Nestled in Nassau County on Long Island, Syosset, NY is often considered one of the most desirable suburban communities in the area. But for those considering a move, one question frequently arises: Is Syosset, NY safe? This comprehensive guide explores crime statistics, school performance, housing, cost of living, and more to give you the full picture of what it’s like living in Syosset, NY. Whether you’re a family evaluating school rankings or a commuter wondering about the daily grind into Manhattan, we’ve compiled the data and insights you need to make an informed decision.

Quick Answer & Key Takeaways

Safety Verdict: Syosset is considered one of the safest communities in Nassau County and outperforms both New York State and national crime averages. With low violent crime rates and an outstanding school system, Syosset offers a high quality of life for residents seeking suburban tranquility without sacrificing access to major metropolitan areas.

  Crime Rate: Violent crime less than 1 per 1,000 residents

  School Ratings: Syosset CSD ranks among the top districts in NY

  Median Home Price: ~$950,000

  Commute: ~45 mins to Manhattan via LIRR

  Best For: Families, NYC commuters, education-focused households

Where Is Syosset?

Syosset is a hamlet in the Town of Oyster Bay, located in Nassau County on Long Island, New York. It’s positioned just east of Jericho and west of Woodbury, making it a strategic location for access to amenities and highly regarded school districts. Adjacent communities include:

  Woodbury: Shares some school zoning and upscale neighborhoods

  Jericho: High-performing schools, similar demographics

  Hicksville: Offers more modest housing options and major retail corridors

Proximity to these towns enhances Syosset’s living appeal by expanding shopping, dining, and educational options, especially around Jericho Turnpike and Route 106. Notably, Syosset’s location offers access to both the tranquility of suburban life and the dynamism of nearby urban centers. It lies around 25 miles from Midtown Manhattan, providing a unique balance for those who seek a peaceful retreat without feeling disconnected from city life.

Crime & Safety: What the Data Shows

Understanding Crime Stats

To evaluate safety, we consider the total crime rate per 1,000 residents and break it down into violent crimes (assault, robbery, etc.) and property crimes (burglary, theft, vehicle theft). It’s also important to look at not just raw numbers but trends over time and how the area compares statistically to surrounding towns and statewide norms.

Recent Trends

Over the last five years, the crime rate in Syosset has remained remarkably stable or declined, particularly in violent crime. Property crime has slightly fluctuated due to seasonal trends (e.g., package theft) but remains below county and state averages. 

The emergence of neighborhood watch apps and homeowner cameras has also been credited with further deterring petty theft. Police data suggests that community trust is high, and response rates to non-emergency calls are significantly quicker than the national average. Many crimes reported are non-violent in nature, such as thefts from unlocked cars or mail theft around the holidays, highlighting the importance of proactive safety measures.

Detailed Crime Breakdown

• Violent Crime Rate: 0.7 per 1,000
• Property Crime Rate: 7.5 per 1,000

Syosset Crime Rate Comparison Table

Location	Violent Crime	Property Crime
Syosset	0.7	7.5
Nassau County	1.21	2.8
New York State	3.11	4.2
U.S. Average4.019.6	4.01	9.6

Police Coverage & Response

The Nassau County Police Department covers Syosset, with Precincts 2 and 6 nearby. Community policing includes vehicle patrols, school outreach programs, and rapid response times, often under 8 minutes for high-priority calls. The department also partners with homeowner associations to help improve neighborhood communication about safety events or developments, which residents find comforting.

Neighborhood Feel & Resident Perceptions

Walking around residential areas during the evening feels safe and community-centric. Commercial areas near Syosset Station are well-lit and monitored, but awareness is advised during late-night hours as with anywhere. The Syosset Chamber of Commerce regularly coordinates with law enforcement to keep public-facing businesses crime-aware and ensure that high-traffic areas are clearly monitored via visible patrols and closed-circuit cameras.

Safety Tips

• Install motion-detection lighting and visible security cameras
• Beware of seasonal package theft near holidays
• Lock parked vehicles, especially when near the train station
• Check flood zones for northeast storms if the home has a basement
• Sign up for local alerts through the Nassau County public safety site

Schools & Education

Syosset Central School District is one of the highest-rated districts in the state, drawing families for its comprehensive K-12 curriculum and impressive extracurriculars. Not only do schools maintain strong academic standards, but they also focus on students’ mental health, offering full-time counseling and wellness programs in both elementary and secondary institutions.

Performance Snapshot

• Graduation Rate: ~99%
• Avg. SAT Score: 1300+
• Advanced Courses: Over 25 AP options and strong STEM/arts programs

Student participation in extracurricular clubs is also high, with debate, Science Olympiad, music ensembles, and varsity sports making up a large percentage of after-school engagement. This activities-rich environment supports college applications and social development.

