About Garden City
In 1869, millionaire Alexander Turney Stewart purchased the land that would become Garden City, which became an incorporated village in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island in 1919. With a population of 22,698 and a median household income of $152,401, Garden City is an affluent, welcoming village.
The Garden City Union Free School District serves over 3,800 students across seven schools. Homestead School, Hemlock School, and Locust School are primary schools, serving students in kindergarten and first grade. This unique model has clearly been successful, as the district is ranked 11th in all of New York State. Stewart School and Stratford School serve students in second through fifth grade. Garden City Middle School is the junior high, and Garden City High School’s seniors often go on to attend some of the most prestigious colleges in the U.S, including Brown University, Georgetown University, Johns Hopkins University, Syracuse University. and the College of William and Mary.
Located 18.5 miles east of midtown Manhattan and home to five Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations (Stewart Manor, Nassau Boulevard, Garden City, Country Life Press, and Merillon Avenue), Garden City is easily accessible to New York City.
There is no need to go to NYC for world-class shopping opportunities, however. Once the airfield where celebrated aviator Charles Lindbergh took off in The Spirit of St. Louis, today Roosevelt Field is Long Island’s largest enclosed mall and the tenth largest mall in the United States, encompassing 2,244,581 square feet. There is something for everyone, from high-end retailers like Bloomingdale's and Nordstrom to tried-and-true favorites like Macy’s. Athletes will appreciate the large Dick’s Sporting Goods, while children will delight over Build-A-Bear Workshop. There is also a multiplex movie theater. If you prefer to shop at local boutiques, never fear. Garden City is home to many boutiques, including Coquette’s, which houses trendy apparel for young women, and Madison’s Niche, which specializes in women’s apparel but also includes home décor goods.
While many residents do make the one-hour commute to Manhattan every day, Garden City also boasts many economic opportunities. Prominent industries in the village include finance and insurance, scientific and tech services, educational services, and transportation and warehousing. Adelphi University is a major employer.
If you want to explore the outdoors after work, Garden City boasts six parks within its 5.3 square miles. The Community Park on Cherry Valley Avenue not only has your typical sports fields, but it also has a roller hockey rink, tennis courts, and a miniature golf course. Next to the Community Park is the Community Pool complex, accessible to residents only, which houses an Olympic sized pool with two water slides. Other parks include Grove Park, Hemlock Park, Nassau Haven Park, Stewart Field, and Tullamore Park.
St. Paul’s Recreation Complex features 30 acres of land. It includes five lacrosse fields, seven soccer fields, and a deluxe playground area that even has a gazebo. The complex also houses the village Senior Center, which has meeting rooms, a pool room, and even a bocce court. Senior citizens desiring a vibrant community will find it at this treasured community resource. In terms of recreation, Garden City lives up to its name when it comes to green spaces that will provide fun for the whole family.
The high-class charm of Garden City makes a wonderful location for social events.
Built by the community’s founder A.T. Stewart, the Garden City Hotel has long been the shining jewel of Garden City, and the ideal venue for weddings and other special occasions. The hotel’s restaurant, Red Salt Room by David Burke, offers traditional chophouse fare and weekend brunch.
Dining options abound. Take a look at some of the mouth-watering local restaurants:
- Grimaldi’s: authentic coal-fired pizza, “just like under the Brooklyn Bridge”
- Kinha Sushi: sleek sushi café
- Plancha Tapas and Wine Barthe place to get Italian and Spanish tapas with paired wines
- Leo’s Midway: cozy restaurant serving American classics since 1942
- Prost Grill and Garten: latelate-night option for German food and beer
- Revel Restaurant: contemporary and elegant American restaurant with industrial furnishings
- Waterzooi Belgian Bistro and Oyster Barthe place to go for authentic moules frites, pots of mussels served alongside French fries with mayonnaise
Of course, with NYC in close proximity, Garden City residents often take advantage of cultural events in the Big Apple. If you’d rather stay local, however, Adelphi University presents theater, music, film, and dance on a regular basis at their Performing Arts Center.
Over the years, Garden City has been the home of many notable residents—from jockeys and football players to authors and scientists.