This is a question that, although it seems harmless, is not legal for a real estate professional to answer. I know the North Shore very well, and what I can tell you is that there are very many beautiful towns along the coast. The first thing you should ask yourself is where you will be working and how far you'd like to commute. When you've figured that out, you should have at least 2/3 of the Island thrown out. Then, you have to visit and think about the specifics... what do you like to do as a family? Is a vibrant town or access to the beach more important? What kinds of schools and extracurricular programs are you interested in for your kids?

Best,
Alessandra Marx
alessandra@elikaassociates.com

Everyone is different so your lifestyle will effect which area is right for you Do you want to be near shopping, a beach, a park, restaurants ? Do you like horseback riding, Kayaking, sailing, fishing? What do your kids enjoy doing? I can discuss these with you and take you on a "Gold Coast Tour" from Great Neck out to Cold Spring Harbor and point out the sites, activities, and areas of particular interest to you specifically.

Kings Park -- predominantly a residential community with small town country feeling. Visit us on Kings Park Day! We even have a Habitat house and it fits right in with the community -- who says affordable housing brings the neighborhood down -- kudos to Habitat -- I hope to see a Habitat home in EVERY town on Long Island (are you listening Peter Elkowitz & Jim Morgo) -- Les is awesome! It's too bad locals still do not know what to do with Kings Park Psychiatric -- they should create an affordable housing stock, some commerical for businesses and then preserve the rest of the park. Kings Park is North Shore secret -- middle class community , most Irish, 5 bars (in one town is the only disappointment) - but everything about it is wonderful. I am going to die here! see you at kings park day.

As Gail mentioned, realtors are not legally allowed to steer someone to one community. What I would recommend you do is do some research online about each town. Most towns now have a community website and you can also use websites like wikipedia to find information. Then once you have narrowed down your choices to a few towns, the best way to decide where you want to raise your family would be to visit each town if possible. Good luck!

If schools are important, go to http://www.greatschools.com

Dear Ei,
The good news is that you have great choices to make on the North Shore of Long Island. We as realtors are not allowed to give preferences but I can say researching through the local libraries in each community is a start. I am very familiar with the North Shore of Long Island and I live in and love the area. The Long Island Sound hugs the North Shore and offers beaches and water sport activities. There are towns and villages, large and small dotted all along the coast and each one has its own personality. I invite you to come and take a tour...it's glorious in every season; right now the willows are just beinning to sprout and the forsythias & daffodils are in bloom. Edith

you can check the school on the following link
http://www.psk12.com/rating/index.php

Realtors, by law, are not allowed to comment on areas/neighborhoods and schools. I have lived in many areas of the North Shore and it is all relative to your likes, dislikes and needs.

Go to http://www.GailGladstone.com and click on "community info."