If you’re driving along the winding, tree-canopied roads of Long Island’s North Shore, you might blink and miss the turn-off for the Village of Plandome Manor New York. It’s not flashy like some of the Hamptons enclaves, and it doesn't shout for attention. Honestly, that's exactly why people pay millions to live there.
Nestled right on the edge of Manhasset Bay, this tiny village of about 800 to 900 people is basically the "quiet luxury" of real estate. While neighboring Manhasset or Port Washington get all the name recognition, Plandome Manor is the place people go when they want the prestige of the Gold Coast without the noise.
The Reality of Living in Plandome Manor
Let’s get the geography straight. People often confuse the "three Plandomes"—Plandome, Plandome Heights, and Plandome Manor. They are all distinct villages in the Town of North Hempstead.
Plandome Manor is the northernmost sibling. It’s a weirdly shaped village that wraps around the water and tucks into the hills. Most of the homes here look like they were plucked out of a high-end architectural magazine from the 1930s. We’re talking sprawling Tudors, massive Colonials, and the occasional modern masterpiece that makes you wonder what the owner does for a living.
What’s the vibe? It’s serene. It’s the kind of place where you hear the gravel crunching under tires more than you hear sirens or traffic.
Money and Real Estate: The 2026 Numbers
If you’re looking to buy here, I hope you’ve been saving. As of late 2025 and heading into 2026, the average home value in Plandome Manor New York is hovering around $2.74 million. That’s up about 5.3% over the last year.
It’s a resilient market. Even when interest rates fluctuated near 6% recently, the demand in this specific pocket of Nassau County didn't really tank. Why? Because there is almost zero inventory. People move here and they stay. The homeownership rate is a staggering 96%. You aren’t going to find many rentals here, and if you do, they’re usually temporary setups for families waiting on a renovation.
The School District "Split"
This is the part that trips up most newcomers. Plandome Manor is actually split between two of the best school districts in the country: Manhasset Union Free School District and Port Washington Union Free School District.
Depending on which side of the village line your driveway sits, your kids are either headed to Manhasset High or Paul D. Schreiber High.
- Manhasset Schools: Consistently ranked in the top 10 in New York. It’s high-pressure, high-achievement, and has that "orange and blue" pride that runs deep.
- Port Washington Schools: Offers a slightly more "artsy" and diverse feel while still maintaining those A+ ratings.
You’ve gotta check the tax maps before you fall in love with a house. The school district can significantly impact your property taxes and, eventually, your resale value.
Commuting to the City
Believe it or not, about 38% of residents here were working from home as of the last census data, but the "commuter life" is still the backbone of the village.
The Plandome LIRR station is the gateway. It’s located on Stonytown Road. If you catch the express on the Port Washington Branch, you can be at Penn Station (or Grand Central Madison) in about 30 to 40 minutes.
It’s a direct shot. No transfers at Jamaica. That’s the holy grail for Long Island commuters.
Hidden Gems and Local Spots
You won't find a "downtown" in Plandome Manor. There are no Starbucks or dry cleaners within the village limits. You have to head into Manhasset’s "Miracle Mile" (Americana Manhasset) for your high-end shopping or over to Main Street in Port Washington for a burger.
However, there are two things you absolutely have to know about:
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- The Science Museum of Long Island: Located at the Leeds Pond Preserve. It’s an 18-house estate-turned-museum. It’s a bit of a local secret for families who want their kids to do something other than stare at a screen.
- Plandome Country Club: While parts of it technically sit in Plandome, it’s the social heart for the Manor crowd. If you play golf, this is where you spend your Saturdays. If you don't, you're probably there for a wedding or a charity gala.
Who Runs the Place?
The village is led by Mayor Barbara Donno. She’s been in the role for a while and is pretty well-respected for keeping the village’s "character" intact. By character, I mean she fights to keep the zoning strict and the taxes as manageable as possible for a place where the median income is well over $250,000.
The local government is small. We’re talking a handful of trustees and a village clerk. It’s the kind of place where you can actually show up to a meeting on the third Tuesday of the month and someone might actually listen to your complaint about a neighbor's overgrown hedge.
Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think Plandome Manor is just a retirement community. Not true.
While there are plenty of retirees who have held onto their homes since the 70s, there’s been a massive influx of young families coming from Brooklyn and Manhattan over the last five years. They want the yard. They want the safety. They want the schools.
Another myth: It’s all "old money." While the Gold Coast history is there, a lot of the newer residents are tech entrepreneurs, surgeons, and finance execs who worked their way up. It’s more "meritocratic wealth" these days than "Great Gatsby" wealth.
Actionable Steps for Potential Residents
If you're serious about looking at Plandome Manor New York, don't just browse Zillow. It's too slow.
- Get a Hyper-Local Agent: You need someone who knows the "pocket listings." Half the houses here sell before they ever hit the public market.
- Verify Your School District: Do not take the listing's word for it. Call the district offices directly with the specific address. A mistake here can cost you hundreds of thousands in future resale value.
- Check the Flood Zones: Since the village hugs the water, some properties near the bay or Leeds Pond require specific insurance.
- Walk the "Shared Use" Paths: Plandome Manor actually has great walking and biking paths along North Plandome Road and Stonytown Road. It’s the best way to get a feel for the neighborhood vibe without looking like a "tourist" in a car.
Ultimately, Plandome Manor isn't a place you move to for excitement. You move there for the lack of it. It’s the final destination for people who want to be close enough to touch the energy of New York City, but far enough away that they can't hear it.