Is Great Oaks at Merrick safe?
Hempstead, New York · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Great Oaks at Merrick as “Go, stay aware”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Great Oaks at Merrick
“Go with care. While Great Oaks at Merrick is primarily a quiet residential enclave, its proximity to busier thoroughfares and higher-crime sections of the Village of Hempstead warrants awareness. Visitors will find standard daytime suburban safety, but should exercise reasonable caution after dark.”
About the area
Great Oaks at Merrick is a small residential community located along the southern fringe of Hempstead in Nassau County. It offers suburban housing close to major commuter routes and nearby recreational green spaces like Hempstead Lake State Park. The area serves mostly as a quiet commuter enclave rather than a commercial or tourist hub.
- Suburban
- Residential
- Car-Dependent
- Commuter Pocket
Walking and biking in Great Oaks at Merrick
Walk score: 48/100 · Bike score: 44/100
There is no municipal bike-share system in the immediate area, though cyclists can access dedicated multi-use trails within nearby Hempstead Lake State Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Quiet residential setting close to Hempstead Lake State Park
- Strong regional highway access via the Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook Parkway
- High rate of vehicle ownership providing convenient regional mobility
Cons
- Proximity to higher-crime commercial corridors and adjacent village centers
- Property theft and vehicle break-in risks typical of suburban-urban transition zones
- Limited walkable commercial dining and retail within the immediate residential pocket
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal within this residential pocket, though individuals experiencing homelessness may occasionally be seen near major transit hubs and commercial intersections in central Hempstead.
What Great Oaks at Merrick is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Calm and peaceful as residents commute, with light local pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Generally safe and quiet, though traffic picks up along adjacent feeder avenues.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Remains relatively low-key, but standard situational awareness is advised along dimly lit side streets.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Mostly deserted residential streets where visitors should stick to well-lit areas and secure vehicles.
Transit, parking and getting around
NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) operates bus routes such as the n4 and n36 nearby, with Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) access available at the Hempstead, Baldwin, or Rockville Centre stations within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
Parking is generally straightforward with dedicated residential driveway or lot spaces and free unrestricted street parking on surrounding neighborhood streets.
Things to do in Great Oaks at Merrick
- Stroll or hike along the trails of Hempstead Lake State Park
- Visit nearby Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve for scenic views and walking paths
- Explore local dining options along the nearby Merrick Road corridor
Local favorites
- Grand Stage Diner · Diner · 4.3★ (1420)Classic Long Island diner serving all-day breakfast, burgers, and comfort food staples.
- Tomo Hibachi Sushi & Asian Bistro · Japanese Restaurant · 4.4★ (520)Popular neighborhood spot offering fresh sushi, bento boxes, and teppanyaki dishes.
- Chubs Meats · Butcher Shop & Deli · 4.7★ (460)Well-regarded local butcher shop known for gourmet sandwiches, prime cuts, and prepared meals.
Neighborhoods near Great Oaks at Merrick
Common questions about Great Oaks at Merrick
Is Great Oaks at Merrick safe to walk at night?
Mostly, on the busier, well-lit streets. Avoid empty side streets late at night.
Is Great Oaks at Merrick a good place to live?
On safety, Great Oaks at Merrick scores 70/100 — about average for the metro — most residents get by with normal city awareness.
How walkable is Great Oaks at Merrick?
Walk score 48/100 and bike score 44/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Great Oaks at Merrick are safer?
Merrickwood (90), North Merrick Acres (86), The Seasons at East Meadow (86) score higher nearby.
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