Great Neck Estates
An Enclave of History, Literature, and Community: Exploring the unique character and rich heritage of a distinguished New York village.
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A Village Rooted in Time
Foundation and Incorporation
Great Neck Estates was officially incorporated in 1911, marking its establishment as the second village to formalize its governance on the Great Neck Peninsula. This move was driven by a desire among residents to maintain local autonomy and ensure access to services not readily provided by the broader Town of North Hempstead.
Commemorating Milestones
In recognition of its heritage, a commemorative plaque was installed at the Village Hall in 1981, celebrating the 70th anniversary of Great Neck Estates' incorporation. This serves as a lasting reminder of the village's long-standing community identity.
Advocating for Peace
In a notable civic action in 1982, Great Neck Estates became the first village on Long Island to formally call for a nuclear freeze between the United States and the Soviet Union. This initiative, stemming from a petition by local residents, underscored the village's engagement with broader societal issues and its commitment to peace efforts.
Geographic Profile
Location and Boundaries
Situated on the Great Neck Peninsula, Great Neck Estates is nestled within the Town of North Hempstead in Nassau County, along the North Shore of Long Island, New York. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 40°47′14″N 73°44′17″W.
Area and Water Features
The village encompasses a total area of 0.80 square miles (2.08 km2). Of this, 0.76 square miles (1.98 km2) is land, while 0.035 square miles (0.09 km2), representing approximately 4.94% of the total area, is covered by water.
Elevation
Great Neck Estates is situated at an average elevation of 82 feet (25 meters) above sea level, contributing to its distinct topographical character within the Long Island landscape.
Community Demographics
Population Overview
As of the 2020 census, Great Neck Estates is home to 2,990 residents. The population density stands at approximately 3,903.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,507.27/km2), reflecting a well-established community.
The village has experienced population fluctuations over the decades, with notable growth in the mid-20th century and a recent increase of 8.3% between 2010 and 2020.
Housing and Households
In 2000, the village comprised 919 households, with an average household size of 3.00 individuals. A significant portion, 38.2%, included children under 18. The housing stock was substantial, with an average density of 1,226.7 units per square mile.
Diversity and Age Distribution
The racial makeup in 2000 indicated a predominantly White population (92.71%), with smaller percentages of African American (0.94%) and Asian (4.83%) residents. The age distribution showed a notable segment of residents aged 45-64 (29.6%), with a median age of 43 years.
Economic Profile
The economic landscape is characterized by high median incomes. In 2000, the median household income was $142,038, and the median family income reached $161,545. The per capita income was also substantial at $72,476, with a very low poverty rate of approximately 2.3% of the population.
Historical Population Trends
The following table details the historical population changes recorded by the U.S. Decennial Census:
| Census Year | Population | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 339 | — |
| 1930 | 1,738 | 412.7% |
| 1940 | 1,969 | 13.3% |
| 1950 | 2,464 | 25.1% |
| 1960 | 3,262 | 32.4% |
| 1970 | 3,131 | -4.0% |
| 1980 | 2,936 | -6.2% |
| 1990 | 2,790 | -5.0% |
| 2000 | 2,756 | -1.2% |
| 2010 | 2,761 | 0.2% |
| 2020 | 2,990 | 8.3% |
Governance and Representation
Village Administration
Great Neck Estates operates under a village government structure. As of June 2025, the leadership includes Mayor William D. Warner and Deputy Mayor Jeffrey Farkas. The Village Trustees are Ira D. Ganzfried, Howard Hershenhorn, and Lidia Shemesh. The Mayor and Trustees serve four-year terms, with elections held in odd-numbered years.
Elected Officials
The village is represented across various levels of government:
- Town: Part of the Town of North Hempstead's 5th council district, represented by David A. Adhami.
- County: Located in Nassau County's 10th Legislative district, represented by Mazi Melesa Pilip.
- State Assembly: Within New York's 16th State Assembly district, represented by Daniel J. Norber.
- State Senate: Part of the 7th State Senate district, represented by Jack M. Martins.
- U.S. Congress: Situated in New York's 3rd congressional district, represented by Thomas R. Suozzi.
- U.S. Senate: Represented by Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.
Political Landscape
Presidential Election Trends
In the 2024 U.S. presidential election, the majority of voters in Great Neck Estates cast their ballots for Donald J. Trump (Republican Party).
Educational Framework
School District
All public school students residing in Great Neck Estates are served by the Great Neck Union Free School District, ensuring a unified educational experience within the village.
Library Services
The village is also encompassed within the service area of the Great Neck Library District, providing residents with access to comprehensive library resources and programs.
Architectural Heritage
Ben Rebhuhn House
A significant architectural landmark within Great Neck Estates is the Ben Rebhuhn House. Designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, this property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, representing a notable example of Wright's design philosophy.
Notable Residents
F. Scott Fitzgerald
The celebrated author F. Scott Fitzgerald resided at 6 Gateway Drive during the 1920s. This period in Great Neck Estates profoundly influenced his literary work, most notably serving as the inspiration for the setting of his iconic novel, The Great Gatsby.
Victor Young
The distinguished conductor and composer Victor Young also called Great Neck Estates home, residing on Myrtle Drive. His presence adds to the village's rich cultural tapestry.
Political Figures
The village has been home to political figures such as Lee Seeman and her husband Murray Seeman. Murray Seeman, a lawyer, politician, and real estate developer, also served as Mayor of Great Neck Estates.
Literary Inspiration: The Great Gatsby
Fitzgerald's Muse
Great Neck Estates holds a unique place in literary history as the setting that inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald's residence in the village during the Roaring Twenties provided him with firsthand observations of the era's affluence and social dynamics.
Modeling West Egg and East Egg
Fitzgerald is said to have modeled the fictional town of West Egg, where the protagonist Nick Carraway resides, after Great Neck itself, particularly areas like Kings Point, capturing its essence of nouveau riche extravagance. East Egg, the domain of the established wealthy like Daisy and Tom Buchanan, was reportedly inspired by the neighboring community of Sands Point.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding local governance, real estate, history, or any other specialized field. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.