Merrick is in Nassau County, New York, in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island's South Shore. ZIP code: 11566. Population: approximately 21,800 residents. Merrick is a safe, established suburban community with direct access to the South Shore waterfront, a highly regarded school district, and a commuter-friendly LIRR station with direct service to Penn Station. Nassau County crime rates are among the lowest in New York State for communities its size.[1]
Buying or Selling in Merrick?
Merrick's South Shore access, LIRR connectivity, and top-rated schools keep demand high. Connect with an agent at (516) 246-9022.
Property Type | Typical Price Range | Market Character & Location Features |
|---|---|---|
Single-Family Homes | $550,000 to $900,000+ | Mid-century ranches, Capes, and colonials on modest 50-80 ft lots; core Merrick housing stock |
Updated & Expanded Homes | $800,000 to $1.1M+ | Renovated homes with expanded footprints; command premium for school district and LIRR access |
Waterfront & Bay Access | $900,000 to $2M+ | Limited inventory; high demand for waterfront positions with private dockage and canal access |
Condominiums | $250,000 to $500,000 | Selective supply; popular for downsizers and first-time buyers seeking Merrick address |
South Shore living with direct access to New York City
Merrick is one of Long Island's most established South Shore communities: a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead with its own LIRR station, direct bay access, and a residential character that has attracted families and commuters for generations. With a population of approximately 21,800 across a dense, walkable grid, Merrick offers strong community amenities in a compact footprint.[1]
The community sits between Bellmore to the east and Freeport to the west, with South Shore bays and barrier beaches defining its southern edge. Jones Beach State Park is approximately 10 minutes south. The LIRR Merrick station on the Long Beach Branch provides direct Penn Station service: a major draw for commuters seeking Long Island suburban living.[1]
Direct Long Beach Branch rail service to Penn Station in 45 to 55 minutes, providing ideal access for Manhattan commuters.
Boating, fishing, and water access along South Shore bays, with Jones Beach State Park located roughly 10 minutes south.
Served by Merrick Union Free School District for elementary grades and Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for high school (Calhoun High).
Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway offer local dining, shops, and everyday retail services within minutes of residential neighborhoods.
Merrick's lifestyle is defined by its South Shore location. The community's professional population: 61% hold a Bachelor's degree or higher: reflects the appeal of combining commuter transit infrastructure with genuine waterfront proximity. Residents enjoy both coastal recreational opportunities and the convenience of a dense Nassau County suburb.[2]
Demographics skew toward established families, with children under 9 accounting for over 15% of the population. Local shopping along Merrick Road and Sunrise Highway handles daily needs, while neighboring Freeport and Massapequa expand retail choices nearby.[2]
Merrick is served by the Merrick Union Free School District for elementary and middle school grades. For high school, Merrick students attend Sanford H. Calhoun High School as part of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.[3]
Note: School zone assignments within Merrick UFSD vary by address. Buyers should verify elementary and high school zoning directly with the district before purchasing.
Proximity to the LIRR Merrick station is a key price driver: homes within walking distance of the platform command measurable premiums. Merrick UFSD school district quality further strengthens property values. Inventory historically runs tight relative to buyer demand.[4]
About Cosmo Group Realty
Led by Principal Broker Tatiana Valverde, Cosmo Group Realty provides boutique real estate guidance across Nassau County, Suffolk County, Queens, and the Tri-State region. With multi-state broker licensing and NMLS mortgage expertise, our team delivers seamless buying and selling strategy for Merrick homeowners.
Merrick is in Nassau County, New York, in the Town of Hempstead on Long Island's South Shore, approximately 30 miles east of Midtown Manhattan.[1]
Merrick, NY uses ZIP code 11566.[1]
Yes. Merrick has its own LIRR station on the Long Beach Branch, offering direct service to Penn Station in Manhattan in roughly 45 to 55 minutes.[2]
Merrick is approximately 28 to 30 miles east of Midtown Manhattan, accessible via LIRR train in 45 to 55 minutes.[2]
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Source Notes
21,816 people live in Merrick, where the median age is 41.6 and the average individual income is $70,768. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Population Density Population Density This is the number of people per square mile in a neighborhood.
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Merrick has 7,251 households, with an average household size of 3. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Merrick do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 21,816 people call Merrick home. The population density is 5,480 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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