Plainview, named as such because of the ‘plain view’ of Hempstead Plains visible from the top of Manetto Hill, is a family-friendly hamlet in Nassau County’s Town of Oyster Bay. From it’s school systems to houses of worship to things to do with kids, here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a move to Plainview.
By Katelin Walling
Plainview is a hamlet—a community within a town that is not incorporated as a village—located near the north shore of Long Island in the Town of Oyster Bay. Plainview and its neighboring hamlet, Old Bethpage, share a school system, library, fire department, and water district. Plainview is on the Nassau County side of the border with Suffolk County. The Nassau side of Plainview borders the hamlets of Hicksville, Syosset, and Woodbury, and the Suffolk side borders Melville. Plainview’s origins date to 1648, when Robert Williams, a settler from Whales, purchased the land. In 1695, Thomas Powell purchased the land from local Indian tribes as part of the Bethpage Purchase. Settlers named it Manetto Hill, derived from Manitou the Native American word for God or spirit. In 1885, residents wanted a local post office, but they were turned down by the United States Postal Service because an upstate town had a similar name. The people then renamed the town Plainview because of the “plain view” of Hempstead Plains that was visible from the top of Manetto Hill.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re considering moving your family to Plainview.
Schools in Plainview
Public Schools Serving Plainview
Children who live in Plainview will attend one of seven public schools with in the ethnically diverse Plainview-Old Bethpage Central School District, which has nearly 5,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grades:
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Private Schools Serving Plainview
There are more than 20 private schools in the Plainview area, including preschools, mixed-age schools, religious schools, and schools for those with special needs.
Private preschools serving Plainview include:
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Private mixed-age schools serving Plainview include:
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Private religious schools serving Plainview include:
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Private schools for those with special needs serving Plainview include:
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Public Transportation: Long Island Rail Road Stops in Plainview
For those parents who work in New York City and will have to commute on a daily basis, or for the family that wants to take in the sights of the city for the day during the summer or on a weekend, the LIRR stops at the three stations near Plainview (Note: All trip time durations are approximate.):
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Houses of Worship in Plainview
There are a handful of churches and synagogues at which families can practice their faith in Plainview, including:
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Things to Do with Kids in Plainview
Annual Events in Plainview
The Plainview community hosts a variety of annual events and festivals, including:
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Attractions near Plainview
While nestled in the middle of the Town of Oyster Bay, Plainview and it’s surrounding areas offer families a handful of notable attractions
Adventureland
Located on the outskirts of Plainview in Farmingdale, Long Island’s amusement park since 1962 features more than 25 rides, outdoor games, an arcade, face painting, and more. The park also hosts birthday parties and events, such as Technology Day, Fire Safety Day, and Pumpkin Park, Long Island’s largest free, safe trick-or-treating event.
Dirtyburger
Have a hankering for a really good burger? Look no further than Plainview’s Dirtyburger, which was crowned by Long Island Pulse as the best burger on Long Island in the magazine’s 2016 Great Burger Battle. The restaurant is owned by Chef Ian Russo, who crafted the DIRTY Cooking® style on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in his former restaurant IAN.
Museum of American Armor
Located at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, this museum displays military machinery and vehicles used in World War II, replicating the sights and sounds of American forces.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration
Just on the outskirts of Plainview in Old Bethpage is this living history museum that provides visitors the chance to step back in time and experience life on Long Island in the 19th century. The village consists of 36 houses, barns, and buildings dating from 1765-1865. Plus, it hosts events such as old time baseball games, Civil War encampments, and a mounted cowboy shooting show.
Beaches Serving Plainview
The town of Oyster Bay, in which Plainview hamlet is located, has eight beaches, three of which are for residents only (noted with asterisks):
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Community Centers in Plainview
For families that are looking for a little extra community closeness, the Plainview area offers a country club and a Jewish Community Center.
Crest Hollow Country Club in nearby Woodbury
Located fewer than 5 miles from the heart of Plainview, this is the only club on the East Coast that offers three different racquet sports on one property (tennis on Har-Tru courts, platform, and beach tennis). Crest Hollow also offers a beach arena for volleyball and an Olympic-size pool.
Mid-Island Y JCC
In addition to its Early Childhood Center, the Mid-Island Y JCC offers a Youth & Teen Center with after-school programs, a teen lounge, leadership programs, and more; the Adler Center for Special Needs; a summer camp; fitness and aquatics programs; community programs, and more.
Indoor Activities in Plainview
Plainview is home to a handful of facilities that get kids moving and burning energy, including:
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Kids’ Sports Leagues Serving Plainview
While many kids in elementary school want to start playing a sport, their schools don’t have sports teams. Don’t despair: There are a few kids’ sports leagues serving the Plainview community, including:
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Parks and Playgrounds in Plainview
The Plainview community is home to a few parks in which families can spend a relaxing afternoon playing and picnicking.
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Shopping in Plainview
The community of Plainview offers the Plainview and Manetto Hills shopping centers with a variety of stores, restaurants, and services, the Broadway Mall in nearby Hicksville (approximately a 10-minute drive from the heart of Plainview) is the shopping destination of the area with stores such as:
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Restaurants in Plainview
Plainview offers a variety of family-friendly eateries, including:
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Main image: This checkerboard horse welcomes all who come to Plainview.
Courtesy Joseph and Catherine Zago Realty Connect USA
