Old Westbury Of The Gold Coast

In Old Westbury, the rolling hills, open areas of at least 2-5 acres, and tree-lined alleyways are all well-known features. Several of the country's best schools may be found in these little towns. As a result, they are known as "Horse Country," as there are several horse riding and polo facilities in the area. Many private golf and country clubs may be found in this region. Old Westbury Gardens, currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was home to the Phipps family.

Old Westbury Market Trends

According to market trends, the average price per square foot in Old Westbury has decreased by $33 in the previous six months. The average sales price has plummeted from $2,092,000 six months ago to $1,652,500. An average of 137 days is spent on the market for real estate in Old Westbury. 94 percent of the asking price is a reasonable expectation for buyers.

Old Westbury has long been a favorite of the nation's wealthiest residents, according to magazines like Forbes and Newsweek, and it continues to be so today. The Northern Parkway and Long Island Expressway, which is located at the southern boundary of Long Island's "Gold Coast," is little over a half-hour away by train or car. Private estates ranging in size from two acres to hundreds of acres may be found across the area's 8.6 square mile expanse of wooded hillsides. It has long been known as an equestrian's paradise, thanks to its many miles of public riding trails, horse farm, and polo grounds. There are around 4,200 people and 1000 houses in the city. The hamlet doesn't have a business district, but it's close to great places to buy and dine, as well as boats, cultural attractions, and hospitals with awards. Additionally, it is home to three institutions and two country clubs.

Old Westbury Facts & History

The town of Old Westbury, which is frequently featured in film and television productions for its rich lifestyle, was formerly the scene of a simpler and more pastoral way of life three centuries earlier. Quakers owned and operated around 40 large, self-sufficient farms from about the mid-seventeenth century until the mid-nineteenth century (blacksmith, grist mill, general store, and dye and carpet factory).

Prior to the Civil War and the arrival of a railroad in York City, affluent families like the Phipps and Whitney families purchased their farmland. For polo, horse racing, and other equestrian pursuits like fox hunting and polo, they came to these rolling hills and large meadows about 35 minutes from the city. Because of the transformations, the farms were transformed into sprawling estates reminiscent of European palaces.

With the construction of parkways on Long Island and the demand for affordable housing for returning military personnel during World War II, the landscape of Old Westbury was once again altered. As land prices and taxes increased, the big estate owners began selling or donating their land to developers and organizations. Charles W. Post, the inventor of Post-It notes, purchased Long Island University Post and renamed it in his honor. Old Westbury is a portion of it. New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury and the Seversky Conference Center were built on the remaining 530 acres of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney's estate, which was sold to a developer. The Old Westbury Golf and Country Club was constructed on 190 acres along with the mansion. F. Ambrose Clark, an industrialist, philanthropist, and notable equestrian, owned "Broad Hollow," which was later renamed the SUNY College at Old Westbury.

For John S. Phipps and Margarita Grace Phipps, heirs to the U.S. Steel wealth, the 100-acre house "Westbury," which was built for them, is still standing. From September to January each year, they only lived in one of their several homes. In addition to having one of the most beautiful gardens in the world, Old Westbury Gardens is a well-known Long Island estate museum. Until her death in 2006, Margaret Phipps Boegner, the Phipps' daughter, opened it out to the public. As a gift to the public, the Phipps Museum of Art offers visitors a glimpse of what life was like on Long Island's "Golden Age."

Old Westbury, NY Real Estate

The luxury homes of Old Westbury are beautiful, and the area is a great place to live on Long Island.  There are always homes and properties available to purchase.  If you and your family are interested in possibly finding a home in this lovely town, please feel free to contact an Old Westbury real estate agent. One is listed below.

Automatic Real Estate Associates
25 Red Ground Rd
Roslyn Heights, NY 11577
(516) 626-4444