$1,076,824Average Value$498Average Price per Sq Ft4Homes For Sale
Quiet neighborhood with pastures and a Gilded Age mansion
West Hills is a quiet, slightly inland neighborhood on Long Island’s North Shore that still bears a single striking reminder of its past as part of the Gold Coast: Oheka Castle. When it was built between 1914 and 1919, the French chateau-style mansion was the second-largest private home in the United States — a title it still holds today. Today, the mansion enjoys a second life as a hotel and events venue, but it’s a defining landmark in West Hills, which is otherwise made up of trees, homes, horse pastures and placenames dedicated to Walt Whitman, who was born in the area.
According to Cathy Deignan, an associate real estate broker at Daniel Gale Sotheby’s International Realty who has sold homes in West Hills for 28 years and lived here for 34 years, there are three main developments in West Hills. “All three really lovely neighborhoods on minimum half-acre properties and they’re all on tree-lined, winding, kind of very countrified roads,” she says. “It’s a wonderful area. I just love where I live, so that’s my motto. It’s just a beautiful, peaceful neighborhood.” While these features give West Hills the quiet atmosphere that so many residents love, the neighborhood is also known for being relatively accessible to Manhattan. “It’s right on the border of Nassau and Suffolk, and they’re very close to the train station and the city,” says Sahra Mansouri Afati, a licensed broker associate at Realty Connect USA who has sold homes in the neighborhood for over 25 years.
West Hills residents are minutes away the serenity of Cold Spring Beach.
West Hills also has smaller sized homes to live.
Aerial over West Hills neighborhood.
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Homes on large lots starting at $650,000 in West Hills
In parts of West Hills, so many trees line the streets that it’s hard to see the homes lining its streets. But those that do peek through the trees vary greatly, from Long Island classics like hi-ranches and split-levels to grand colonial or Federal-style homes. “I think the nice thing about it is the variety of the architectural styles,” Deignan says. “You’re not going into a community that’s built by one builder, so there’s some variety.” In two of its developments, Audubon Woods and Cold Spring Hills, lots are still sizeable, but they stretch backward, so homes are still close enough to one another to get a bit of a suburban feel. The development called West Hills is more spread out, Deignan says, with lot sizes of an acre or more. Some properties even have stables and horse pastures. Homes in West Hills start at around $650,000 and can climb as high as $8 million. The CAP Index crime score is 1 out of 10, compared to the national average of 4.
Large manicured lawns are the norm in West Hills.
Neo Classical homes can also be found in West Hills.
West Hills residents are minutes away from Walt Whitman's original house.
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Highly rated South Huntington schools
Public schools in West Hills are part of the South Huntington Union Free School District, which Niche gives an A and puts among the top 10 districts in Suffolk County. Oakwood Primary Center Elementary School earns an A and teaches pre-kindergarten through second grade, while Birchwood Intermediate Center, which earns a B, teaches third through fifth grade. Sixth graders then attend Silas Wood Sixth Grade Center before moving on to Henry L. Stimson Middle School, both of which earn A-minuses. Walt Whitman High School earns an A, and Niche lists it among the top 10 public high schools in Suffolk County.
Walt Whitman High School is rich with history.
West Hollow Middle School is an excellent school located in Melville.
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Hiking and horseback riding in West Hills Park
The north and south sides of West Hills are bookended by Froehlich Farm Nature Preserve and West Hills County Park, both of which have hiking trails. The Walt Whitman trailhead in West Hills Park advances up to the highest point on Long Island. At the peak of Jayne’s Hill is a stone marker with a quote from a Whitman poem. Residents ready for less physically challenging activities also have easy access to Whitman's historic site and original home. According to Afati, West Hills Park also has horseback riding trails and an equestrian center on site. It’s one of several stables in the neighborhood, showing that the sport is a favorite pastime here. “You can hike there, you can do a picnic there, there’s a dog run there, horseback riding,” Afati says of the wooded park. “They have all that. It’s very pretty.” Breezy Park and Peter A. Nelson Park both have playgrounds and athletic fields, and golfers head to Cold Spring Country Club.
DDR farm in West Hills is a great place to board and ride your horse.
One of the best dog parks on long island is at the West Hills County Park in Melville.
