Long Island
Rockville Centre, New York
Village in Nassau County
A South Shore village with a walkable downtown
Rockville Centre is a village in the Town of Hempstead with a compact downtown along Sunrise Highway and North Park Avenue. It is known for its walkable center, strong schools and a housing stock that ranges from Victorian houses to mid-century ranches.
History & Local Character
The village incorporated in 1891 and grew as a South Shore commuter community after the LIRR arrived. Its downtown developed as a retail and entertainment center for the surrounding area.
Housing & Real Estate
Rockville Centre offers single-family homes, two-family houses and apartment buildings near the station, with tree-lined streets and a substantial stock of older homes.
Restaurants & Shopping
Sunrise Highway, North Park Avenue and Merrick Road hold a dense restaurant and bar scene, with Italian, Irish, Mexican and contemporary American options.
Schools & Education
Rockville Centre Union Free School District serves the village, and Molloy University and South Nassau's hospital campus are nearby.
Parks & Recreation
Village parks include Hempstead Lake's edge, Lister Park and the Rockville Centre Recreation Center, with Jones Beach a short drive south.
Transportation & Accessibility
The LIRR's Babylon branch stops in the village, with buses along Sunrise Highway and Merrick Road and the Southern State Parkway nearby.
Local Businesses
Independent restaurants, boutiques, salons, professional practices and long-running family businesses line the downtown streets.
No businesses are listed in Rockville Centre yet. Add your business to be the first.
Nearby Attractions
- Rockville Centre downtown
- Hempstead Lake State Park
- Molloy University
- Jones Beach
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Walkable downtown and strong restaurant scene
- Babylon branch rail service
- Well-regarded school district
Considerations
- Premium home prices
- Downtown parking demand
- Busy commuter traffic at rush hour
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rockville Centre a village?
Yes. It is an incorporated village in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County.
What LIRR branch serves Rockville Centre?
The Babylon branch stops at Rockville Centre station.