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Nine Nassau County communities placed among the top 25 in New York, and 29 ranked within the state’s top 100, according to Niche’s 2025 Best Places to Live in America report.
Furthermore, a whopping 43 Nassau communities achieved the coveted A+ overall grade in the report released on Monday. Niche’s annual report evaluates public schools, crime rates, housing and other key factors quality of life factors in determining its rankings.
Great Neck Plaza remained the county’s highest-ranked community in the report. The village is praised for its walkability, high-performing public schools and vibrant downtown with strong restaurant options. The “Handful of Keys” mural by William M. Cochran (shown above) is a favorite spot for Great Neck Plaza residents and visitors.
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Kensington and Syosset follow closely behind, with both communities earning high marks for family-friendliness and access to amenities. Manhasset and East Williston — valued for their strong school districts and suburban charm — round out the county’s top five.
Nassau’s best
Here’s a full list of the top 20 Nassau communities in Niche’s Best Places to Live in America 2025 report.
1. Great Neck Plaza: Ranked No. 25 among Best Suburbs to Live in America.
2. Kensington: Also No. 2 nationally among Best Places to Raise a Family in America.
3. Syosset: No. 5 among Places with the Best Public Schools in America.
4. Manhasset: No. 11 among Best Suburbs to Live in the New York City area.
5. East Williston: Received A+ grades for Public Schools, Good for Families and Health & Fitness.
6. Great Neck Gardens: No. 10 among Best Places to Retire in New York.
7. Jericho: No. 4 among Places with the Best Public Schools in America.
8. Garden City: No. 10 among Best Suburbs to Live in New York.
9. Plainview: No. 3 among Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Nassau County.
10. Old Bethpage: No. 6 among Best Places to Retire in New York.
11. Searingtown: Also No. 11 among Best Places to Raise a Family in Nassau County.
12. Russell Gardens: No. 7 among Best Places for Young Professionals in Nassau County.
13. Muttontown: No. 8 among Best Places to Raise a Family in New York.
14. Roslyn Heights: No. 11 among Best Places to Raise a Family in New York.
15. Roslyn: No. 5 among Best Places to Retire in New York.
16. Lake Success: No. 1 among Best Places to Retire in New York.
17. Bellerose: No. 1 among Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Nassau County.
18. East Hills: No. 9 among Places with the Best Public Schools in New York.
19. Thomaston: No. 3 among Best Places to Retire in New York.
20. Salisbury: No. 6 among Best Suburbs to Buy a House in Nassau County.
43 Long Island schools make AP Honor Roll at ‘Platinum,’ ‘Gold’ levels
New York’s best
Below are the five Best Places to Live in New York, according to Niche:
- Great Neck Plaza (Nassau)
- Little Italy (New York City)
- Kensington (Nassau)
- Ardsley (Westchester)
- Kips Bay (New York City)
America’s best
Below are the five Best Places to Live in America, according to Niche:
- Colonial Village, Virginia
- Atlantic Station, Georgia
- Chesterbrook, Pennsylvania
- Harbour Island, Florida
- City Center, California
Niche’s annual report uses a combination of federal and local data, along with resident reviews, to produce overall rankings, as well as across several categories.
“Where you live shapes so many aspects of your life, from career opportunities to the sense of community you feel,” said Luke Skurman, CEO and founder of Niche. “At Niche, we are proud to provide rankings that empower people to make informed decisions based on what matters most to them, whether that’s great schools, affordability, or access to parks and local businesses.”
Top photo: “Handful of Keys” mural, painted by William M. Cochran in the summer of 2005 on a brick wall on Maple Drive in Great Neck Plaza (Facebook).
