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Franklin Square, NY

Franklin Square is a suburban hamlet on Long Island, known for its strong community spirit, deep-rooted Italian-American heritage, and convenient location near New York City.

About Franklin Square

Official Status and Administrative Affiliation

The full and official name of this community is Franklin Square. It is a hamlet and census-designated place (CDP) located within the Town of Hempstead in Nassau County, on Long Island, New York, in the United States . As an unincorporated hamlet, it does not have its own municipal government and is governed directly by the Town of Hempstead. Nassau County is known as a primarily suburban county bordering New York City, characterized by its residential communities, school districts, and proximity to the urban amenities of the city.

Historical Names and Nicknames

Before becoming Franklin Square, the area had two other names. It was originally known as "Trimming Square" , a name used between the early 19th century and 1851, which is thought to reflect the area's history as farmland where sheep were brought for shearing . The name was then changed to "Washington Square" in honor of President George Washington, who passed through the area during a tour of Long Island in 1790 . The current name, Franklin Square, was adopted in the 1870s when residents sought to establish a local post office. The United States Postal Service rejected the name Washington Square, as there were already too many other places with "Washington" in their names within New York, leading the community to choose the name in honor of Benjamin Franklin .

Date of Foundation and Age

The area that is now Franklin Square was first settled by European colonists in the late 17th century, originally used as grazing land as part of the Hempstead Plains . Its transformation from farmland began in the 1870s with the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road, which spurred its development into a suburban community . It became a distinct, named community in its own right in the mid-19th century, first as Washington Square and then as Franklin Square by the 1870s.

Geographical Position and Coordinates

Franklin Square is located on Long Island at the geographic coordinates 40°42′6″N 73°40′36″W . The center of the hamlet sits at an elevation of approximately 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level . It is a landlocked, suburban community situated on the Hempstead Plains, a region once characterized by open grasslands .

City Type and Economic Specialization

Franklin Square is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town. Its economy and character are defined by its function as a bedroom community for nearby New York City. Many of its residents commute to the city for work, a trend that began in earnest after World War II . Its local economy is centered on small businesses, restaurants, and professional services that cater to the local population, with a particular focus on its diverse dining scene, including Italian and Peruvian cuisine .

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 United States Census, the population of Franklin Square was 30,903 . By this measure, it is classified as a small town or large hamlet. The community is known for its strong ethnic heritage, with a significant population of Italian-American (40%), Irish-American (16%), and German-American (11%) descent . It has a growing Jewish population, served by several synagogues . In recent years, it has continued to attract multigenerational families from New York City boroughs, drawn by its suburban feel and strong community ties .

"Business Card" of the City

Franklin Square is a quintessential Long Island suburb, offering a quiet, family-oriented lifestyle with a strong sense of community, just a short distance from the excitement of New York City. Known for its charming residential streets, local parks, and a diverse dining scene that reflects its multicultural population, it's a place where historic bank buildings and annual street fairs keep the community connected .

Landmarks and Local Culture

Historical Landmarks

Franklin Square is home to several sites that reflect its historical development. The most significant is the former Franklin National Bank building on Hempstead Turnpike. Constructed in 1929, this building was the headquarters of the innovative bank that, under the leadership of Arthur T. Roth, introduced the first bank credit card and the drive-up teller window . Today, it operates as a Chase bank and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 . Another key landmark is the Schoenlein-Mott House, built in 1905, which is a Town of Hempstead landmark and one of the area's first buildings designed specifically as a private home rather than a farmhouse .

The Old Schoolhouse and Historical Society

The Old Schoolhouse, constructed in 1872 on Franklin Avenue, represents the hamlet's educational history. While no longer a school, it has been preserved and now serves as a museum, showcasing artifacts from Franklin Square's past . It is operated by the Franklin Square Historical Society, which works to preserve and celebrate the area's heritage .

The Franklin Theatre

A beloved local landmark is the former Franklin Square Cinemas, an Art Deco theater built in 1933. It was designed by the same architect as Riverhead's restored Suffolk Theater . The theater was granted landmark status by the Town of Hempstead in 2019, and community groups are actively working on plans for its restoration and future use as a cultural anchor for the downtown area .

St. Catherine of Siena Church

An architectural highlight in the community is St. Catherine of Siena Church. Built in the early 20th century, this church is noted for its stunning stained glass windows and intricate woodwork, serving not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural center for various community activities throughout the year .

Parks and Recreation

The Town of Hempstead's Department of Parks and Recreation operates two main parks in Franklin Square. Rath Park is a major community hub, offering a swimming pool, playgrounds, football and baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, and walking paths . Averill Boulevard Park also features a swimming pool, a playground, walking paths, and nature trails .

Community Events

Franklin Square thrives on its community spirit, which is best showcased through its annual events. The Annual Street Fair is held every September, transforming Franklin Avenue into a lively marketplace with local vendors, food, and live entertainment . During the holiday season, a cherished Tree Lighting Ceremony is held at Rath Park, featuring music and a visit from Santa Claus .

Transportation

Main Airports

While Franklin Square does not have its own airport, its location on Long Island provides convenient access to the three major airports serving the New York City metropolitan area. Residents and visitors can use ride-sharing services to get to:

Train

Franklin Square itself does not have its own Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) station, but it is surrounded by stations in neighboring communities . The closest and most popular is the Stewart Manor MTA LIRR Station, which is a key transit hub for residents . Other nearby stations include those in New Hyde Park, Valley Stream, and Lynbrook . These stations provide service to Penn Station in Manhattan, making the commute to New York City highly accessible. A monthly LIRR ticket from Stewart Manor is approximately $253 .