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Nearby highways and an hour to Manhattan on the LIRR
The Northern State Parkway, New York State Route 25 and Walt Whitman Road run through West Hills, making it easy to connect to other major roads and highways to travel across Long Island in nearly any direction. For many, the Long Island Rail Road Station’s Cold Spring Harbor station, which is located in West Hills, is another major draw. “For people that are commuting into the city, it’s about as far as they want to go,” Deignan says. “It’s one train line without having to change trains. Any further east that you go, you’d have to change trains…When I commuted to the city, it was just so easy.” From the station, it takes about an hour to reach Manhattan’s Penn Station. Syosset Hospital is 4 miles away, while both Huntington Hospital and Plainview Hospital are 5 miles away. John F. Kennedy International Airport is 29 miles away.
Italian restaurants along Route 25, shopping in nearby neighborhoods
West Hills’ small collection of businesses and restaurants are stretched along state Route 25. Its restaurants are mostly Italian spots like La Parma II Italian Restaurant, Piccola Bussola and Umberto’s Pizzeria. West Hills doesn’t have much in the way of shopping, but it’s a short drive to several areas that are full of it; Woodbury Common Shopping Center and Walt Whitman Shops, which is in South Huntington, are both less than 2 miles away. Downtown Huntington itself is less than 4 miles away. Groceries are even closer, as there’s a King Kullen just outside West Hills.
King Kullen offers produce, deli, floral and meats department to West Hills residents.
Piccola Bussola in West Hills has great service, great menu, and great prices.
Pick up a delicious pie while the kids visit the animals at Kerber's Farm in West Hills.
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Fireman’s Fair in West Hills, big celebrations in nearby Huntington Village
The Huntington Manor Fireman’s Fair is held in Peter A. Nelson Park every year, featuring carnival rides and games, food trucks and fireworks. Afati says that there are yearly events at Oheka Castle, but aside from these, West Hills is quiet most of the year. Many locals head into Huntington Village for its many yearly events instead, including the Huntington Holiday Spectacular. The huge event features a parade, tree lighting, ice carving and fireworks. For younger kids, there’s also a visit from Santa, reindeer and a light-up train.
Hurricane season in West Hills
Although hurricanes can pass over Long Island, West Hills is far enough inland that there’s only a minor risk of flooding. The biggest concern during the season’s storms is a severe risk of high winds.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeffrey Bitsimis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
West Hills County Park
West Hills Park
Hawk Valley Preserve
Trails
West Hills Dog Park
Peter A. Nelson Park
Baseball/Softball
Picnic Area
Trails
Transit
Airport
Long Island MacArthur
35 min drive
Train
Cold Spring Harbor Station
Bus
Jericho Tpke & Paumonk Dr
Bus
Jericho Tpke & Cold Spring Hills Rd
Bus
Jericho Tpke & Sweet Hollow Rd
Bus
Jericho Tpke & Oakwood Rd
Bus
Jericho Tpke & East Gate Dr
Bus
Nys 110 & Amityville Rd
Bus
Jericho Tpke & Chicory La
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Hills
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
1
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
2
4
Burglary
1
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
1
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Hills, Long Island sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in West Hills, Long Island over the last 12 months is $1,058,927, up 7% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover this stunning fully renovated ranch, set on a beautifully landscaped .62-acre property. Every detail of this home has been meticulously updated, featuring a custom kitchen with modern finishes, an updated bath, and gleaming wood floors throughout. The inviting fireplace adds warmth and charm, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation. Step outside to enjoy the lush, manicured grounds,
Nestled in a quiet yet convenient location close to town, this charming 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is the perfect starter home for families and first-time home buyers. Featuring an updated kitchen, new roof, and fresh flooring throughout, this home offers both style and peace of mind. The finished basement provides extra living space, perfect for a home office, playroom, or entertainment area.
142 Round Swamp Road is a custom-built, recently renovated private estate - sitting on over 2 acres of a gated, beautifully-landscaped property in coveted West Hills. Hidden behind a 600-ft. winding driveway, this brick, center hall colonial home was once part of the Wallace K. Harrison estate, and is primely located on the on the cusp of Melville and Huntington - equally distant between NYC and
Welcome Home to your private paradise less than 1 hour from NYC. This equestrian property is located on 2 acres of flat land backing up to an amazing 12 acre preserve adding to your private oasis. This estate features everything and more including a 6-stall barn with loft and turnout ring, dressage area for training and exhibition; heated gunite pool and jacuzzi, farm area and more. Gorgeous
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeffrey Bitsimis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,164
Median Age
49
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.7%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.6%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$169,541
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$185,184
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
95.9%
College Graduates
64.1%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
29.3%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.3%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
38''
Average Winter Low Temperature
25°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
32''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
23/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
23/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
