Pros and Cons of Moving to Rockville Centre

Rockville Centre is a village in Southwest Nassau County. Niche.com gives it an A+ rating and calls it “one of the best places to live in New York.” Of course, every village has its pluses and minuses—and you shouldn’t have to wait until after you move to find out what they are. If you want a local’s opinion on the top three pros and cons of living in Rockville Center, check out this list.

Rockville Centre is #18 of the top 100 safest cities in the United States. Neighborhood Scout gives it a safety score of 84, meaning that it’s safer than 84% of other cities. Statistics show that there’s just a 1 in 217 chance of becoming a victim of a crime here—compared to 1 in 43 in the U.S. overall.

Rockville Centre is also one of the safest NYC suburbs. Nearby villages haven’t earned safety scores as high; Baldwin has a score of 57 out of 100, and Freeport a score of 50. If you’re looking for a safe place to live in Nassau County, Rockville Centre is a good bet.

Compared to the rest of the United States, the cost of living in Rockville Centre is high. But many find it desirable compared to other parts of New York City. Rockville Centre’s cost of living is 74% higher than the national average, while Brooklyn’s is 85% higher and Manhattan’s is a whopping 121% higher.

The main culprit for the high cost of living is the high property values. The median home value in Rockville Centre is currently $861,238—140% higher than the median home value in the U.S. High property values are good news for homeowners. They usually represent growing equity, investment in the surrounding community, and the ability to sell for a profit if the time comes.

Rockville Centre is an NYC suburb with a city feel. Most residents own their homes, and it’s a great place to get some peace away from the hustle—but you’ll still find numerous coffee shops, bars, and delicious restaurants. This village is big on community, and many who move here never want to leave. You’ll find beautifully-kept neighborhoods, kids playing outside, and friendly neighbors willing to lend a hand. The Rockville Centre Public Library has a full calendar of community events, and on Sundays, you can pick up your groceries from local farmers and artisans at the Rockville Centre Farmers Market across from Bigelow’s Clam Bar.

Depending on who you ask, this con could actually be a pro. If you enjoy winter activities or watching the snow fall from a cozy spot in your living room, Rockville Center is a great place for you.

But if significant winter weather is a dealbreaker, Rockville Centre might not be the best choice. Average lows in December, January, and February are below freezing, and the area receives about two feet of snow every year. This is no biggie compared to some places in the midwest and further north—but if you’re not a fan of winter in general, consider moving somewhere warmer.

This will come as no surprise to New Yorkers, but if you’re considering a move from out of state, you might be shocked. Nassau County has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., coming in #2 out of all 3,143 counties in order of median property taxes. The average resident pays approximately $8,700 every year in property taxes—more than double the average amount in the U.S. overall.

The plus side of high property taxes is an investment in the surrounding community. Property taxes fund public services and public schools, and the high rate is reflected in the high performance of Nassau County school districts.

Only two homes currently listed for sale in Rockville Centre were built after the year 2000—and the majority were built in the 1950s or earlier. Purchasing an older home can come with issues as benign as outdated aesthetics and as troublesome as structural damage and hazardous building materials.

Of course, buying an older house isn’t all bad. Many people prefer old homes because of their history and character. It’s common to purchase an outdated home and renovate it, tailoring it to your personal style while improving its value. And if you’re not excited to do your own renovations, our team can find you a home that’s already been updated—just let us know what you’re looking for.

Let us help. With 30 years of experience living, working, and playing in Nassau County, Leatherman Homes has the connections you need to make your move a breeze. Whether you're trying to decide where you should move or looking for your next dream home, we’ll connect you. We operate with honesty, clarity, and consideration—so you’ll never have to stress. Fill out the form below to get started.

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