If you’re considering a move to Nassau County and have your sights set on Franklin Square, you’ll definitely want to get to know Franklin Square South. This pocket of the township—tucked south of Hempstead Turnpike, stretching toward Valley Stream—offers an appealing blend of suburban tranquility, classic Long Island convenience, and a community-first atmosphere. Here’s an inside look at what it’s like to call Franklin Square South home.
Warm Community Vibe
One of the first things you’ll notice in Franklin Square South is the sense of belonging that resonates along its tree-lined streets. Residents—many of whom are second- or third-generation—greet one another while walking dogs or chatting outside on porches after work. Block parties, especially near Valley Drive, Franklin Avenue, and the friendly cul-de-sacs off Corona Avenue, are a beloved tradition every summer, drawing neighbors together for food, music, and games. The local Facebook groups and the Franklin Square Civic Association also keep everyone in the loop about events and happenings.
Types of Housing: Suburban Variety
Franklin Square South is primarily a single-family home neighborhood, with housing stock from the 1940s-1960s that’s been lovingly cared for and updated. You’ll find:
- Cape Cods and colonials with spacious yards, often along Goldenrod Avenue and Catherine Street
- Charming ranches and split-level homes, especially south of Naple Avenue
- A scattering of two-family homes and converted mother-daughter houses, but most properties are owner-occupied, maintaining a tight-knit feel
Lawns are a neighborhood point of pride, with those on Sand Street and Margaret Street especially known for their elaborate holiday displays and immaculate landscaping.
Walkability and Everyday Conveniences
Franklin Square South strikes a nice balance between peaceful side-street living and practical, walkable amenities. Streets like Valley Drive and Pacific Avenue have sidewalks and manageable traffic, making it easy for kids and parents to get around on foot or bike.
- Hempstead Turnpike runs just north of the neighborhood, putting supermarkets (Stop & Shop, ShopRite), delis, coffee shops, and restaurants all within a quick walk or short drive.
- The Franklin Square Public Library sits at the heart of town—a popular destination for families and students alike.
- You’re never more than 10 minutes from everyday essentials, whether you’re headed to Walton’s Bagels after a morning dog walk or picking up takeout from local favorites like Plattduetsche Park Restaurant or Napoli’s Pizza on Franklin Avenue.
Top-Rated Schools and Family-Friendliness
If schools are at the top of your wishlist, Franklin Square South is a standout. The area is served by top-rated districts including the Franklin Square Union Free School District and, for most students, H. Frank Carey High School. Both are highly regarded for their academics, extracurriculars, and community involvement. It’s not uncommon to see “Go Seahawks!” signs on the front lawns in the fall.
Families appreciate that children can walk or bike safely to school, with crossing guards posted along busy roads like Naple Avenue at arrival and dismissal. The neighborhood’s calm environment and low cut-through traffic make it easy for kids to play outside, ride scooters, or set up lemonade stands in summer.
Parks and Green Spaces
While Franklin Square South doesn’t have a huge central park, it is dotted with pocket parks and green spaces. Rath Park is a star attraction just north of the southern section, famous for its seasonal pool, playgrounds, and ball fields. Hemlock Park Community Garden and its little walking paths provide opportunities for gardening and enjoying the outdoors.
Streets like Cloverfield Road and the adjacent walking paths are popular for morning jogs and dog walks, while Valley Stream State Park—just a five-minute drive—offers sprawling lawns, shaded picnic groves, and bike trails for those seeking a bigger nature fix.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is one reason so many families settle down in Franklin Square South. The neighborhood sees exceptionally low crime rates, with local officers regularly patrolling and the Franklin Square Fire Department just minutes away on Liberty Place for any emergencies.
Residents praise the block watch programs and close communication among neighbors—if anyone spots something unusual, word travels quickly. Parents generally feel very comfortable letting children walk to school or ride bikes to a friend’s house, a rare thing in today’s world.
Location Perks: Proximity to Downtowns and Major Employers
Franklin Square South’s central Nassau County location is hard to beat for commuters. While it doesn’t have its own Long Island Rail Road station, Stewart Manor and Valley Stream stations are both nearby, offering easy access to Penn Station and Midtown Manhattan in under an hour. For those who drive, the Southern State Parkway is mere minutes away via Franklin Avenue, making for simple east-west commutes.
In terms of daily life and shopping, you’re close to Garden City’s Roosevelt Field Mall, Rockville Centre’s dining and nightlife, and all the charming downtowns that Long Island is known for—all within a 10-15 minute drive.
What Residents Love Most
Ask locals what clinches Franklin Square South for them, and you’ll hear a few themes:
- The genuine community feel—families look out for each other, and there’s a sense of stability that’s rare elsewhere.
- The excellent schools, where students succeed and lifelong friendships are built.
- Proximity to both city excitement and suburban peace, blending the best of both worlds.
- Festivals and holiday parades—like the Franklin Square Memorial Day Parade—where the whole neighborhood turns out and kids ride bikes decorated in red, white, and blue.
Living here means joining a network of neighbors who care—who shovel each other’s driveways in winter, swap tomatoes from garden beds in July, and gather for block-wide yard sales or movie nights once summer arrives. For those seeking a place to put down roots, Franklin Square South is a neighborhood where you can truly feel at home.