Sometimes, it’s really hard to see what’s so good about your area, especially when you’re only about an hour away from a big city. There, everything is just so fun, and here, it may seem all boring. Nevertheless, there’s a ton of cool things about living on Long Island. Especially around Hempstead, one of Nassau County’s largest urban centers. Here are some perks to living near Hempstead that you might not have known about:

1. Nature is everywhere – Some people are happy living in a concrete jungle, but most like to see trees and grass now and again. If you live near Hempstead, you’ll never run out of trails to walk, parks to explore, and places to relax. Eisenhower Park is a great local resource with a 3.5 mile running loop, and often holds concerts and events in the summer. If you’re in the mood for water, Jones Beach is less than 15 minutes away and is a popular hangout spot on warm days. In addition to sun and sand, Jones Beach also offers a boardwalk and an outdoor arena.

Attribution: New York State Department of Economic Development

2. Great food – Craving bagels? Pizza? Deep-fried fish and chips? Fear not, this area has it all. With over 250 results on Yelp, restaurants of all cuisines abound within the area, so whether you’re in the mood for seafood or tacos, you can grab a friend and get a bite to eat! The Greene Turtle and Margaritas are popular spots for drinks, and Thomas’s Ham and Eggery and Napolini Express are always good bets for food!

Attribution: The Greene Turtle

3. Study spots – With multiple colleges in the Hempstead area, including Hofstra University and Adelphi University, it’s no surprise that there are a ton of study spaces in the area. Although studying isn’t normally on anybody’s list for fun, it is a fact of life as a college student, and at the very least, you can do it in a pleasant environment. Peaceful study spots can be found at Hofstra University, which is a national arboretum, and features tons of bright flowers in the spring. In addition, local parks and public libraries can serve as good places to hit the books. For anybody looking for a change in scenery, coffee shops, such as Starbucks and The Witches Brew, also work well, and allow you to eat while you learn.

Attribution: Yelp

4. Horse racing – It might be surprising to those who live in the area, but Elmont, NY, a town approximately 17 minutes away from Hempstead, is a famous location for horse racing. The town hosts the Belmont Stakes, a 1.5 mile long horse race, each year. The race, held at Belmont Park, is the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, following the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes, and has been held for almost 150 years. The 149th annual Belmont Stakes will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Attribution: The Belmont Stakes

5. Shopping – Who doesn’t enjoy shopping? In Hempstead, you can do a lot of it! Roosevelt Field Mall, with over 270 stores and a cinema, is a popular option, and according to the International Council of Shopping Centers, is the eleventh largest shopping mall in the country. For those who are looking for great deals, Riverhead Outlets, Deer Park Outlets and Westbury Plaza feature a large selection of store and are also great locations to find a new outfit.

Attribution: Simon Property Group

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