Residents of Massapequa Park, Long Island, are celebrating after being ranked the top place to live in New York State by the US News & World Report for its 2025-2026 list of the best places to live in America.
This charming village, located on the South Shore, is noted for its excellent public school system, easy beach access, and a convenient commute to New York City, which makes it a desirable place for families and professionals alike.
However, while Massapequa Park shines in New York, it only secured the 140th position out of 250 cities and towns surveyed across the country. This ranking comes from a comprehensive evaluation involving 850 cities, assessing criteria such as affordability, job prospects, crime rates, and quality of life indicators based on public surveys.
For residents like Rose Polis, who has lived in Massapequa Park for 52 years, the village offers an unparalleled atmosphere. “People are great, town is great, food is great. What can I say, I love it,” she shared with News 12.
Despite being a sought-after suburban experience, the median home price in Massapequa Park is a significant one at $746,500, which is more than double the statewide median sale price reported in 2024, excluding New York City.
In 2023, Massapequa Park’s image took a downturn due to the arrest of Rex Heuermann, a resident linked to the Gilgo Beach serial killings. This incident sent shockwaves through the close-knit community, yet residents are now rallying around this recent positive recognition.
The mayor of Massapequa Park, Danny Pearl, enthusiastically shared the ranking on Facebook, sparking responses from locals. Comments ranged from pride in the community, with some expressing concern over the potential influx of newcomers from the city.
Amidst the excitement, one Facebook user cautioned, “Please don’t broadcast this. We don’t want all the hipsters moving here from the city and getting our property values jacked.”
While Massapequa Park made a noteworthy appearance on the list, it was Johns Creek, Georgia, that topped the rankings. Located 25 miles from downtown Atlanta, this suburban city is praised for its strong job market and high desirability scores. With a growing influx of people relocating to Georgia post-COVID, it stands out as an idyllic place to live, according to local real estate professionals.
Following Johns Creek in the rankings is Carmel, Indiana, known for its unique feature of having the largest number of roundabouts in the country.
Interestingly, none of the metropolitan areas in the Northeast managed to break into the top 10, which was predominantly filled with cities from Indiana, Texas, and North Carolina.
The recognition from the US News & World Report marks a significant moment for Massapequa Park, offering its residents both pride and a renewed sense of community spirit.
As the village continues to rebound from recent challenges, this ranking serves as a reminder of the positive aspects that make Massapequa Park a cherished place to call home.
image source from：https://nypost.com/2025/05/22/real-estate/these-are-the-best-places-to-live-in-america/
