It's the price of progress! The influential and pioneering Long Island Rail Road Company (LIRR) was faced with a major dilemma regarding its original ground-level Seaford station. Built at the turn of the century in 1899, its more than half a century's steam-engine locomotive era history was reduced to rubble in minutes with its forced demolition in 1967. In order to make way for urban renewal improvements, its forced rebuild required the elevated variety where its track platform now proudly sits two stories-high, overlooking Seaford's daily hustle and bustle routine.
Seaford, NY is pegged as a "census-designated place" (CDP) by the United States Census Bureau. What this means is that should you elect to relocate there, you'll have the "distinction" of residing in a sort of "no-man's land" - not a bona fide city, town or village, but rather a quaint, peaceful hamlet where you'll undoubtedly be the envy of all those good folks you left behind when you moved. As of the 2010 census, it had 15,294 residents and its area is packed into a tight 2.6 square miles. Seaford communicates with only one postal zip code (11783) to the outside world, so any incoming mail should not go too far astray as long as the name Seaford is written on the face of the envelope.
Moving to Seaford
Located on exclusive Long Island's Nassau County patch of turf, getting there couldn't play out to an easier, duck-soup scenario. If an aerial arrival is the transport of choice, a pick-of-the-litter description applies with no fewer than four area major airports waiting with open arms. Select from JFK, La Guardia, Newark or Long Island MacArthur world-class airports and the minimal ground transit time from any of them will have you alive and kicking in your new Seaford digs in a virtual heartbeat.
If you prefer your own set of wheels to accompany you on the moving trek, you'll find picturesque modern highways galore at your disposal. Check out the Southern State, Wantagh State and Meadowbrook Parkways on the nearest road map for quick Seaford access. Any trusty GPS device will even get you there quicker!
Rail access is via the aforementioned, ubiquitous LIRR, a cakewalk 51 minute, 29 mile commute jaunt into Gotham's iconic Penn Station in the heart of midtown Manhattan. Once there in the same station, the fabled NYC subway system will whisk you to your workplace in the drop-of-a-hat.
An online search is your best bet to rent an apartment in Seaford. You'll have to do some serious surfing to find anything from a one to 3 bedroom apartment for rent as the supply is quite tight. If you're diligent with your finger-keyboard-mouse hunting technique, you might even score an apartment with paid utilities if you're aggressive enough with your search.
Once you've hit on a possible rental candidate of choice, remember to bring proper documentation with you. This typically includes a photo ID (like a driver's license), prior landlord and workplace references and a recently paid utility bill with your printed name and address.
Neighborhoods
Five sections define the Seaford residential neighborhood landscape. Real estate prices in upscale Seaford rank among the most expensive in the New York suburban area. The Seamans Neck Rd / Jerusalem Ave section is mainly comprised of mid to large sized (three to five+), single-family homes, many of which date back to the pre-World War II era (1940 and earlier).
Washington Ave / New York Ave: This sector is similar to the preceding neighborhood description regarding home dimensions. This area boasts less than a three percent vacancy rate, which translates to being 90 percent lower than all U.S. neighborhoods.
Seamans Neck Road / Maywood Drive: This subdivision features mostly owner-occupied house properties. This is an excellent family neighborhood.
The Sunrise Hwy / Washington Ave: This district is unlike the preceding neighborhoods in that small apartment buildings are evident here (in addition to single-family houses). This locale typically sports a zero percent vacancy rate which reflects a very tight real estate market in this section.
Seaford Town Center: This is an urban neighborhood area. This is a primo spot as its coastal location on South Oyster Bay make for pricier real estate evaluation and hence, probable higher pricing in this area for a rental home as well.
Living in Seaford
Once safely settled into the Seaford area and your new rental digs haven't caused a sticker-shocking experience - as well as a significant bite out of your wallet - then its kick-back time to go out to enjoy and unwind amongst the many perks a neat little burg like Seaford brings to the table. Chief among them is the ease of shopping. The indoor, year 'round Westfield Sunrise Regional Mall in nearby Massapequa, NY features over 100 stores and eateries, including typical food-court fast-food delights.
Taking a night off from the kitchen can be an enjoyable experience in Seaford. Dining out options include culinary delights from many different international sources. Next night out, you might want to check out The Leaky Lifeboat Inn (with a name like that, it had better be good), The Phoenix or the Cara Mia Due the next time you feel the urge to splurge some deserved lavish extravagance on yourself, the missus and the family.
