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University Gardens-Russell Gardens

University Gardens-Russell Gardens

Suburban Neighborhood in University Gardens, New York

Nassau County 11020, 11021

$1,645,841 Average Value
$579 Average Price per Sq Ft
19 Homes For Sale

Quiet, private neighborhoods near Great Neck entertainment

Canopied by mature maple trees and boasting large private homes, University Gardens and Russell Gardens offer sophisticated suburban living just 20 miles away from Manhattan. Russell Gardens is one of Great Neck’s nine villages, while University Gardens is an unincorporated hamlet. Each area has its own homeowners association, but they share the same quiet vibe. “I wouldn’t say it’s unfriendly, but everybody keeps to their own. That’s what people are looking for, privacy, and you have it,” says Phil Raices, a licensed real estate broker at Turn Key Real Estate and a journalist at Blank Slate Media who has written just shy of 480 articles about real estate over the last nine and a half years. He’s lived in the Great Neck area for 69 years. Despite this quiet, entertainment is always within reach. “I’ve never lived in an area that offers so much — there’s so much to do for adults and children that it is kind of a staycation just to live there,” Raices says.

Maple trees tower over the spacious homes in University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
Maple trees tower over the spacious homes in University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
About 1,000 residents call the quiet community of University Gardens-Russell Gardens home.
About 1,000 residents call the quiet community of University Gardens-Russell Gardens home.
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Most single-family homes cost over $1 million

Russell Gardens and University Gardens are both established neighborhoods. With streets and yards shaded by mature trees, its homes are often architectural beauties. “There’s a lot of old Tudors from 1920 and 1930,” Raices says. “You can’t get a new house built like the older houses, which are all plaster walls. Sheetrock doesn’t come close to plaster. Plaster houses are much more soundproof.” Although Tudors are the most common style, colonials are still a frequent sight. There’s also an occasional Cape Cod and ranch-style home, particularly in University Gardens. Spacious, manicured yards offer privacy and outdoor entertainment space while winding, tree-shaded sidewalks make daily walks or runs that much more pleasant. Home prices vary greatly, with a three-bedroom in need of serious renovations starting at around $890,000 and a fully updated seven-bedroom home maxing out around $5.7 million. The handful of co-ops in the neighborhoods start at about $180,000 and climb as high as $800,000 for a larger, newly renovated unit. The CAP Index crime score is 2 out of 10. The national average is 4.

Tudor style homes feature impressive brick architecture in University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
Tudor style homes feature impressive brick architecture in University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
Colonial style homes in University Gardens-Russell Gardens often feature expansive yards.
Colonial style homes in University Gardens-Russell Gardens often feature expansive yards.
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Robotics at Great Neck South High

Raices and Edna Mashaal, the broker and owner of Edna Mashaal Realty with over 25 years of experience in real estate, agree that the school district is another major reason people move to the Great Neck area. Great Neck Public Schools have an A-plus from Niche, and the site lists the district as the third best in the state. Children can attend Lakeville Elementary School, Great Neck South Middle School and Great Neck South High School, all of which have A-pluses. Niche also ranks the high school as the best public high school in Nassau County. Great Neck’s competitive robotics team has competed in and won various national competitions.

Lakeville Elementary School is a Blue Ribbon School in GNPS.
Lakeville Elementary School is a Blue Ribbon School in GNPS.
Great Neck South High School is one of the top high schools in the state.
Great Neck South High School is one of the top high schools in the state.
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Private Great Neck parks, swimming pools

“Great Neck is one of the few park districts in New York State. We have 21 active and passive parks,” Raices says. Russell Gardens is part of the park district, while University Gardens isn’t. Living in the park district comes with an added park district tax, but Raices says it’s worth it because residents gain access to Great Neck’s private parks and their yearly events. “For the concerts we get, it’s worth thousands,” he says. The Parkwood Sports Complex is one of these private areas, offering a pool with a little lazy river alongside tennis courts, baseball and soccer fields and an indoor ice rink. Just 4 miles away, the waterfront Steppingstone Park is perhaps the most well-known private park. “The concerts that Great Neck is known for are at Steppingstone Park,” Raices says. “You can also learn how to sail; we have a sailing club there. We have an area where you can dock your boat, you can keep your sailboat on the beach for a minimal cost. There’s a dock for fishing, in case you want to catch your dinner, and there’s a launch that will take you out to your boat so you don’t have to swim out there. They have a pool there, they have a spray park.” Closer to home, Cutter Mill Park, on the edge of Russell Gardens, is filled with children running around the sand-filled playground or cooling off at the spray pad on hot summer days. For University Gardens residents, park options are a little more limited. Great Neck Terrace Pool Club is a popular place to cool off and have fun during the summer, and Admiral Playground offers a large playground and a basketball court. Fresh Meadow Country Club is one of the three golf courses nearby. The Great Neck Public Library System has also undergone renovations to a few locations over the last few years. “We have 3D printers that you can use in the library for free,” Raices says.

Cool off in the pool at The Parkwood Sports Complex in nearby Great Neck.
Cool off in the pool at The Parkwood Sports Complex in nearby Great Neck.
Relax with friends and family at Cutter Mill Park, featuring a shaded playground for all ages.
Relax with friends and family at Cutter Mill Park, featuring a shaded playground for all ages.
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Shopping and dining at The Gardens At Great Neck

A few local businesses stretch along Northern Boulevard, which is also where Peter Luger Steak House sits, serving prime steak and grilled Atlantic salmon in an upscale atmosphere. Less than a mile away, The Gardens At Great Neck offers abundant dining options alongside clothing shops and salons. Wild Ginger is a popular Asian fusion spot known for its Wednesday night entertainment. “There’s a gentleman by the name of Drew Hill who’s absolutely a virtuoso,” Raices says. “He plays his synthesizer, and he sings like a nightingale.” Great Neck Diner offers pancakes and other breakfast options, and Rosa’s Pizzeria is a local favorite. “They give you a double slice cheaper than what the other pizza places charge you for a single slice,” Raices says. “They give you great food, great value and the portions are really decent.” H Mart and North Shore Farms offer groceries close to home.

