Hempstead, New York
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| Hempstead, New York | |
|---|---|
| Name | Hempstead, New York |
| Settlement type | Town |
| Coordinates | 40.7029, -73.6187 |
| Subdivision type | Country |
| Subdivision name | United States |
| Subdivision type1 | State |
| Subdivision name1 | New York |
| Subdivision type2 | County |
| Subdivision name2 | Nassau |
| Area total km2 | 495.5 |
| Area total sq mi | 191.5 |
| Elevation m | 10 |
| Population total | 793,409 |
| Population as of | 2020 |
Hempstead, New York is a town located in Nassau County, on Long Island, and is the most populous town in New York, with over 793,000 residents, according to the 2020 census, surpassing the populations of Syracuse and Buffalo. The town is home to Hofstra University, a private university founded in 1935 by William S. Hofstra and Kate Mason Hofstra, and Molloy College, a private college founded in 1955 by the Sisters of St. Dominic. The town is also served by the Nassau Inter-County Express and the Long Island Rail Road, which provide connections to New York City and other parts of Long Island.
Geography
The town of Hempstead is situated on the western part of Long Island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Queens County to the west, with the town of North Hempstead to the north and the town of Oyster Bay to the east. The town's geography is characterized by its coastal location, with beaches and parks along the South Shore, including Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and Captree State Park. The town is also home to several lakes and ponds, including Hempstead Lake State Park and Merrick Lake. The Wantagh Parkway and the Meadowbrook State Parkway are two major parkways that run through the town, providing connections to New York City and other parts of Long Island, including the Northern State Parkway and the Southern State Parkway.
History
The town of Hempstead has a rich history, dating back to 1644 when it was founded by English colonists from Connecticut, including John Carman and Robert Fordham, who settled in the area now known as Hempstead Village. The town was named after Hempstead, England, the hometown of one of the town's founders, and was originally part of the Dutch colony of New Netherland, which was established by the Dutch West India Company. In 1664, the town was annexed by the English monarchy and became part of the Province of New York, which was governed by Richard Nicolls and later by Edmund Andros. During the American Revolution, the town was a major center for Loyalists, including Benjamin Franklin's son, William Franklin, who was the Governor of New Jersey at the time. The town was also home to several notable figures, including Theodore Roosevelt, who was born in New York City but spent much of his life in Oyster Bay, and Charles Lindbergh, who lived in Garden City.
Demographics
As of the 2020 census, the town of Hempstead has a population of over 793,000 people, making it the most populous town in New York. The town has a diverse population, with a mix of White Americans, African Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Asian Americans, including people of Italian-American and Irish-American descent. The town is also home to a large Jewish community, with several synagogues and Jewish organizations, including the Union for Reform Judaism and the Orthodox Union. The median household income in the town is over $100,000, and the median home value is over $400,000, making it one of the more affluent towns in New York, with neighborhoods like Garden City and Hempstead Village.
Economy
The economy of Hempstead is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, and retail trade, with major employers like Nassau University Medical Center, Hofstra University, and Roosevelt Field. The town is also home to several major companies, including Cablevision, Verizon Communications, and Northwell Health, which provide services to the town and surrounding areas, including New York City and Long Island. The town's location on Long Island makes it an attractive place for businesses, with easy access to New York City and other parts of the region, including John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport.
Government
The town of Hempstead is governed by a town council and a town supervisor, who are elected by the residents of the town. The town is also part of the Nassau County government, which provides services such as law enforcement and public transportation, including the Nassau County Police Department and the Nassau Inter-County Express. The town has several villages and hamlets, each with its own government and services, including Hempstead Village, Garden City, and Freeport. The town is represented in the New York State Legislature by state senators and assembly members, including Dean Skelos and Thomas DiNapoli.
Education
The town of Hempstead is served by several school districts, including the Hempstead Union Free School District, the Garden City Union Free School District, and the Freeport Union Free School District. The town is also home to several private schools, including Hofstra University and Molloy College, which offer a range of academic programs, including business, engineering, and health sciences. The town's schools are known for their academic excellence, with several schools ranked among the best in New York, including Garden City High School and Hempstead High School. The town is also served by the Nassau Library System, which provides access to a wide range of books, media, and other resources, including the Hempstead Public Library and the Garden City Public Library.