About Old Westbury
Located within the Town of Oyster Bay and the Town of North Hempstead in Long Island’s Nassau County, Old Westbury is known as the Gold Coast haven of early industrialists, but it has much more to offer beyond its storied history.
With a median household income of $164,286 and a median home price of $1.6 million, Old Westbury is an affluent community and has counted some of America’s wealthiest families (including early 20th century industrialists) among its population of 4,757.
Many residents commute to Manhattan on the LIRR, which residents can access via the Hicksville or Westbury stations. The commute takes between 43-51 minutes, making Old Westbury an attractive option for those who love the tranquility of Long Island but who also crave the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Although many people work in NYC, the economy of Old Westbury employs 2,150 workers. Many of them work in such sectors as Finance & Insurance, Real Estate, and Healthcare & Social Assistance. Major employers include New York Institute of Technology and the State University of New York at Old Westbury, two well-regarded institutions of higher learning.
Depending on their neighborhood, Old Westbury’s students are served by three school districts, all of which are highly regarded: East Williston Union Free School District, Jericho Union Free School District, and Westbury Public School District. For those families seeking a Catholic school close to home, Holy Child Academy is an independent Catholic school serving 220 children from early childhood to eighth grade and includes the Dolan Early Childhood Center, Connelly Lower School, and Kevin P. O'Sullivan Middle School.
While in Old Westbury, don’t forget to try some of the delicious dining options. Italian cuisine is a prevalent option, but choices abound, including:
Little Mexico: Tex-Mex food in a cozy atmosphere
Old Westbury Diner: diner favorites, plus Greek and Italian specialties
Café Baci: large portions of Italian fare
Vincent’s Clam Bar: bustling spot serving fresh seafood
Spuntino Wine Bar: Italian small plates and wine
Old Westbury’s charm and sophistication make it the perfect place to host a wedding or other social event. Some options include:
Old Westbury Gardens: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former estate of John S. Phipps features 200 acres of gardens, woods, and ponds. The centerpiece is an English-style, 2.5-acre walled garden that’s open to the public. It features gazebos, fountains, and a lily pond. At the Garden of Appreciation, wedding ceremonies are held and can accommodate up to 100 guests, making for a tranquil and memorable experience.
Meadowbrook Polo Club: America’s oldest polo club is an exciting and refined venue for weddings, offering a unique atmosphere for a special event.
NYIT de Seversky Mansion: Built in 1918, the de Seversky mansion, now located on the campus of New York Institute of Technology, is an elegant venue for weddings, corporate events, and social events. The mansion can accommodate between 100 and 300 wedding guests and offers full-service catering. One can choose from three reception styles: traditional, European, or Gatsby. With a Terrace Room, grand ballroom, and lake views, the de Seversky mansion provides a memorable event for all. With a portion of the revenue from such events going to benefit NYIT and its students, one can feel good knowing that their money is also helping an educational institution.
Within its 8.6 square miles, Old Westbury offers ample opportunities for recreation. Old Westbury Gardens isn’t just an event space, but is open to the public and is the perfect place for a stroll. The Old Westbury Unique Area is a protected area, allowing for great hiking. Nearby Eisenhower Park, in East Meadow, and the 400-acre Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay provide even more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Eisenhower Park’s many amenities, from batting cages and bike trails, are sure to delight the whole family. Planting Fields Arboretum, which was designed by the Olmsted Brothers, showcases camellias, rhododendrons, and azaleas, among other flora.
Old Westbury has been the birthplace or residence of many distinguished Americans, including:
William Entenmann: Founder of Entenmann’s baked goods
Leonard Feinstein: Founder of Bed 'n Bath (now Bed Bath & Beyond)
Jack Liebowitz: born in 1900, original co-owner of National Comics Publications (what would become DC Comics)
Gloria Vanderbilt: Born in 1924, fashion designer, heiress, and socialite
Ashanti Shequoiya Douglas: Born in 1980, R and B and hip hop singer and songwriter known professionally as Ashanti
Sam Ash: Founder of Sam Ash Music Stores
Alva Belmont: Born in 1853, socialite and prominent figure in the women’s suffrage movement
George Herbert "Bert" Walker Sr.: Born in 1875, banker and businessman, grandfather of President George H. W. Bush and great-grandfather of President George W. Bush
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Westbury,_New_York
https://datausa.io/profile/geo/old-westbury-ny/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/RestaurantsNear-g48326-d105629-Old_Westbury_Gardens-Old_Westbury_Long_Island_New_York.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/09/travel/09trip.html
http://oldwestburydinerli.com/menu/
https://www.oldwestburygardens.org/
https://www.nyit.edu/deseversky/weddings
https://www.nyit.edu/deseversky/weddings