Miami Dolphin's former offensive guard Edward Newson calls Woodbury home.
Once acres of dairy country where masticating cows grazed, Woodbury evolved into a summer playground for industrialists such as Vanderbilt, Tinker, and Mellon in the early 1900s. While it's no longer a socialite hotspot and not in the running with The Hamptons, this town still attracts those seeking an upscale lifestyle. With a population roughly approaching 11,000, Woodbury is still growing even though many young professionals are choosing to move closer to the city. Why? According to Melanie Lefkowitz of the Wall Street Journal (4 / 26 / 13), Woodbury attracts people because it's such a great place and people are so friendly. In addition, the schools are tops. The shopping is haute couture. But mostly, many adults, like salmon, grew up here and choose to swim back when it's time to spawn their young. Finally, it's rural, close to the shore -- and not New Jersey.
Moving to Woodbury
The town is geared more toward single-family ownership. With rentals comprising less than 20 percent of the town's housing, it's a landlord's market. If you plan on starting your apartment search in Woodbury, be aware and do your homework. Tenants are protected by Nassau County Renters Laws, but some landlords do push the limit and may expect you to provide as much paperwork and information as a mortgage loan officer. Don't be surprised if you're asked to complete an application, provide a letter of employment, a few months of pay stubs, your tax returns, personal references, letter from prior landlords, bank statements, a legal form of ID, and references. Tired yet?
Once you're approved for an apartment, prepare to cough up a security deposit. Many landlords will ask for one to two months' rent just for the deposit, in addition to the first month's rent. Most rentals do not include gas and electric. Note: Utility rates have risen slightly since Hurricane Sandy.
Woodbury Neighborhoods
And if you can't find an apartment rental or house rent in Woodbury, don't despair. Sometimes it takes time and tenacity to find your dream rental home, and think how triumphant you'll feel when you finally land the perfect spot!
Hicksville: A couple miles south of Woodbury, Hicksville is a hot location for relocating corporations. Older and more established homes are found here. Prices are lower and because of the diverse workforce in Hicksville, there's more of a balance between homeowners and renters.
Oyster Bay: Upscale and beachfront, Oyster Bay rivals Woodbury in prices. But, if you don't find an apartment rental in Woodbury, give it a try. The view is unparalleled and it does have a station for the LIRR.
Syosset: Syosset is a neighboring area to Woodbury that is also upscale. If you aren't lucky in Woodbury, you may luck out here on that dream one- bedroom apartment for rent.
Life in Woodbury
If you enjoy the outdoors, Oyster Bay Town beaches are open to residents only on the weekends. Guess what? You're a resident of the Town of Oyster Bay! In addition, Woodbury is within a half-hour drive of state parks on the Sound and an hour to Jones Beach to the south. Closer to home, the Syosset-Woodbury Community Park offers ice skating, swimming, basketball, tennis, and bocce ball. Have a horse? The Stillwell Woods preserve has trails where you can take a stroll.
Thirty miles from Manhattan, this hamlet of the Town of Oyster Bay is nestled between the Syosset and Oyster Bay LIRR stops, Straddling the Jericho Turnpike and I-495, it's convenient to trains and by car to shopping and to major highways.
Much of the shopping and dining is along the Jericho Turnpike in Woodbury proper. Woodbury Common is a chain of upscale outlets featuring 220 shops to decorate your new apartment. There are more than a dozen supermarkets and specialty grocers. Need apparel? Don't bother looking for a Wal-Mart, Kmart, or Costco in Woodbury. It just doesn't fit the motif.
If you want to live a lifestyle fitting of a fairy tale, you might just find it in Woodbury, NY.