Located in Nassau County, Elmont is yet another charming community in Long Island.  Elmont is technically a hamlet of the Town of Hempstead, with a population of just under 35,000.  Despite its small size, Elmont has many fantastic attributes, including an amazing public education program, cultural offerings, a rich history, and a diverse population.  All of these factors combine to make Elmont one of the most ideal places in the country to raise a family.

Of all of the many appealing aspects of Elmont, none are as impressive and desirable as Elmont’s dedication to education.  Elmont Memorial High School, the largest high school in the area, has previously received a Blue Ribbon award from the Blue Ribbon School Program.  Founded by the United States Department of Education in order to honor schools whose students are either high performing or who have demonstrated drastic increases in performance.  In the 25 years since the program’s creation, only 5,200 schools out of an eligible 133,000—less than 4%–received this award.  Furthermore, Elmont Memorial High School was recently recognized as having the largest percentage of African-American high school students in the country to achieve a rating of 3 or higher on their Advanced Placement tests.  In 2005, the New York State Comptroller designated the Elmont Union Free School District one of only 5 of the 52 total districts to be “well managed.”  All of these facts and awards clearly demonstrate the effectiveness and dedication of Elmont’s education system.

Elmont is probably most well-known for one of its entertainment offerings: Belmont Park.  Belmont Park is the home to the annual Belmont Stakes, the third and final race of horse racing’s prestigious Triple Crown.  Since first opening in 1905, Belmont has hosted some of the most famous races in all of horse-racing history, and continues to serve as a world-renowned destination for fans of the sport.

Elmont also features an extensive, compelling history, dating back to its settlement in the early 17^th century.  It has progressed gradually over the years, becoming more suburban in the second half of the 20^th century.  In recent years, Elmont has become the home of a more diverse population, now consisting of a relatively high immigrant population, as well as native born African-Americans, Caucasians, Hispanics, and others.  These diverse communities are continually shaping Elmont’s cultural offerings, resulting in a greater variety of cuisines, shops, and other aspects of life.

With its incredibly strong education system, cultural and historic aspects, and close location to New York City—only a 30 minute drive away—Elmont is a fantastic place for parents who want to raise their families outside of the city itself but maintain easy access to all that New York has to offer.