Find everything you're looking for from coffee to dinner at The Gardens At Great Neck.
Find everything you're looking for from coffee to dinner at The Gardens At Great Neck.
Honey Gramz carries just about everything related to honey products.
Honey Gramz carries just about everything related to honey products.
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Nearby LIRR, Northern Boulevard, I-495

“The neighborhoods are both within walking distance of the Long Island Railroad,” Mashaal says, which includes two different train stations, Little Neck and Great Neck. From there, express trains take less than 30 minutes to reach New York City. Bus stops are scattered along Northern Boulevard and Interstate 495 is just a few minutes away. North Hempstead Beach Park and Bar Beach are about 7 miles away and Jones Beach is 23 miles from home.

Sailing off into the sunset is just a short ride away for University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
Sailing off into the sunset is just a short ride away for University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
The Great Neck LIRR station offers easy access to NYC from University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
The Great Neck LIRR station offers easy access to NYC from University Gardens-Russell Gardens.
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Live music, Lights and Ice in Village Green Park

Village Green Park hosts the annual Music Festival and Street Fair every June, a two-day event where the sound of live music and the scent of freshly grilled food fill the air. During winter, the park is home to Lights and Ice, where locals enjoy a temporary ice-skating rink and cozy up to loved ones beside fire pits with a warm drink. Steppingstone Park is also known for its huge yearly events. “We’re going to have events from the beginning of July through September in Steppingstone Park,” Raices says. “We had Ne-Yo last year, we had Flo Rida. Ne-Yo was incredible, it was like a Michael Jackson concert. We had Billy Joel’s piano man, Mike DelGuidice.”

An 1870s lighthouse is visible from Steppingstone Park in Kings Point.
An 1870s lighthouse is visible from Steppingstone Park in Kings Point.
The Village Green Park in nearby Great Neck offers a challenging obstacle course for kids.
The Village Green Park in nearby Great Neck offers a challenging obstacle course for kids.
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Christina Norwood
Written By
Christina Norwood
Johnny Milano
Photography Contributed By
Johnny Milano
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Syd Silberman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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 Phil Raices, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Laguardia

20 min drive

Bus

Northern Blvd & Wensley Dr

Bus

Northern Blvd & #277

Bus

Glenwood St & Northern

Bus

Northern Blvd & Jayson Ave

Bus

Northern Blvd & Merrivale Rd

Bus

Northern Blvd & Buttonwood Rd

Bus

Northern Blvd Opp Westminster Rd

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime University Gardens-Russell Gardens US
Homicide 1 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 2 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$385,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,333,999
Median Townhouse Price
$365,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$399,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$302,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$579
Number of Homes for Sale
19
Last 12 months Home Sales
56
Months of Supply
4.10
Median List Price
$408,999
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-55%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
859
Median Year Built
1939
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,016
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,001
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,161
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
693
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,920

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 3pm

    46 Wensley Dr, Great Neck, NY 11021

    $2,688,800

    • 4 Beds
    • 5 Baths
    • 3,038 Sq Ft
    • 46 Wensley Dr
    • New 1 day ago

    Welcome to 46 Wensley Drive ,Nestled on one of the most picturesque, tree-lined streets in the highly sought-after neighborhood of Russell Gardens. This fully renovated pristine Colonial offers timeless elegance paired with modern luxury.Boasting 4 spacious bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms, and 2 half baths, this home features a grand entry foyer that welcomes you with simplicity and warmth. The

    Andrea Jablow BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    1 - 4pm

    20 Genevieve Place, Great Neck, NY 11021

    $2,280,000

    • 5 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 2,584 Sq Ft
    • 20 Genevieve Place
    • New 5 days ago

    • **Brand New Construction** | Highest Building Standards | Worry-Free Quality Assurance • **Great Neck South Gold-Rated School District** | Top-tier NYC Educational Resources Within Walking Distance • **Ultra-Low Carrying Costs** | Only **$11K Annual Property Tax** | Far Superior Value Compared to Nearby Areas • **Prime Location** | Tranquil & Prestigious Neighborhood | **12 mins to LIRR** +

    Rong Dong E Realty International Corp

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11:45am - 12:45pm

    180 S Middle Neck Rd Unit 2-D, Great Neck, NY 11021

    $388,000

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 800 Sq Ft
    • 180 S Middle Neck Rd
    • Unit 2-D
    • New 8 days ago

    GREAT NECK - Presenting a beautifully move-in ready 1 Bed - 1 Bath Co-op Unit #2-D // The Executive House is known for it's Large 24/7 Gym complete with Saunas + now a Stunning Renovated Moderne Lobby // The Large Bedroom entry area has it's own Vanity complete with a working sink! // Feline Friendly // This spacious layout features an Entry Foyer, flow-through Kitchen + Dining Area // The

    Mindy Miles Greenberg Douglas Elliman Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Phil Raices, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,598
Median Age
46
Population Density
12 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.4%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$119,230
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$147,383

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
92.6%
College Graduates
64.5%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.1%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.4%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
21''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

44 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

83 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Reviews

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
University Gardens-Russell Gardens
Phil Raices
Turn Key Real Estate
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