Bus Service

Public bus transportation is provided by NICE Bus (Nassau Inter-County Express) . Route n25 is a key route that serves the community, connecting it to surrounding areas and providing an alternative to driving .

Road and Ride-sharing

Franklin Square is a car-friendly community with accessible roadways . Major roads include Hempstead Turnpike and Franklin Avenue. For those without a car, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available and offer a popular alternative to taxis for getting around town, to the train station, or to the airports . The most frequently requested ride-sharing destination from Franklin Square is the Stewart Manor LIRR station .

Museums

Franklin Square Historical Society

For a deep dive into the local heritage, the Franklin Square Historical Society is the premier institution. Founded in 1976, the society is dedicated to preserving the story of the area's transformation from part of the vast Hempstead Plains into a suburban community . The society operates a museum with a collection of hundreds of artifacts and a photograph archive, offering a glimpse into the everyday life of past residents . It's the perfect place to understand the town's humble beginnings as grazing land and farmland after the American Revolution . Key chapters of history covered include President George Washington's tour through the area in 1790, poet Walt Whitman's time as a local schoolmaster in 1840, and the story of the innovative Franklin Square National Bank .

Historical Landmarks in the Heart of the Community

Franklin Square is home to a few notable historical landmarks that speak to its rich past. The Franklin National Bank building, constructed in 1929, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places . This green-topped building at the corner of James Street and Hempstead Turnpike was the headquarters of a bank that invented a new type of walk-up window and issued one of the nation's first credit cards . Another key landmark is the Schoenlein-Mott House, built in 1905, which stands as one of the area's first buildings designed specifically as a home rather than a farmhouse . The community has also worked to preserve the historic Franklin Square Cinemas, an Art Deco theater from 1933 that was given landmark status in 2019 .

Local Cuisine and Culinary Traditions

Plattduetsche Park Restaurant & Beer Garden

Franklin Square's history as a German-speaking farming community in the late 1800s lives on through its most iconic culinary destination, the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant & Beer Garden . This historic venue is a cornerstone of the community, offering a traditional German experience with hearty cuisine and a large, festive beer garden that hosts events and gatherings . It's a place where locals and visitors alike can enjoy classic dishes in a setting that reflects the town's cultural roots.

A Diverse and Acclaimed Dining Scene

Today, Franklin Square boasts "some of the most acclaimed restaurants in Nassau County" . The town has evolved into a destination for diverse culinary experiences, drawing in new residents and visitors from New York City. This modern food scene includes notable Peruvian restaurants, a highly-regarded Thai place, and other diverse options that reflect the area's growing cultural blend . This mix of long-standing traditions and new, vibrant flavors makes Franklin Square an appealing spot for food lovers.

Sports and Outdoor Recreation

Local Parks and Facilities

Franklin Square offers a variety of local parks and recreational facilities for residents and visitors. The area features a thriving parks and recreation landscape, including Town of Hempstead Rath Park and Clearview Franklin Square, which provide spaces for tennis, ball courts, and other outdoor activities . These community parks are central to the hamlet's active lifestyle.

Golfing and Outdoor Adventures Nearby

Just a short drive from Franklin Square, golf enthusiasts can find premier public courses. Bethpage State Park, known for its championship golf courses, is a major attraction for the sport . The park also offers extensive trails for hiking and picnicking, making it a great destination for a full day of outdoor activity .

Proximity to Major League Sports

Franklin Square's prime location on Long Island, less than 15 minutes from the New York City line, puts it within easy reach of the city's world-famous sports teams . Sports fans can take a short trip to see iconic teams like the New York Yankees (MLB), New York Mets (MLB), New York Knicks (NBA), New York Rangers (NHL), New York Giants (NFL), and New York Jets (NFL). For those interested in soccer, New York City FC (MLS) and the New York Red Bulls (MLS) also play in the metropolitan area. This proximity makes Franklin Square an ideal base for catching a game.

Universities and Educational Institutions

Local School Districts

Franklin Square is served by highly-rated public school districts. Students in the area attend schools within the Valley Stream Central High School District, which has a 94.1% graduation rate, and the Sewanhaka Central High School District, with a 95.3% graduation rate . This strong educational foundation is a key draw for families moving to the area .

Higher Education in the Region

While Franklin Square itself does not host a university, its location provides easy access to numerous institutions of higher learning across Long Island and New York City. The area is within commuting distance of major universities such as Hofstra University in Hempstead, where the town's own historian, Dr. Paul van Wie, has taught for much of his career . Residents also have access to the vast array of colleges and universities in New York City, including Columbia University and New York University.

Medical Facilities and Healthcare

Proximity to Major Hospitals and Medical Centers

Franklin Square benefits from its location within the New York metropolitan area, giving residents access to some of the nation's top medical facilities. For specialized care, renowned institutions like North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset and Long Island Jewish Medical Center in New Hyde Park are within a reasonable driving distance. These hospitals are consistently ranked among the best in the New York metro area for various specialties. Additionally, the countless world-class hospitals of New York City, such as NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, are also accessible for residents seeking advanced medical treatment.

Local Healthcare Access

For more immediate and local healthcare needs, the area surrounding Franklin Square has various clinics and community hospitals. This ensures that routine care and emergency services are readily available to the community.

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