Is University Gardens (North Hempstead) safe?
North Hempstead, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates University Gardens (North Hempstead) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on University Gardens (North Hempstead)
“Go. University Gardens is an exceptionally safe, affluent residential enclave in the Great Neck area of Long Island. Visitors and residents experience virtually negligible violent crime, immaculate tree-lined streets, and high-end residential amenities. It is an ideal spot for quiet strolls, local dining along Northern Boulevard, or peaceful suburban lodging.”
About the area
University Gardens is a small, prosperous census-designated community nestled in the Town of North Hempstead on the border of Queens and Nassau County. It features stately single-family homes, landscaped garden apartments, and easy access to shopping centers along Northern Boulevard. The area offers a tranquil suburban retreat with close proximity to New York City.
- Affluent Suburban
- Tree-Lined / Peaceful
- Family-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in University Gardens (North Hempstead)
Walk score: 58/100 · Bike score: 45/100
There are no dedicated municipal bike-share stations or protected bike lanes within the neighborhood, though quiet interior residential roads are easy to ride casually.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low violent and property crime rates compared to state and national averages
- High median household income exceeding $160,000 with near-zero residential vacancy
- Active local private security patrols and responsive Nassau County Police Department coverage
- Well-maintained sidewalks, landscaped parks, and private community pool facilities
Cons
- Heavy vehicular traffic and occasional congestion along the Northern Boulevard commercial corridor
- Limited pedestrian crossings on high-speed arterial roads bordering the community
- Suburban sprawl makes errands car-dependent without extensive internal retail
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically nonexistent in University Gardens, with no tent encampments or regular street panhandling in the area.
What University Gardens (North Hempstead) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and quiet, with residents walking dogs and commuters heading toward the LIRR or highway.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm residential atmosphere with light shopping traffic concentrated along Northern Boulevard.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Subdued and family-oriented as restaurants along the perimeter fill up with local diners.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely quiet and dark with virtually no pedestrian activity, remaining exceptionally safe.
Transit, parking and getting around
NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) operates local bus routes like the n20G and n20H along Northern Boulevard, connecting to Flushing and Great Neck. The nearest commuter rail is the Great Neck or Little Neck LIRR station, approximately 1 to 1.5 miles away.
Residential street parking is readily available though governed by local town and association permits in certain zones. Shopping plazas along Northern Boulevard feature free dedicated surface parking lots.
Things to do in University Gardens (North Hempstead)
- Stroll through the scenic, manicured residential streets and private community greenspaces
- Shop at high-end specialty boutiques and markets along Northern Boulevard
- Explore nearby Lakeville Park and Great Neck cultural spots just minutes away
Local favorites
- Iavarone Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria · Italian Restaurant · 4.5★ (780)Beloved local establishment offering artisanal pizza, classic pasta dishes, and gourmet Italian specialties.
- H Mart Great Neck · Supermarket · 4.4★ (1150)Expansive Asian grocer featuring fresh produce, imported snacks, prepared foods, and specialty meats.
- Northern Manor Restaurant · Dim Sum / Chinese Restaurant · 4.1★ (620)Long-running neighborhood staple serving traditional Cantonese cuisine and weekend dim sum service.
Neighborhoods near University Gardens (North Hempstead)
Common questions about University Gardens (North Hempstead)
Is University Gardens (North Hempstead) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is University Gardens (North Hempstead) a good place to live?
On safety, University Gardens (North Hempstead) scores 93/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is University Gardens (North Hempstead)?
Walk score 58/100 and bike score 45/100. Some errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near University Gardens (North Hempstead) are safer?
Kensington (North Hempstead) (96), Lake Success (95), Harbor Hills (94) score higher nearby.
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