When you’re driving down Hempstead Turnpike, it’s easy to miss where one town ends and the next begins. You’ve got Elmont on one side and West Hempstead on the other, but right in the middle sits a place that somehow feels like the quintessential Long Island suburb. Franklin Square Long Island is basically that town everyone knows but maybe hasn't looked at closely in a while.
It’s not just a collection of Cape Cod houses and pizzerias. Honestly, it’s a weirdly fascinating mix of high-stakes financial history, surprisingly good food, and a community vibe that hasn't changed much since your parents were kids.
The Mystery of the Green Roof and a Huge Bank Failure
If you’ve lived here for any length of time, you know the building. The one at the corner of James Street and Hempstead Turnpike with that distinctive green roof. Nowadays, it's a Chase bank, but back in the day, it was the headquarters of the Franklin National Bank.
You wouldn't think a local bank in a small hamlet would make national news, but Arthur Roth, the CEO, turned it into the 18th-largest bank in the entire country. They were the first ones to do things we take for granted now, like bank credit cards and walk-up windows.
But then, 1974 happened.
📖 Related: False eyelashes before and after: Why your DIY sets never look like the professional photos
The bank collapsed. It was the largest bank failure in U.S. history at the time. It left a massive hole in the local economy and a lot of people scratching their heads. Even with that drama, the building itself was designated a historical landmark by the Town of Hempstead in 2004. It’s a literal monument to a time when Franklin Square was the center of the banking world for a hot minute.
What it Really Costs to Live Here in 2026
Let’s be real: Long Island is expensive. Franklin Square is no exception, but it’s interesting how it holds its value.
According to data from late 2025, the median sale price for a home here hit around $875,000. That is a massive jump—up over 13% from the year before. People aren't just buying; they're fighting over houses. Most homes go pending in about 18 days. If you’re looking to rent, expect to pay an average of $2,600 a month.
Why is it so competitive?
👉 See also: Exactly What Month is Ramadan 2025 and Why the Dates Shift
- The Schools: You’ve got the Franklin Square Union Free School District for the little ones (John Street, Polk Street, and Washington Street schools) and then they head off to H. Frank Carey High School or Valley Stream North. These schools are consistently rated highly, which is a huge draw for families.
- The Commute: You’re close enough to the city that you can get there if you need to, but far enough away that you can actually have a backyard.
- The Stability: About 68% of people who live here don't want to leave. They’re searching for new homes within the same area. That kind of local loyalty is rare these days.
Eat Like a Local: No, It's Not Just Pizza
Don't get me wrong, the pizza is top-tier. But Franklin Square has quietly become a bit of a foodie destination in Nassau County.
You’ve got places like Plattduetsche Park, which is a local legend. It’s a German restaurant and beer garden that’s been around forever. In the summer, the outdoor biergarten is the only place to be. It’s one of those spots where you see three generations of a family sitting at the same table, which sort of sums up the whole town.
Then there’s the newer stuff. You’ll find acclaimed spots for Italian, of course, but also Thai and Latin American food that rivals what you’d find in Queens. The "Main Street" feel of Hempstead Turnpike means there’s always something new popping up between the old-school barbershops and hardware stores.
A History That Goes Back Further Than You Think
Before the houses and the banks, this place was just a treeless plain. George Washington actually passed through in 1790 and wrote in his diary that the area was "entirely treeless except for a few scraggly fruit trees." Sorta harsh, George.
✨ Don't miss: Dutch Bros Menu Food: What Most People Get Wrong About the Snacks
Later on, in 1840, the poet Walt Whitman was a schoolmaster here for a few months. It was a German-speaking farming community for a long time, supplying fresh produce to New York City well into the 20th century.
It wasn't until after World War II that things really exploded. Soldiers came home, and the farms turned into the residential streets we see today. By 1952, the transition was basically complete.
The Reality of Living in 11010
It's not all sunshine and biergartens. Like much of the South Shore-adjacent area, there are environmental things to think about.
Recent climate data shows that while the flood risk is relatively minor (affecting about 17% of properties), the "Heat Factor" is a real thing. By 2055, the number of days over 97°F is expected to double. And because we're on an island, the risk of severe wind events from hurricanes is always a major factor for homeowners insurance.
But for the 30,000+ people who call this 2.9-square-mile patch of land home, the trade-offs are worth it. It’s a place where people know their neighbors and the local historical society (shoutout to Dr. Paul van Wie) actually keeps the archives alive.
Actionable Steps for Moving to or Living in Franklin Square
- Check the School Boundaries: Not every house in the 11010 zip code is in the same district. Some areas bleed into Elmont or West Hempstead schools, so verify the specific district before you sign a lease or a mortgage.
- Visit Rath Park: If you want to see the "soul" of the town, go to Rath Park on a Saturday morning. It’s where the community gathers for everything from sports to the local pool.
- Explore the History: Pick up a copy of Images of America: Franklin Square. It was actually co-authored by local students and is the best deep dive into the town's visual history.
- Prepare for the Market: If you're buying, get your pre-approval in order. Homes here move in under three weeks, and many go for over the asking price.
- Don't Skip the Turnpike: Support the local businesses along Hempstead Turnpike. The Chamber of Commerce is very active, and it's these small shops that keep the town from feeling like just another anonymous suburb.