Great Neck vs. Sands Point: Which Town Fits Your Lifestyle?

If you’re considering moving to Long Island’s North Shore, chances are you’ve come across two standout communities: Great Neck and Sands Point. Both are stunning, sought-after, and offer very different vibes.

So, how do you choose between the two?

Whether you’re drawn to waterfront living, a top-tier public school district, a quick commute to NYC, or simply want the best of suburban life, we’re breaking down the pros and cons of each to help you figure out which town truly fits your lifestyle.

Great Neck: Lively, Walkable, and Convenient

Let’s start with Great Neck, a vibrant, family-friendly town that’s known for its excellent public schools, cultural diversity, and a thriving downtown filled with shopping and dining options.

If you're the type who wants a bit of everything—great food, good schools, nearby parks, and a short trip into Manhattan—Great Neck might be your perfect match.

Commute Perks

One of Great Neck’s biggest selling points is how easy it is to get into the city. Hop on the Long Island Rail Road, and you can be in Penn Station in under 35 minutes. For many professionals, that’s a total game-changer.

Top-Ranked Schools

The Great Neck School District is one of the best in New York State. If you're raising kids, it’s hard to beat the quality of education here. Think strong academics, tons of extracurriculars, and a community that values learning.

Town Life

Great Neck is lively and walkable. From local cafés and sushi spots to fitness studios and boutique shopping, it’s got a little of everything. Plus, with local parks, tennis courts, and libraries, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Real Estate Snapshot

Here, you’ll find a range of housing—from co-ops and condos to classic single-family homes. It’s not exactly budget living (this is the North Shore, after all), but compared to nearby exclusive enclaves, it’s a bit more accessible. Just know that property taxes are on the higher side, though many say it’s worth it for what you get.

Sands Point: Private, Peaceful, and Waterfront-Focused

Now let’s head a little north to Sands Point, a secluded, picturesque village that feels like a coastal escape. With its luxury homes, winding roads, and waterfront properties, this is where you go if you’re looking for space, privacy, and serious curb appeal.

Tranquility First

Sands Point is purely residential—no stores, no shopping centers. That’s by design. The vibe here is quiet, luxurious, and tucked away. Think big lawns, long driveways, and uninterrupted views of the Long Island Sound.

Waterfront Lifestyle

If being near the water is high on your wish list, this town delivers. Many properties are either on or near the water, with private docks, boat access, and unbeatable sunsets. There’s also Sands Point Preserve, a local gem that offers trails, gardens, and weekend events—all on the former Guggenheim estate.

Exclusive Real Estate

The real estate in Sands Point is some of the most coveted on Long Island. You’ll find sprawling estates with custom architecture, many with gated entrances. This is not a starter-home kind of town—it’s where you go when you’re looking for your dream house. Just know that it comes with a high cost of living and very high property taxes.

Schools and Services

There’s no school district within the village itself, but Sands Point feeds into the well-regarded Port Washington School District. For day-to-day needs like groceries, restaurants, and errands, most residents head into Port Washington or nearby towns.

At a Glance: How They Compare:

Feature	Great Neck	Sands Point
🚆 Commute to NYC	~35 min (LIRR)	~50 min (drive + LIRR)
🏫 Public Schools	Great Neck SD	Port Washington SD
🏡 Real Estate	Mixed housing types	High-end estates
🛍️ Shopping & Dining	Downtown district	Must drive to Port Washington
🌊 Waterfront Access	Limited	Extensive
🎯 Lifestyle	Active, walkable, social	Quiet, private, nature-focused
💰 Cost of Living	High	Very High
🌳 Parks and Recreation	Multiple local parks	Sands Point Preserve
🚸 Family-Friendly	Yes	Yes, but more secluded

So … Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

• Choose Great Neck if: You want a walkable town with a real sense of community, top-ranked schools, and easy access to NYC. Great Neck is perfect for professionals, commuters, and families who love the idea of suburban life with a splash of city energy.

• Choose Sands Point if: Youhttp://paradise.Final’re craving peace, privacy, and maybe even your dock. If you don’t mind driving a bit for errands and you value waterfront living and space, Sands Point will feel like paradise.

Final Thoughts

Both Great Neck and Sands Point have so much to offer—it comes down to your priorities. Whether you're all about family-friendly communities, great schools, and a short train ride into Manhattan, or you're leaning toward private community life, luxury, and coastal serenity, there's a North Shore town that fits your vibe.

So go explore. Take a drive. Visit the local parks. Chat with residents. The perfect place for your next chapter might be closer than you think.

Need help choosing or touring homes in either town? Whether you’re browsing real estate in Great Neck or dreaming of a luxury home in Sands Point, we’d love to guide you through the process. Get in touch today—we’ll help you find the right fit for your lifestyle.

Be sure to hire professional Realtors like Taleene and Ritchie Krug Jr., who can find you exactly what you're looking for in terms of the best home, house, condo, or townhome.

Lifelong residents of Long Island, they are part of a team with more than 40 years of combined real estate experience. They have a deep understanding of how real estate has evolved through the years which results in a team with unique dynamics and expert negotiating skills being put to work on your behalf.