For New Yorkers ready to trade square footage stress and sidewalk noise for more space and a little breathing room, Long Island offers a compelling next step. But let’s be honest: the commute still matters. Whether you’re heading into Manhattan five days a week or hopping on the train a few times per month, the sweet spot is finding a town that supports your lifestyle without turning your mornings into a marathon.
The good news is, both Nassau and Suffolk Counties are filled with communities that do just that. Strong LIRR connections, walkable downtowns, and a growing number of hybrid work setups have made the Island more accessible than ever for city professionals. The best part? You don’t have to give up the food, the culture, or the sense of neighborhood that made you fall in love with New York in the first place.
Here are some of the most commuter-friendly towns across Nassau and Suffolk that offer not only a manageable train ride, but also a day-to-day rhythm that feels like an upgrade.
Nassau County
Rockville Centre
Located on the Babylon Branch of the LIRR, Rockville Centre is one of Nassau County’s best options for quick, consistent service into Penn Station. But beyond its commute, it’s the lifestyle here that wins people over. The village has a walkable downtown filled with restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques, plus highly regarded schools and beautiful parks. It has just enough edge to appeal to former Brooklynites, but enough quiet to feel like a true shift from the city pace.
Garden City
Elegant and established, Garden City is known for its manicured streets, historic homes, and timeless suburban appeal. The train ride to Penn Station hovers around 35 to 40 minutes, depending on the line, and there are multiple stations within the community. While it’s more buttoned-up than buzzy, Garden City offers long-term value, a strong school district, and a refined kind of quiet that many buyers crave after years in the city.
Long Beach
For buyers who want coastal living without losing urban energy, Long Beach stands out. The boardwalk, the surf culture, and the sandy commutes are all part of the appeal. The Long Beach Branch of the LIRR offers direct service to Penn Station, usually under an hour, which makes it surprisingly commuter-friendly for a town known more for beach days than briefcases. It’s a solid fit for creatives, remote professionals, or anyone who wants to live with the ocean in view.
Port Washington
The Port Washington Branch is one of the LIRR’s most reliable lines, and the village itself is equally steady in its appeal. With a charming harbor, well-kept homes, and a true village feel, Port has long been a North Shore favorite. It offers direct service to Manhattan, no transfers required, and just enough distance from the city to make it feel like a reset without being remote. Buyers love the blend of convenience and character.
Suffolk County
Huntington
Creative, historic, and deeply local, Huntington is more than just a commuter town—it’s a destination in its own right. The village is packed with independent shops, wine bars, and live music venues, and the harbor adds a scenic layer to everyday life. The LIRR’s Port Jefferson Branch connects Huntington Station to the city in about 60 to 70 minutes, and while it may not be the fastest trip on this list, the lifestyle here makes the extra minutes feel worth it.
Bay Shore
Positioned on the South Shore, Bay Shore offers more than just LIRR access. It’s got a thriving downtown, ferry terminals to Fire Island, and a real sense of place. The Montauk Branch provides train service into the city, with many commuters transferring at Babylon for express options. What makes Bay Shore appealing to city buyers is its walkability, restaurant scene, and growing creative energy. You can grab a cocktail, walk to the marina, and still make the morning train.
Babylon Village
Babylon Station is one of the busiest and most reliable on the entire LIRR system. Express trains to Penn Station make the trip in just under an hour, and the village itself has all the charm you'd expect from a historic South Shore town. It’s highly walkable, centered around a strong main street, and packed with local restaurants, a vibrant marina, and a close-knit community vibe. For many NYC buyers, it feels like an easy transition—familiar, friendly, and functional.
Sayville
A little farther east, Sayville offers a gentler pace without losing touch. The village is known for its ferry to Fire Island, cozy coffee shops, and down-to-earth personality. The LIRR ride into the city takes longer, usually around 90 minutes, but the commute can be offset by a stronger connection to nature, water, and community. Sayville attracts buyers who want to breathe a little deeper, even if it means a longer train ride home.
Ronkonkoma
For those who prioritize a straightforward, no-nonsense commute, Ronkonkoma is one to know. It’s the easternmost terminus of the LIRR’s Main Line and a hub for express service into Manhattan, typically just over an hour. The town itself is more function than flair, but it offers close proximity to MacArthur Airport and is ideal for those who travel often or need rock-solid rail access. It’s a practical choice, and for many, that’s the appeal.
Finding the right place to live on Long Island as a city commuter means looking beyond the train schedule. It’s about discovering a neighborhood that supports both your weekday hustle and your weekend rhythm. From beach towns to harbor villages to historic hamlets, Nassau and Suffolk offer options that don’t just make the commute work, they make the rest of life feel a whole lot better.
If you’re starting your Long Island search and need help figuring out which town fits your lifestyle, our team at The Agency Long Island is here with local insight, not sales pitches. We know the rhythm of these places because we live it too.
