"Around the wooded pond / A mown path beckons, / Weathered benches wait. / The trick, I said to him, / Is to sit silent for a time, / And let the wild grow accustomed. / We do." - "Woodmere" by Gaye Gambell-Peterson
Along with Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Inwood and The Hewletts, Woodmere is one of the Long Island communities that locals know best as part of the Five Towns. Just a few stops outside of New York City on the Long Island Railroad, Woodmere offers both the calm friendliness of the suburbs and fast, easy access to the Big Apple. Woodmere is home to over 17,000 people, many of whom enjoy living in homes and private communities along the water.
Apartments for rent in Woodmere tend to be a bit on the expensive side, and they can be hard to come by
"Around the wooded pond / A mown path beckons, / Weathered benches wait. / The trick, I said to him, / Is to sit silent for a time, / And let the wild grow accustomed. / We do." - "Woodmere" by Gaye Gambell-Peterson
Along with Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Inwood and The Hewletts, Woodmere is one of the Long Island communities that locals know best as part of the Five Towns. Just a few stops outside of New York City on the Long Island Railroad, Woodmere offers both the calm friendliness of the suburbs and fast, easy access to the Big Apple. Woodmere is home to over 17,000 people, many of whom enjoy living in homes and private communities along the water.
Finding an Apartment in Woodmere
Apartments for rent in Woodmere tend to be a bit on the expensive side, and they can be hard to come by. Only 14% of properties are vacant in this NYC suburb, and the area has a low 4% vacancy rate. That means if you start your search early and keep some of the following tips in mind as you look for apartment homes in Woodmere, you'll have a much better shot at finding your next suburban abode.
When to Rent
As with any town on the water, renting in winter is always going to land you a better deal than if you look during the peak summer season. Go in with a positive attitude, but be realistic about the challenges and keep your game face on. When you schedule an appointment with a landlord, show up early and flash your pearly whites as often as you can everyone loves a smiling tenant. Be professional and bring all your documents in a 3-ring binder. No, it's not geeky, it's necessary. You'll need your credit report, rental application, letter of employment (or your last two paystubs), references and, if you're looking for pet friendly apartments, you'll want to bring along paperwork proving that your pet isn't a rabid beast. Bring your checkbook, too, if you're serious about getting the place you want. You'll have to act quickly in Woodmere, and you might need to put down a deposit right there on the spot.
Woodmere Neighborhoods
Though many people think of the South Shore of Long Island as more urbanized than the North Shore, Woodmere has a little bit of both. The northern areas are literally a stone's throw away from JFK Airport, so if you find yourself in need of domestic or international flights fairly often, you'll be in good shape living here.
Old Woodmere: Located just off Trinity Cemetery and the Long Island Railroad Train Stop, Old Woodmere is a very desirable place to settle. Densely populated with pretty, old homes and tree-lined streets, this is one of the more expensive areas to find apartments.
Town Center: This area has a more urban feel than the rest of Woodmere. Made up mostly of single detached homes and high-rise apartments, you won't find too many places to rent here. It's a big draw for "urban sophisticates" who like to enjoy fine dining and theater.
Saddle Ridge: The northeastern section of Woodmere features a fine collection of many gorgeous homes along the harbor.
Woodmere Park: This is where you'll find a good amount of rentals in Woodmere, so start your search here if you're looking for a 2- or 3-bedroom place. You'll also have easy access to the train for late nights in NYC.
Life in Woodmere
The beach climate is a big draw it's rare to hear complaints about the weather from April through November when the balmy sea breeze drifts in from the shores of the Long Island Sound. The winters can get a little cold and wet, but anyone with real sea legs wouldn't expect anything else.
Woodmerians are a fairly respectful bunch, and new neighbors are welcomed fairly quickly. If you're looking for pleasant, respectful neighbors who aren't going to snoop into your business, this is the spot for you. Don't worry, if you want to stay out late with the hustle and bustle of a truly urban community, New York City is just 45 minutes away. Oh, and that's by train. That's right, no need to plan ahead with a carpool road trip to get to the big city!
- Because it draws a lot of people who frequently make the trek into NYC, you'll probably see more of your neighbors on the LIRR platform then you will around the neighborhood. You'll probably need a car to get around town unless you live right near the train. Chances are you're going to spend quite a bit of time going to and from the city, which is what most residents here do every day. Consider buying a monthly LIRR pass to save yourself some money if you know that you'll be taking the train on a regular basis.
- If you're a fan of big, beautiful mansions and pleasant neighbors, then this is the place for you. If you're looking for a walkable community with plenty of action, you might want to rethink your move.
- Foodies out there, take heart! Woodmere and the surrounding towns have plenty of good eats. Two fish restaurants operate out of Cedarhurst: Bari Fish and the sushi bar Metsuyan. If you're into other types of cuisine, try Cho-Sen for Chinese or Carlos and Gabby's for delicious Mexican food. After dinner, you can pop into Micky Mo's Cafe and Lounge for karaoke or open mic entertainment. This might be your one chance to see your neighbors really let loose.
Living in Woodmere is going to cost you a pretty penny, but you'll be rewarded with big, beautiful properties, exciting adventures in nearby NYC and the pleasant and quaint charm of the suburbs!
