Massapequa Park rises above, named best place to live in New York state

Massapequa Park — reluctantly in the spotlight since 2023 as the hometown of accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann — has now earned a far more flattering distinction: being named the best place to live in New York state, according to a new U.S. News & World Report ranking.

Heuermann, a Manhattan architect, was arrested in July 2023 in connection with the Gilgo Beach murders, a chilling series of killings that shook Long Island and brought unwanted attention to the otherwise quiet community of Massapequa Park.

Despite the dark association, the South Shore village has earned high marks for its quality of life, securing its place atop U.S. News’ 2025 Best Places to Live in New York ranking.

Beyond the headlines — both grim and glowing — Massapequa Park has remained a community rooted in resilience and close-knit values.

In March 2024, the village mourned the loss of one of its own, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, who was killed during a traffic stop in Queens. The 31-year-old officer, a husband and father, was remembered with a hero’s farewell at St. Rose of Lima Church in Massapequa Park.

His death was a heartbreaking loss — but it also showed just how deeply the people of Massapequa Park rally around one another in times of tragedy. More than $1 million in donations was raised on behalf of Diller’s wife and infant son.

Now, the village is being recognized for the very qualities residents have long taken pride in: safe streets, good schools, walkable blocks and a strong sense of community.

U.S. News ranked Massapequa Park No. 140 nationally in its annual Best Places to Live report. The rankings take into account a wide range of factors, including housing affordability, job prospects, school quality, access to health care, public safety, commute times, air quality, among others.

Massapequa Park is one of two Long Island communities — along with Hicksville — to place in the national top 250. Hicksville ranked No. 156 nationally and was No. 3 in New York State.

Lindenhurst — Suffolk’s top-ranked community — came in at No. 10, solidifying Long Island’s presence among the state’s most desirable places to live.

The U.S. News rankings analyzed 850-plus U.S. cities in developing its latest rankings.

The rankings are based on what matters most to people when choosing a place to live, according to a U.S. News survey of more than 3,000 Americans. Quality of life, affordability, desirability and job opportunities were among the top priorities.

Massapequa Park has long been known for its suburban charm, family-friendly amenities, and close-knit community feel. The village offers a mix of high-performing schools with outstanding athletics programs, parks, recreational facilities, and a revitalized downtown area with shops and restaurants that attract new residents and visitors.