Elmont, NY
- About Elmont
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transportation
- Sport and Sporting Legends
- Museums and Cultural Attractions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
- Healthcare Facilities and Services
Elmont is a diverse Long Island hamlet famed for Belmont Park, home of the Belmont Stakes, and the new UBS Arena.
About Elmont
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
Elmont is an unincorporated hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located in the Town of Hempstead. It does not have its own municipal government and is directly governed by the Town of Hempstead . It is situated in Nassau County on Long Island, in the state of New York, USA . The region is known as a major suburb of New York City, characterized by dense residential areas and a strong commuter presence .
Historical Names and Nicknames
- Foster's Meadow: This was the original name for the area for over 200 years, stemming from the 1650 purchase of land by Christopher and Thomas Foster, who used it for cattle and sheep farming .
- Elmont Corners: The area was known by this name in the 19th century before officially being renamed "Elmont" in 1882 .
Date of Foundation and Age
The area was first settled by Europeans in 1650 when Christopher and Thomas Foster purchased the land . This makes the settlement nearly 375 years old. The name was officially changed to Elmont in 1882 .
Geographic Location and Coordinates
Elmont is located on the western border of Nassau County, directly adjacent to the New York City borough of Queens . Its geographic coordinates are 40°42′06″N 73°42′09″W . The center of the hamlet is at an elevation of 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level . Geographically, it is part of the Hempstead Plains on Long Island .
City Type and Economic Specialization
Elmont is primarily a residential commuter suburb with a significant local economy driven by entertainment and horse racing . Its key economic specializations are:
- Entertainment and Sports Hub: Home to the historic Belmont Park racetrack and the modern UBS Arena, which hosts the NHL's New York Islanders and major concerts .
- Tourist Destination: It attracts visitors for the Belmont Stakes, other racing events, and entertainment at the arena .
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, the population of Elmont is 35,265 . It is considered a medium-sized, densely populated suburban community. It is known as one of the most ethnically diverse communities in Nassau County .
"Visiting Card" of the City
Elmont is a vibrant Long Island community best known as the home of Belmont Park, the legendary racetrack where the final and most challenging leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, is run. Today, it's also the home of the NHL's New York Islanders at the brand-new UBS Arena, blending over a century of horse racing tradition with world-class, modern entertainment .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Elmont has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) under the Köppen climate classification, typical of the coastal Long Island/New York City area . It is characterized by warm, humid summers and cold, wet winters .
Average Temperatures Throughout the Year
Temperatures in Elmont vary significantly by season .
- Warmest Month: July, with an average high of 29.4°C (82°F) and an average low of 20.1°C (70°F) .
- Coldest Month: January, with an average high of 4.5°C (39°F) and an average low of -3.2°C (28°F) .
- Temperature Range: The typical annual temperature ranges from -3°C (27°F) to 29°C (83°F) and very rarely drops below -10°C (14°F) or rises above 32°C (90°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
- Average Annual Precipitation: 1,234 mm (48.6 inches) .
- Wettest Months: March and October see the highest average precipitation, with around 112-117 mm (4.4-4.6 inches) of rain . The chance of a wet day peaks in June at 35% .
- Snowfall: Snow is common in winter, averaging 5.8 inches in January and 5.9 inches in February .
- Humidity: The summers are notably humid .
Best Time to Visit
The best times for warm-weather activities are from early June to late September. During this period, temperatures are comfortably warm, though humidity is high .
- Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): Offer mild and pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the area without the peak summer humidity .
- Summer (June-August): Warm to hot and humid, with the highest concentration of outdoor events at Belmont Park.
- Winter (December-March): Cold, windy, and snowy. This is the low season for tourism, though the area remains active with indoor events at UBS Arena .
Landmarks and Attractions
[Belmont Park]
Belmont Park is the crown jewel of Elmont and a globally recognized thoroughbred racetrack . Opened in 1905, it was the vision of a syndicate led by August Belmont Jr., who sought to build America's most elaborate racetrack modeled after the great courses of Europe . The track is famous for its massive main course and is the home of the Belmont Stakes, the third and longest leg of the prestigious Triple Crown . Located on Hempstead Turnpike, it continues to be a major destination for racing fans from around the world .
