes typically fall in the $700,000 to $1 million range. The market is competitive, with homes averaging approximately 27 to 40 days on market.
Lynbrook is considered one of the more accessible entry points into the South Shore Nassau County market, with pricing that tends to be lower than neighboring Rockville Centre while offering comparable commuter rail access and walkability.
Buyers should note that the village spans five different school district boundaries (Lynbrook UFSD, East Rockaway UFSD, Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD, Malverne UFSD, and Valley Stream districts), and the district serving a specific address can significantly affect pricing and buyer interest.
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Schools
Lynbrook is served by multiple school districts, depending on location within the village. The primary district is the Lynbrook Union Free School District, which operates seven schools serving grades K through 12, including Lynbrook Senior High School (recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School). The district also serves portions of neighboring Hewlett, Hewlett Harbor, East Rockaway, Malverne, and Valley Stream.
Other districts that serve portions of Lynbrook include the East Rockaway UFSD, the Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD, the Malverne UFSD, and Valley Stream's school districts (including Valley Stream Central High School District).
Our Lady of Peace Roman Catholic Elementary School is a private school located within the village.
Buyers should verify which school district serves a specific address before purchasing, as district boundaries within Lynbrook do not always align with neighborhood boundaries.
For additional details, visit the Lynbrook UFSD website or review district information on GreatSchools.org.
Who Considers Lynbrook?
Buyers consider Lynbrook for its combination of LIRR access, walkability, housing variety, and South Shore pricing.
The Babylon Branch provides direct service to Penn Station in approximately 35 minutes, and the Lynbrook station is centrally located within the village's downtown. That combination of commuter rail and walkable commercial district is a draw for buyers who work in Manhattan.
The variety of housing — including two-family homes and multi-unit properties — attracts buyers looking for rental income or multi-generational setups. Single-family homes on tree-lined streets with sidewalks appeal to buyers who want a traditional village feel.
Lynbrook's pricing, generally in the $650,000 to $750,000 range for single-family homes, positions it as a more accessible alternative to neighboring Rockville Centre (which tends to price higher) while offering similar commuter access and South Shore location.
The village is approximately 4 miles from the Queens border, making it a natural next step for buyers relocating from southern Queens neighborhoods. Proximity to Jones Beach, Long Beach, and the South Shore barrier island beaches is another draw.
Buying or Selling in Lynbrook?
Eric Berman and The Eric Berman Team at Compass serve buyers and sellers across Nassau County, including Lynbrook and the surrounding South Shore communities. The team understands the multi-district dynamics within the village, the pricing differences between sections, and the specific factors that drive decisions in this market. Whether you're buying a two-family near the train station or selling a colonial on one of the village's tree-lined streets, the team brings local knowledge and real transaction experience.
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Call Eric Berman directly: 917-225-8596
Frequently Asked Questions About Lynbrook
Q: How far is Lynbrook from Manhattan?
A: Lynbrook is approximately 18 miles from Midtown Manhattan. The LIRR's Babylon Branch provides direct service from Lynbrook station to Penn Station in approximately 35 to 42 minutes. By car, the drive takes 30 to 40 minutes without traffic and 50 to 75 minutes during peak hours.
Q: What school districts serve Lynbrook?
A: Lynbrook spans five school district boundaries: the Lynbrook UFSD (the primary district), East Rockaway UFSD, Hewlett-Woodmere UFSD, Malverne UFSD, and Valley Stream districts. The district serving a specific address depends on location within the village. Buyers should verify district boundaries before purchasing.
Q: What types of homes are available in Lynbrook?
A: Lynbrook offers a mix of single-family detached homes, two-family homes, duplexes, small apartment buildings, and condo/co-op units. Common styles include colonials, Tudors, Cape Cods, and brick homes. Prices range from the mid-$400s for co-ops to $900,000 and above for fully renovated single-family homes. Two-family homes typically fall between $700,000 and $1 million.
Q: Where did the name Lynbrook come from?
A: The name "Lynbrook" was created in 1894 by reversing the syllables of "Brooklyn." Many of the village's early residents had relocated from that borough, and the name honored that connection. Before 1894, the area was known as Pearsall's Corners, Bloomfield, and Parson's Corners.
Q: What is there to do in Lynbrook?
A: Lynbrook's downtown along Sunrise Highway and Atlantic Avenue offers restaurants, cafes, shops, and the Regal Lynbrook movie theater. Greis Park hosts community events including Oktoberfest and features athletic fields, a roller hockey rink, and the village pool. Jones Beach, Long Beach, and South Shore beaches are accessible via a short drive south.
Q: How does Lynbrook compare in price to Rockville Centre?
A: Lynbrook generally prices below neighboring Rockville Centre while offering similar commuter rail access and South Shore location. The median home price in Lynbrook is approximately $650,000 to $750,000 for single-family homes, compared to higher medians in Rockville Centre. Lynbrook also offers more two-family and multi-unit housing options.
Q: Is Lynbrook close to the beach?
A: Yes. Jones Beach State Park is approximately 15 to 20 minutes south via the Meadowbrook or Wantagh State Parkway. Long Beach, a barrier island city with a boardwalk and beach, is also nearby. Point Lookout and Lido Beach offer additional South Shore shoreline access.
