Cedarhurst, NY 162 Apartments for Rent

Fans of the 1988 hit comedy Married to the Mob starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Matthew Modine, might think parts of Cedarhurst look pretty familiar. They wouldn't be wrong either. Because quite a few scenes were filmed on location around here. Most notably the opening one at the train station.

Located in Nassau County on the south shore of Long Island, Cedarhurst is a village in the Town of Hempstead. Alongside Lawrence and the hamlets of Woodmere, Inwood and the Hewletts, it is considered part of the unofficially-named Five Towns. With just under 6,600 people calling Cedarhurst home, it might sound like a kind of small sleepy kind of a place. But for those of you folks who aren't from this neck of the woods, understand that it's about as close as you can get to 'The Big Apple'. Only a few hundred yards across Head of Bay, you'll catch a glimpse of John F. Kennedy Airport. Something for the international jet-setters to bear in mind! Cedarhurst is actually a part of what's now called the New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island Metro Area, just don't try saying that with your mouth full!

Moving to Cedarhurst

It's Old Houses Galore!

More than half (51 percent) of homes in Cedarhurst were built before 1940, that's great news for those who love colorful wood-clad exterior houses. In fact fact no homes have been built since the turn of the millennium, so this place definitely gives off a 20th century vibe! Be aware though, while all these old houses look rather pretty, you'd be wise to check the ones that have not been renovated recently for any potential problems. It might be boring, but it's better to be on the safe side and avoid tears later down the line. Also, take note that most properties here are detached single unit homes. Three and four-bedroom houses constitute almost half (47 percent) of residential properties in Cedarhurst. Only 15.5 percent are considered to be one or two-bedroom homes, so you might need to search a little harder for that dream apt for rent here.

You'll Need Some Dough

Ok, so perhaps you're getting excited about the idea of soon calling Cedarhurst home, what's the catch you may wonder? Well, the term, "everything has price price" rings true here, because living sure ain't cheap. For instance, on average, a typical rent quite a bit above the New York State median. If you're lucky, you might find some listings for cheaper, but expect these places to be smaller and less up-to-date, however compared to Manhattan or parts of Brooklyn, prices aren't that bad. Also be aware that the cost of living is around 60 percent above the United States average, so make sure you come prepared with either a guaranteed job offer or plenty of savings. But on a more positive note, people here earn quite a bit more than elsewhere in New York State, so things should balance out, once you have that weekly paycheck coming in.

Work work work!

Commuting from Cedarhurst is definitely feasible, a lot of residents do this via the train into neighboring New York City where salaries are high and job opportunities plentiful. However, journey times are bit on the long side (around an hour and 10 minutes each way) into Lower Manhattan. From Cedarhurst Station, using the Long Island Rail Road takes 37 minutes to get to Nostrand Avenue station in Brooklyn, from there you can simply hop on the New York Subway's "least loved" C Service and got off one of many stations in Manhattan. It might be unpleasant, but hey, at least it'll get you there eventually! If daily commuting is your idea of hell, then be rest assured that their are plenty of employment opportunities closer to Cedarhurst, in both the Long Island Metro Area and nearby Queen's.

The Small Print

Once you've found that perfect Cedarhurst apartment, you'll need to iron out all those small and boring yet important details. To start with, please note that the majority of leasing agents and landlords do not work on weekends -- just something to keep in mind. Before putting pen to paper on any rental lease, make sure you carefully read through all the small print and terms and condition. It might be tedious, but this stuff is pretty important, you need to know what you're committing yourself to. Please realize that Cedarhurst isn't Manhattan or Brooklyn, don't be surprised if asked to keep noise to a minimum during evenings, also many properties don't permit smoking and some may not allow pets. But if you're dead set on bringing your furry friend with you, you're sure to find some pet friendly apartments with a little persistence. Like elsewhere in the country, before signing a lease, you'll probably have to undergo a background and credit check and may also be asked for proof of income, rental demand is high in this area so be prepared.

Cedarhurst Neighborhoods

It almost seems silly to talk of neighborhoods in Cedarhurst, as the village itself is more akin to a neighborhood of the larger Five Towns area. Having said that, it's densely packed and there are some noticeable differences from one end to the other. Whether you want to prioritize quick and easy access to New York City, leafy suburbs, or shops and restaurants on your doorstep, the location you choose will shape your experience of Cedarhurst.

Central Avenue: Once considered the 'Rodeo Drive' of Long Island, Central Avenue has the lion's share of Cedarhurst's shops, restaurants, and other amenities. It's also where most apartment rentals are found.

Cedarhurst Park: This leafy area has a decent range of red brick apartment blocks lining the park. There's also a reasonable range of grocery stores, cafes and other amenities located around the corner on Cedarhurst Avenue. The local train station is also a two-minute walk.

Peninsula Boulevard: Located on Cedarhurst's northern fringe, the majority of rentals around here are pre-1939 timber-clad single unit homes with colorful exteriors. However, more than a few have been divided up into apts for rent. Lawrence High School is just a three-minute walk away.

West Broadway: The majority of properties around here are detached single unit homes, so finding an apartment for rent might be tricky, don't say we didn't warn you.

Living in Cedarhurst

At roughly 0.7 square miles in size, Cedarhurst is a pretty compact village, but don't for one second think there's not much going on. On the contrary, this densely populated community packs quite the punch! If you are a shopaholic, you will feel right at home here, there's more than 200 shops in the village. Many are dotted along Central Avenue (once considered Long Island's answer to Rodeo Drive) and quite a few are independently-owned boutiques featuring designer labels. Other stores feature goods such as furniture, fine carpets and rugs, jewelry, arts and crafts as well as interior design services. Cedarhurst locals like to think they get the best of worlds. They're just a stones throw away from Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, but also a short 10-minute drive to Atlantic Beach, perfect for all that summer sunbathing.

Cedarhurst resembles a neighborhood of the larger Five Towns area and ultimately, the clumsily-named New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island Metro Area. A life in Cedarhurst has plenty to offer for most people. From lounging on nearby Atlantic Beach to discovering New York City's easy-to-reach endless activities, you'd have to be a pretty lousy person not to find something to keep you occupied. If you are more content just hanging around in the immediate area, then grab a drink at Willows Tavern and chat with locals, or try out some of the restaurants like Prime Bistro or Sushi Tokyo. Regardless, after just a few days you might realize that life in Cedarhurst is pretty good, so no wonder the locals don't go shouting about it. You, like them will want to keep just for yourself.