[UBS Arena]
A state-of-the-art sports and entertainment venue that opened in fall 2021, UBS Arena has quickly become a modern landmark for Elmont . It is the home of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL) and hosts a wide array of major concerts and events . Its development was a significant milestone for the community, revitalizing the area around Belmont Park.
[St. Boniface Martyr Church]
One of Elmont's historic architectural landmarks, St. Boniface Martyr Church is a Gothic Revival church built in 1910 . It stands as a testament to the area's history, with its roots tracing back to the original Catholic parish, St. Boniface, which was established in the mid-19th century to serve the growing population of German and other European immigrants in the then-named Foster's Meadow .
Transportation
Major Airports
Elmont is uniquely situated for excellent access to the major airports of the New York City region .
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): Located just 7 miles (11 km) to the southwest in Queens, making it a primary gateway for international travelers .
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Situated approximately 13 miles (21 km) to the northwest, handling a high volume of domestic flights .
Main Railway Stations
Elmont is served by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), providing critical connections to New York City.
- Elmont Station: A new LIRR station opened in late 2021, providing regular service on the Hempstead Branch to points west, including direct service to New York Penn Station .
- Queens Village Station: Located about a 25-minute walk from parts of Elmont, this station is served by the Hempstead, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma branches .
- Belmont Park Station: This station is operational on race days and special event days, providing direct service to the racetrack and UBS Arena from Penn Station and Jamaica .
Public Bus System
Elmont is served by Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE), which provides local bus service .
- N6 and N6X: These buses run along Hempstead Turnpike, connecting Elmont to Jamaica, Queens (with connections to the NYC subway) and to the Hempstead Transit Center .
- N1: This route connects Elmont to Valley Stream and other nearby communities .
Major Highways
Several parkways provide easy car access to and around Elmont .
- Cross Island Parkway: This parkway forms the western border of Elmont, separating it from Queens and providing a direct route to JFK Airport and the Grand Central Parkway .
- Southern State Parkway and Meadowbrook State Parkway: These are two major parkways on Long Island located a short drive south of Elmont .
Sport and Sporting Legends
The Premier Sports Venue: UBS Arena
The heart of Elmont's modern sporting identity is the state-of-the-art UBS Arena, which opened its doors in November 2021 . This multi-purpose indoor arena, located within the historic Belmont Park, is the proud home of the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL), marking their return to a dedicated home on Long Island after years of sharing venues . With a seating capacity of 17,255 for hockey games and up to 19,000 for concerts, the arena was designed with the philosophy "made for music and built for hockey," ensuring an optimal experience for both sports fans and concert-goers . Its design draws inspiration from iconic New York landmarks like Grand Central Terminal and Ebbets Field, blending modern technology with classic aesthetics . The arena also hosts PWHL New York of the Professional Women's Hockey League, bringing top-tier women's hockey to the community .
Fans have affectionately nicknamed the arena "The Stable," a direct nod to its location at the world-famous Belmont Park thoroughbred racetrack . The venue features top-notch amenities, including a massive 23,000-square-foot locker room for the players and numerous fan-focused clubs and bars like the UBS Club and the Heineken Terrace Bar . The first Islanders game at the arena was played on November 20, 2021, and the first Stanley Cup playoff game followed on April 21, 2023 .
Sports Teams Based in Elmont
- New York Islanders: This historic NHL franchise, founded in 1972, now calls UBS Arena its home. The Islanders are a team with a rich legacy, having won four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983 . Their move to UBS Arena represents a new chapter for the team and its passionate fanbase, ending years of playing at the Nassau Coliseum and Barclays Center .
- PWHL New York: As part of the newly formed Professional Women's Hockey League, this team brings elite women's hockey to Elmont, playing a selection of their home games at UBS Arena starting in 2024 .
Major Sporting Events at UBS Arena
Beyond Islanders games, UBS Arena is a premier destination for major sporting events. It has hosted:
- UFC Fight Night: The arena held its first mixed martial arts event, UFC on ABC: Ortega vs. Rodríguez, on July 16, 2022 .
- Professional Wrestling: Major wrestling promotions have held events at the arena, including episodes of WWE's Monday Night Raw and AEW Dynamite .
