Transit-Oriented Living: A New Era for Long Island Housing
- Jaime Hechtman Ulloa
- Aug 12
- 2 min read
JAIME’S REAL ESTATE BRIEF
📞 631.664.0268
When I talk to folks relocating to Long Island, many expect lawns and long drives. But what they often discover, and what more seniors and professionals are seeking, is a new lifestyle: walk-to-rail, apartment living wrapped in convenience.
Long Island’s housing inventory has long under-served younger adults and older residents alike. With only 17% of housing stock rental‑zoned, it’s far below the national average….and leaves many without viable, walkable options.
That’s changing. New mixed-use communities - surrounding LIRR hubs in Ronkonkoma, Mineola, Hicksville, Lynbrook are delivering not just apartments, but community amenities, retail, wellness spaces, and local jobs.
At Station Yards in Ronkonkoma, a $1.2 billion TOD, you’ll soon find 1,450 residential units, 195,000 sq ft of retail, and 360,000 sq ft of office space. It’s redefining that area as a true walkable “downtown” hub . Similarly, the new 201‑unit “Langdon” community at Lynbrook LIRR is fueling local businesses and foot traffic joining earlier successes in Mineola and Westbury as real evidence of TOD value.
Residents from all walks of life are choosing it:
-Younger professionals love the walk-to-train convenience and ability to socialize locally.
-Health care workers value low-maintenance homes near transit.
-Empty-nesters appreciate downsizing into cleaner, safer, maintenance-free living with community feel.
Beyond homes, TODs are catalysts for economic growth, bringing state grants through programs like NY Forward and stimulating neighborhood commercial vibrancy.
Suffolk county home prices are rising, partly driven by new transit infrastructure and housing trends. While Nassau’s market edges slightly toward stability, Suffolk continues to boom driven by demand for access and affordability.
Communities with active transit access or infrastructure investment - like Ronkonkoma, Hicksville, Mineola, Lynbrook are likely to see continued value appreciation. That matters if you’re selling, investing, or just planning your next move.
Why You Should Care
TODs are not just real estate they’re redefining how Long Islanders live, commute, and connect. They offer walkable amenities, transit access, and affordability in places that may have once seemed only ripe for suburban lawn‐life.
As a local agent, I help people spot opportunities before they become mainstream:
-Sellers, now is your moment if you live near a revitalizing hub.
-Buyers, transit-oriented areas offer upward mobility, lifestyle, and future value.
-Homeowners, projects like these can bring new services, ridership, and community life right to your door.
If you’re curious whether your town has TOD potential or want to explore listings in these vibrant hubs - please reach out to me. I’d love to show you how transit is unlocking real estate opportunity on Long Island.
📞 631.664.0268
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