Plandome

Plandome is a small, charming village stretching inland from Manhasset Bay with beautiful colonial-style homes and a friendly, social community, giving it a welcoming and almost nostalgic vibe. “Plandome is probably one of the most sought-after villages within the town of Manhasset,” says Ann Hance, an associate real estate broker at Compass. “It’s very charming. If you walk around the neighborhood, it has a real New England vibe because of the architecture. It just feels like very authentic early American architecture. It has really beautiful homes.”

The village’s architecture is so charming and beautiful because its homes are often on the older side. “Some of the houses are actually older than those in Munsey Park and Flower Hill,” Hance says. “They can start at the turn of the century, like 1900.” As a result, many homes have beautiful original architectural features and quirks, from detached garages and millwork to the occasional large front porch. While the majority of Plandome’s homes are older, there are a few new constructions for potential homebuyers who aren’t interested in older houses. According to Hance, Plandome is a great place to find larger homes on more land, with most properties taking up a third to half an acre and a few stretching to as much as an acre. These homes start at nearly $2 million and can climb as high as $6 million for a new construction on a sizeable property with waterfront views. “Some of the values are really high, but you’re getting a magical view of Manhasset Bay, you’re getting sunsets, you’re getting just a spectacular location,” Hance says. “In the 28 or 29 years I’ve lived in Manhasset, Plandome has always been a very sought-after and competitive neighborhood.” This competition is particularly strong in the current market, where incredibly low inventory and high demand mean that homes sell quickly, often with multiple offers.

Plandome is served by the Manhasset Union Free School District, which Niche gives an A-plus rating and lists among the 10 best school districts in New York. Children attend Shelter Rock Elementary School, Manhasset Middle School and Manhasset Secondary School. The secondary school is a National Blue Ribbon School where students can participate in extracurricular activities like broadcast journalism, mock trial and art clubs.

Plandome has several social centers where people gather, including the Village Green at its heart. The little park, which is open to all residents, has tennis courts and a field perfect for playing sports like soccer or meeting for big village events. “They have an Easter egg hunt and a July 4th barbeque on the village green,” Hance says. “It has a very throw-back vibe, if you picture a little central park and people coming together for social activities. It’s nice and unique.” By the water, Plandome Field and Marine Club offers opportunities for locals to get out on the water and participate in social events. “It’s a very small beach within the village. For a small fee, one can join and get access to the waterfront,” Hance says. “If you have a kayak or a canoe or boat of that nature, you can take it out at Plandome Field and Marine, and they also have some social gatherings down there.” Many residents also choose to join the Plandome Country Club. “They have an amazing golf course, they have children’s programs, they have a pool,” Hance says. “It’s smack in the middle of the village, so a lot of residents try and take advantage. If they like to golf or socialize, it’s a very popular spot.”

The country club is right across from Plandome Station, making it easy for residents to hop off the train from Manhattan to relax at the club. The trip into the city takes between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on if you catch an express train. The station is small and within walking distance of some homes, but Plandome residents who drive there have reserved parking, guaranteeing that they’ll always have a spot. Plandome is a purely residential village, but locals don’t have to go far when they want to grab essentials, spend a fun day shopping or eat dinner out. Less than a mile away, Manhasset’s downtown is the perfect place to pick up groceries at King Kullen, watch a movie at Manhasset Cinemas or meet friends for drinks and a burger at Publicans. Residents can also spend a day exploring the Science Museum of Long Island or relaxing on the sand and having fun on the water at Leeds Pond Beech just a mile away. Plandome is close to entertainment in nearly every direction when residents want it, but peacefully removed from the excitement when they don’t. “I think the people who go to Plandome may want a little more land, a little more privacy,” Hance says. “They’re okay not being in the thick of everything all the time, but because of the village green and the events that they have and the waterfront access, it’s still a very social area, it’s just not quite as social.” Its quiet streets, charming homes and abundance of social activities give it the amiable, almost nostalgic air that sets it apart and makes so many people eager to call it home.

Written By

Christina Norwood

Photography Contributed By

Franklin Abreu

Video By

Paris Lape