If you’re thinking about buying a home on Long Island, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where to plant roots. And for most buyers, the choice comes down to the same question:

Nassau vs. Suffolk County — which is better?

The truth is, both counties offer incredible lifestyle perks, but they shine in different ways. Your ideal match depends on your commute, your budget, and the kind of community experience you’re looking for.

Below, we break down the key differences to help you choose the right fit between Nassau vs. Suffolk county.

1. Commute + Convenience

Nassau County

If proximity to NYC is a priority, Nassau is the winner. Many towns are 30–45 minutes from Manhattan via the LIRR, making it a top choice for commuters who want the shortest ride possible.

Best for:

  • NYC commuters
  • Buyers who value walkable downtowns
  • Quick access to major highways, shopping, and services

Suffolk County

Suffolk offers a quieter, more suburban (and often more scenic) pace of life. Commutes are longer, but many homeowners love the tradeoff for the additional space and greenery.

Best for:

  • Remote/hybrid workers
  • Buyers seeking a slower pace
  • Those wanting bigger lots and less congestion

2. Home Prices + Affordability

Nassau County

With its closer proximity to NYC, Nassau is generally more expensive. Expect higher median home prices, higher taxes, and slightly less square footage for your dollar.

Suffolk County

Suffolk typically offers more affordability and more space. Many buyers find they can upgrade to a larger home, a bigger yard, or a different school district while staying within budget.

3. Lifestyle + Amenities

Nassau County

Think vibrant downtowns, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment — all within quick reach. Nassau has a more urban-suburban blend, with tons of convenience and easy access to cultural attractions.

Suffolk County

Suffolk shines with natural beauty: beaches, hiking trails, farms, wineries, and open space. From the North Fork’s vineyards to the South Shore’s beaches, the lifestyle here feels more relaxed and outdoorsy.

4. Schools

Both counties offer excellent school districts — but which is “better” depends on the specific town.

Nassau is known for highly rated districts like Garden City, Jericho, Manhasset, and Syosset.

Suffolk boasts top-tier districts as well, including Three Village, Smithtown, Half Hollow Hills, and Commack.

When comparing schools, it’s best to look district-by-district rather than county vs. county.

5. Space + Lot Size

If you’re dreaming of more yard space, a quieter neighborhood, or room to grow, Suffolk is the stronger fit. Properties in Nassau tend to be smaller and closer together — great for walkability and convenience, but not ideal if you want lots of land.

6. Taxes

Long Island is known for higher property taxes overall — but Suffolk’s taxes tend to be slightly lower than Nassau’s, depending on the district.

So… Which County Is Better?

It depends on your lifestyle.

Choose Nassau County if you want:

✔️ Shorter commute to NYC
✔️ Walkable downtowns
✔️ Quick access to shops, restaurants, and entertainment
✔️ A more urban-suburban feel

Choose Suffolk County if you want:

✔️ More space for your budget
✔️ Larger properties + quieter neighborhoods
✔️ Nature, beaches, hiking, and outdoor recreation
✔️ A more relaxed, spacious suburban lifestyle

Still Not Sure Which County Fits You Best?

Every buyer has different priorities — and that’s where having a knowledgeable Long Island real estate team makes all the difference.

The Pesce-Lanzillotta Team has helped hundreds of buyers find the right match in both Nassau and Suffolk. We can walk you through neighborhoods, compare school districts, break down commute options, and help you decide which county truly aligns with your lifestyle.

Reach out anytime — we’re here to guide your Long Island home search with clarity and confidence.