Wantagh, New York, is considered the "Gateway to Jones Beach". Jones Beach is a state park of New York, located in southern Nassau County, on Jones Beach Island, a barrier island linked to Long Island. Jones Beach includes an outdoor arena in the park, which is a popular music and concert venue.
Wantagh isn't really a city, but a hamlet and a census-designated place in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, New York
Wantagh, New York, is considered the "Gateway to Jones Beach". Jones Beach is a state park of New York, located in southern Nassau County, on Jones Beach Island, a barrier island linked to Long Island. Jones Beach includes an outdoor arena in the park, which is a popular music and concert venue.
Wantagh isn't really a city, but a hamlet and a census-designated place in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Long Island, New York. It's kind of a mouthful, but you'll get used to it. Home to nearly 19,000 people (per 2010 U.S. Census data), Wantagh was named for the chief of the local Merokee tribe in 1647. Early European immigrants to the area actually called it Jerusalem, then later Ridgewood, before finally reverting to its tribal reference of Wantagh. In 1790, George Washington rode through Wantagh -- known then as Jerusalem -- as part of his Long Island tour.
Moving to Wantagh
There are a couple of things you'll need to know ahead of time so that you aren't left literally in the cold after you get here. Assuming you've already looked through the local rental homes listings and found what you want, you're going to need to set up your utility accounts. Wantagh is an area where energy provision has been deregulated, which means that as a resident, you have the ability to choose your own energy provider. Of course, this is a small town so most people use the local company: Samson Electrical Corp. There are other options nearby, however, so don't box yourself in if it's not a good fit.
As for your water and sewage accounts, you'll need to contact the Town of Hempstead. They'll also set you up with a garbage and recycling collection schedule, as well as trash bins. Of course, no modern home is complete without an Internet connection or cable television! CommPath or Cablevision can take care of your TV needs, while a bevy of local companies can drop by and hook up your Internet.
Looking for Rental Properties
Wantagh is not a cheap place to live. Repeat -- not cheap. With the exception of North Wantagh, rental costs are high, and 1 or 2 bedroom apartments are really only available in Islip Court. Although Islip Court studio apartments can be inexpensive, you'll have to keep a sharp eye out for those listings, and talk to a couple of realtors to help point you in the right direction.
In terms of rental houses, you're looking at some cool 1940s architecture. These houses can be big, broad and incredibly unique from one to the next. Homes in Wantagh are well-kept, so this isn't the place to find a fixer-upper. On the other hand, if you want to strip an old house to its core and renovate it to your liking, yeah, go ahead! Just make sure to buy it first.
Wantagh Neighborhoods
There are five basic neighborhoods in Wantagh:
North Wantagh: North Wantagh is actually adjacent to the Town Center and located just to the east. Characterized by older homes, the rental costs here are a little less expensive; however, most homes are owner-occupied.
Town Center: The Town Center is situated along the Wantagh State Parkway, and the neighborhood includes several ponds. Homes in this section of town were generally built between 1940 and 1970, and housing values are pretty high.
Islip Court: At the southernmost end of Wantagh is Islip Court, which encompasses the Jones Beach Causeway and Wantagh Park. In this area, you can find apartments for rent, as well as large, medium and small houses.
Jerusalem Avenue: To the north of oddly placed North Wantagh lies the Jerusalem Avenue neighborhood. Here, you can find small and medium-sized houses with rental prices that are totally affordable.
North Jerusalem: North Jerusalem lies at the top of the Wantagh map and spans the Wantagh State Parkway, as well as the Southern State Parkway. Home values for the mid-range and large houses in this area are on par with the rest of the town, which means they are pretty expensive!
Things to Do and Eat in Wantagh
As previously noted, this is a hamlet full of alcohol. Drink away! You'll find a bar or pub wherever you go. If you're looking for something a little more adventurous to do, however, check out the local dive shop, QC Scuba, and head over to the Twin Lakes Preserve or Wantagh Park. Causeway Bait and Tackle can set you up with fishing gear, while AMF Wantagh Lanes welcomes your bowling skills. This may be a small place, but it's not boring by a long shot.
Wantagh doesn't skimp on the take-out, either. From Thom Thom Steak and Sushi to Atlantic Pizzeria, down to Snaps American Bistro, there are all kinds of cuisines on offer and they are tasty! Check out Boss Crokers for some great lunches or Carmela's Pizzeria for some old-school Italian veggies and pizza. Santorini Greek Restaurant has that moussaka you've been craving, and Friendly's Restaurant provides classic American favorites, like steamed veggies, mashed potatoes, hamburgers and, of course, ice cream to go!
This may be a small town, but it's got attitude oozing from every street corner -- in a good way.
