Woodmere, New York

Woodmere, New York is a village located in Nassau County, within the town of Hewlett, and is part of the New York metropolitan area. The village is situated near Jones Beach State Park, Freeport, and Valley Stream, and is home to the Five Towns, a region that includes Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Hewlett, Inwood, and Woodsburgh. Woodmere is also close to John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, and New York City, making it an attractive location for commuters who work in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens.

Geography

Woodmere is bordered by Merrick to the east, Bellmore to the northeast, Seaford to the north, Wantagh to the northwest, and Freeport to the west. The village is situated near the South Shore of Long Island, which features beaches and parks such as Jones Beach State Park, Robert Moses State Park, and Captree State Park. Woodmere is also close to the Hempstead Lake State Park, Valley Stream State Park, and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, which are managed by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the United States National Park Service. The village has a total area of 2.1 square kilometers and is located near the Southern State Parkway, Meadowbrook State Parkway, and the Wantagh State Parkway.

History

The area that is now Woodmere was originally inhabited by the Matinecock Native American tribe, who were part of the Algonquian peoples. In the 17th century, the land was purchased by William Kieft, the Director-General of New Netherland, from the Matinecock Native American tribe. The village was later settled by English colonists and was part of the Town of Hempstead. Woodmere was officially incorporated as a village in 1910, and has since become a popular residential community, with many residents commuting to New York City for work. The village has a rich history, with many notable residents, including Elihu Root, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and Norman Finkelstein, a political scientist and author.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the village of Woodmere has a population of 17,121 people, with a median age of 43.2 years. The village has a diverse population, with a mix of White Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanic and Latino Americans. The median household income in Woodmere is $123,419, and the median home value is $543,400. The village is served by the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District, which includes George W. Hewlett High School, Woodmere Middle School, and several elementary schools. Many residents of Woodmere are affiliated with Congregation B'nai Sholom, Temple Hillel, or St. Francis Episcopal Church.

Economy

The economy of Woodmere is driven by a mix of industries, including healthcare, finance, education, and retail. Many residents of Woodmere commute to New York City for work, with major employers including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. The village is also home to several small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and services, which cater to the local community. Woodmere is located near the Nassau County Museum of Art, the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and the Long Island Children's Museum, which attract tourists and support the local economy.

Education

The village of Woodmere is served by the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District, which includes several schools, such as George W. Hewlett High School, Woodmere Middle School, and Ogden Elementary School. The district is accredited by the New York State Education Department and is known for its high academic standards and strong programs in music, art, and athletics. Many students from Woodmere attend Hofstra University, Adelphi University, or Molloy College, which are located nearby. The village is also close to Columbia University, New York University, and Yeshiva University, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities.

Infrastructure

The village of Woodmere has a well-developed infrastructure, with several major roads and highways, including the Southern State Parkway, Meadowbrook State Parkway, and the Wantagh State Parkway. The village is also served by the Long Island Rail Road, which provides commuter rail service to Penn Station in Manhattan. Woodmere is located near John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, which offer flights to destinations around the world. The village has a strong sense of community, with many residents participating in local events and activities, such as the Woodmere Summer Concert Series and the Hewlett-Woodmere Community Festival. The village is also home to the Woodmere Volunteer Fire Department and the Nassau County Police Department, which provide emergency services to the community.