Manhasset/Port Washington - Thoughts?

SamanthaNYC

Hi all!

After living in the city for 10 years, DH and I are looking to move back to Long Island. I am originally from Smithtown, but we are looking at Manhasset and Port Washington since we both will commute to the city. I would love your thoughts and opinions if you are familiar with these areas. We have been looking at homes in all of the areas in Manhasset (Munsey Park, Strathmore, Flower Hill and Plandome). In Port, we have been looking at north Flower Hill and Port Washington Estates.

We have a 2 year old son who is currently at home with a FT live out nanny and attends a private preschool part time. My two biggest concerns are:

1 - What do most people do for childcare? Do they have nannies? Where is the best place to look for nannies?

2 - How do the school districts compare to one another? I know Port is much bigger, but coming from Smithtown, I don't think that is a bad thing. Any other differences?

3 - We are going to start TTC for #2 in March.  Are there any mommy and me groups?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!

Samantha

Tash13

I'm currently living in Port Washington and have been here for almost 3 years.  Here are my answers to your questions.

 1- If you and your husband are commuters, you'll most likely need a nanny.  The only daycare in the area that is open past 5:30-6 has over a year waiting list.  I use a SAHM but interviewed a ton of women from Care.com and even Craigslist.

2- The school districts are one of the best on Long Island.  There are multiple elementary schools so it depends on where in Port you live but I know the public middle and high schools are amazing.  Even though it's larger, they're still able to maintain comfortable class sizes in both schools.

3- I know there are quite a few, although I haven't joined them personally.  I'd look at meetup.com.

 

Another point, which I'm sure you've thought of, is that Port Washington has the best line on the LIRR.  Most of the time that all of the trains are cancelled due to an issue on the track, PW is still on schedule.  It's not always perfect but it is a relief to know i have a better chance of getting home at a reasonable hour when the rest of the system isn't running. 

KerryHS

Both are great towns.  Commute from Manhassett would be shorter.  School systems are good in both towns.  Manhasset schools are better. 

heather2633

I can't say much for the baby aspect of your question, but I did live in Port Washington for a couple years and I did really love it there, everything is close by (I lived on Bayview Ave), we were close to the train, groceries, parks, library shopping, restaurants etc. The train out of Port is a direct line into the city which was awesome. I did always feel safe living there! Good Luck, if you haven't moved yet!