Notable Schools

• South Woods Middle School: Strong in music and science
• Syosset High School: National recognition for academics, art, and robotics
• Baylis Elementary: Known for active PTA & early STEM

Other schools such as Robbins Lane and Thompson Middle School also receive high marks for both state testing results and parental involvement. The district’s commitment to teacher development is another respected element, with top-tier staff retention rates and ongoing training incorporated annually.

Alternative Options

Families also consider Long Island Lutheran or other parochial/private programs nearby. Gifted programs, special education resources, and arts camps round out the educational ecosystem. Weekend programs like Kumon, Mathnasium, and artistic centers supplement scholastic development. There are also advanced summer learning cohorts offered through Hofstra and Stony Brook that draw students from Syosset annually.

Housing & Neighborhoods

Homes in Syosset range from cozy 1950s ranches to expansive colonials. The real estate market is highly competitive, with demand fueled by school performance and community safety. Custom builds and modern renovations are increasingly frequent, as families upgrade older stock for modern amenities such as smart home integration and energy-efficient finishes.

Typical Housing Profiles

• Single-Family Homes: Most common; 3 to 5 bedrooms
• Townhomes: Found in gated communities
• Rentals: Limited, often via basement apartments

HOA fees in townhouse or private development clusters range between $400–$800/month depending on amenities. Despite limited rental availability, some landlords offer partially furnished options, often targeting traveling professionals or downsizing retirees.

Median Home Value

Currently hovers around $950,000, with higher values on the Jericho/Woodbury border and lower near commercial thoroughfares or older inventory. Custom-designed homes and new constructions in gated areas can exceed $1.2 million, depending on square footage and lot size.

Micro-Areas To Know

• Near Syosset-Woodbury Park: Quiet, green, family-friendly
• East End (Near Woodbury): Larger lots, top-tier boundaries
• Walkable Zone Near LIRR: Trade-off between convenience and traffic

Cost of Living

Snapshot Categories

• Property Taxes: ~2.2% of property value/year
• Utilities: Higher due to older housing stock
• Groceries & Healthcare: On par with Nassau average
• Childcare & Private Lessons: $1,000–$2,000/month, depending on provider

Monthly Budget Examples

• Family of 4: $10,500/monthly average
• Single Professional: $4,500/monthly, depending on rent

Compared to NYC boroughs, Syosset comes with a higher housing cost but far lower density and better school access. Factor in the costs for commuting and lawn care or snow removal services too—these are common expenses for suburban living, not always considered by urban transplants.

Commute & Transportation

LIRR’s Syosset Station connects directly to Penn Station and Grand Central, with travel times between 45–55 minutes. Many residents take advantage of express trains and leave early to avoid rush-hour crowds. Monthly rail passes range from $350–$400, which may be tax-deductible for some employers.

Driving Options

• Major Routes: LIE (I-495), Northern State, Route 106
• Parking: Permit needed at the station; waitlists are common

Walkability

While residential zones are car-dependent, certain pockets near the train and Jericho Turnpike offer some retail accessibility on foot. Bike lanes are also patchily integrated, and many parents carpool or use the school bus network. Local authorities are considering mixed-use zoning near the LIRR to improve pedestrian life.

Amenities, Parks & Convenience

Syosset boasts ample recreation, including:

• Syosset-Woodbury Community Park: Pool, tennis, playground
• Library: Award-winning programs for all age groups
• Jericho Tpke Corridor: Restaurants, boutiques, urgent care
• Cultural Centers: Korean churches, Jewish congregations, and multicultural cuisines abound

Local favorites include a pristine dog park, nature trails, and curated summer camps for children involving tech, nature, or athletics. Syosset also has several yoga studios and boutique fitness centers that round out wellness support for adults.

Community & Demographics

• Demographic Blend: Majority family households, high educational attainment
• Events: Annual street fairs, cultural showcases, concerts
• Volunteerism: PTA, library committees, youth sports

Syosset features a diverse population, including large Asian American and Jewish communities, adding multicultural vibrancy. Civic pride is strong, and residents frequently participate in local elections and town meetings, keeping governance transparent and responsive.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros

  Top-ranked school district (Syosset schools ranking consistently high)

  Low violent crime

  Beautiful parks and family infrastructure

  Reasonable commute to NYC with express options

Cons

  High home prices

  Heavy commuter traffic during peak hours

  Limited walkability outside commercial zones

  A few new rental developments

These reflect the reality that living in Syosset, N.Y., has pros and cons based on lifestyle priorities.

Final Verdict

Syosset is a standout pick if you want top-rated schools, quiet cul-de-sacs, and a straightforward LIRR commute, just plan for Long Island–level home prices and property taxes. Violent crime is low and day-to-day safety feels solid, especially in family-focused pockets near parks. 

If that balance fits your lifestyle, shortlist Syosset and to keep move-day smooth, book a reputable Syosset moving company that knows local HOA/COI rules, station-area parking, and typical colonial/split-level layouts; get a flat, itemized estimate, verify NYS DOT licensing, and schedule mid-week for less traffic