- College Basketball: The arena has also welcomed high-profile college basketball matchups, such as the St. John's vs. Kansas game as part of the Big East–Big 12 Battle in December 2021 .
Museums and Cultural Attractions
Museums and Preserves Nearby in Nassau County
While Elmont itself is primarily residential, it is surrounded by the rich cultural offerings of Nassau County. The Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums manages an extensive network of more than 70 parks, preserves, and museums throughout the area, providing diverse artistic and educational experiences just a short drive from Elmont . Nearby museums and historic sites of interest include:
- Museum of American Armor: Located at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, this museum offers a unique look at military history with a collection of operational WWII-era armored vehicles .
- Cradle of Aviation Museum: Situated in nearby Garden City, this museum chronicles Long Island's significant contribution to aerospace history with over 75 aircraft and spacecraft on display .
- Nassau County Museum of Art: Found in Roslyn Harbor, this museum features rotating exhibitions of fine art in a stunning former estate, surrounded by a beautiful sculpture park and formal gardens .
- African American Museum and Center for Applied Art: Located in Hempstead, this center is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the art, history, and culture of African Americans, with a particular focus on Long Island .
These venues, along with others like the Tackapausha Museum and Preserve and the Garvies Point Museum and Preserve, offer residents and visitors a wide array of cultural and educational opportunities in the immediate region .
Universities and Educational Institutions
Nearby Universities and Colleges
Elmont does not have a university campus within its own borders, but its prime location on the border of Queens provides residents with easy access to several major institutions of higher education .
- CUNY Queens College: Located just a few miles away in Flushing, this prestigious public college is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, the largest urban public university in the U.S. . Established in 1937, its 80-acre campus is recognized for its beauty and environmental responsibility . The college is known for its ethnically diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs across the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences . Its notable alumni include a remarkable roster of cultural icons such as singer-songwriter Paul Simon, actor Jerry Seinfeld, Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody, and singer Carole King .
- Hofstra University: Located in nearby Hempstead, Hofstra is a private university just a 10-minute drive from Elmont . It is well-regarded for its law school, business school, and strong liberal arts programs.
- Adelphi University: Situated in Garden City, this private university is about an 8-minute drive from Elmont and offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs .
- Molloy University: Another nearby institution in Rockville Centre, Molloy is a private Catholic university approximately 11 minutes away, known for its nursing, education, and social work programs .
- Queensborough Community College: Part of the CUNY system, this two-year college is also a convenient option for Elmont residents, located about 13 minutes away .
Healthcare Facilities and Services
Primary and Community Healthcare in Elmont
Elmont is served by community-focused health centers that ensure residents have access to essential medical services.
- NuHealth Family Health Centers - Elmont: Located at 161 Hempstead Turnpike, this facility is part of the NuHealth system, which is operated by the Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) . This health center is dedicated to providing primary and preventive care to all community members, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay . Services offered include Family Medicine, Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Podiatry, Dentistry, and Behavioral Health . It acts as a "medical home" for many Long Islanders, focusing on keeping patients healthy and out of the hospital .
Major Hospitals and Specialized Care Nearby
For more advanced medical needs, including hospital care and specialized treatment, Elmont residents are in close proximity to world-class medical institutions.
- Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC): Located in nearby East Meadow, NUMC is a 530-bed tertiary-care teaching hospital and the providing organization for the Elmont health center . It is a Level I trauma center, the highest designation possible, meaning it is equipped to handle the most severe and life-threatening injuries . NUMC houses specialized units such as the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center and a Designated Stroke Center . It is academically affiliated with several medical schools, including the Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine and Stony Brook University, ensuring access to cutting-edge research and treatment .
- Specialists in Elmont: For specialized medical care, residents can also find practitioners based directly in the community. For example, urologist Dr. Carlton B. Barnswell Jr., MD, maintains a practice at 438 Elmont Road, providing specialized care close to home .
- Nearby Major Health Systems: The area is also served by the larger Catholic Health system, which has numerous physicians and facilities across Long Island, including in nearby towns like New Hyde Park . This provides residents with a wide network of specialists and hospitals to choose from.