Franklin Square, New York

Franklin Square, New York is a hamlet and census-designated place located within the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, near New York City, Long Island, and Hempstead. The area is close to Garden City, Stewart Manor, and Floral Park, and is served by the Franklin Square Union Free School District, which also serves parts of Elmont and West Hempstead. Residents of Franklin Square often visit nearby attractions such as the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Eisenhower Park, and the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City.

Geography

Franklin Square is situated near the Queens-Nassau border, close to Jamaica, Hollis, and Bellerose. The area is also near the Cross Island Parkway, Hempstead Turnpike, and Southern State Parkway, making it easily accessible from nearby cities such as New York City, Brooklyn, and Queens. The community is bordered by Stewart Manor to the north, Garden City to the east, West Hempstead to the south, and Elmont to the west. Residents of Franklin Square often visit nearby beaches such as Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses State Park on Long Island.

History

The area now known as Franklin Square was originally settled by the Matinecock Native American tribe, who were later displaced by Dutch and English settlers. The community was named after Benjamin Franklin, a founding father of the United States, and was officially established in the late 19th century. During the American Civil War, the area was a major stop on the Underground Railroad, with many local residents, including abolitionists such as William Lloyd Garrison and Frederick Douglass, working to help African Americans escape from slavery in the Southern United States. The community has also been home to many notable residents, including Theodore Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Nelson Rockefeller, who all lived in nearby Oyster Bay.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Franklin Square was approximately 30,000 people, with a diverse mix of African Americans, White Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The community has a strong sense of identity and is home to many local businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, such as Walmart, Target, and Stop & Shop. Residents of Franklin Square often attend events and festivals in nearby cities, such as the US Open in Flushing Meadows and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont.

Economy

The economy of Franklin Square is driven by a mix of local businesses, including retail, healthcare, and education, with major employers such as Nassau University Medical Center, Winthrop-University Hospital, and the Franklin Square Union Free School District. The community is also home to many small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, such as McDonald's, Dunkin' Donuts, and 7-Eleven. Residents of Franklin Square often commute to nearby cities, such as New York City, Manhattan, and Brooklyn, for work, using transportation options such as the Long Island Rail Road and New York City Subway.

Education

The Franklin Square Union Free School District serves the community, with several schools, including Polk Street School, John Street School, and H. Frank Carey High School. The district is known for its strong academic programs, including Advanced Placement courses and Special education services. Residents of Franklin Square also have access to nearby colleges and universities, such as Hofstra University, Adelphi University, and Molloy College, which offer a range of academic programs, including Business administration, Engineering, and Nursing.

Transportation

Franklin Square is easily accessible by car, with several major highways, including the Cross Island Parkway, Hempstead Turnpike, and Southern State Parkway, passing through the area. The community is also served by the Nassau Inter-County Express bus system, which provides connections to nearby cities, such as New York City, Jamaica, and Hempstead. Residents of Franklin Square can also use the Long Island Rail Road to commute to nearby cities, such as Penn Station in Manhattan and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. The area is also close to John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, making it easily accessible by air.