If you’re driving down the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway and see the signs for Bethpage, you might think you’ve got a handle on where you are. But for anyone trying to mail a package or figure out property taxes, the question of what county is Bethpage NY in can actually get a little confusing.
Basically, Bethpage is in Nassau County.
It’s tucked away on the eastern edge of the county, right on the border of Suffolk. This proximity is exactly why people get mixed up. You can literally walk across a street in some parts of this area and end up in a different jurisdiction.
The Geography of the Border
Bethpage is a hamlet. In New York terms, that means it isn't an incorporated village with its own mayor; instead, it falls under the jurisdiction of the Town of Oyster Bay.
Honestly, the border situation is a mess. To the east, you have Farmingdale and Old Bethpage. While Bethpage itself is firmly Nassau, Bethpage State Park—which everyone associates with the town—actually spills over into Old Bethpage and sits right against the Suffolk County line.
You’ve probably heard of the "Black Course." That legendary, soul-crushing golf course is technically in Old Bethpage, but everyone calls it Bethpage. It’s one of those local quirks that makes Google Maps look like a jigsaw puzzle.
Why Nassau County Matters for Bethpage
Living in Nassau County vs. Suffolk County changes your life in small, annoying ways.
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Tax rates? Different.
Police department? Nassau County PD's Second Precinct handles the calls here.
Bus systems? You’re looking at the NICE bus (Nassau Inter-County Express), not Suffolk’s system.
Nassau is generally more densely populated and closer to Queens. Bethpage acts as a sort of transition zone. It’s got that suburban sprawl feel but stays connected to the city via the Ronkonkoma branch of the LIRR. If you’re a commuter, you know the drill: 45 to 55 minutes to Penn Station or Grand Central.
The Grumman Legacy and the Plume
You can't talk about what county is Bethpage NY in without talking about Grumman. For decades, the Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation was the heartbeat of this town. This is where they built the Apollo Lunar Module. Literally, the thing that landed on the moon was born in Nassau County.
But there's a darker side to that history that locals are still dealing with in 2026.
Decades of aerospace manufacturing left behind a massive underground toxic plume. It’s a mix of trichloroethylene (TCE) and other chemicals that have leached into the groundwater. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Navy are still actively working on "remediation." You’ll see the treatment plants around town—big, industrial-looking buildings designed to clean the water before it hits your tap.
It’s a point of contention. Some people worry about the long-term health effects, while the water districts insist the filtration systems are state-of-the-art.
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Getting Around: The 11714 Life
The zip code here is 11714. If you see that on an envelope, you're in Bethpage.
- Schools: Most kids go to the Bethpage Union Free School District. The Golden Eagles.
- Parks: Aside from the state park, you’ve got the Bethpage Community Park (which has been the site of much of the soil cleanup lately).
- Food: People around here swear by BK Sweeney’s or the local delis. It’s a very "bacon, egg, and cheese on a roll" kind of town.
One thing that surprises visitors is how quiet the residential streets are compared to the craziness of Hempstead Turnpike. You turn one corner and it’s all 1950s capes and well-manicured lawns. It feels like a time capsule.
Is it in "The Town of Oyster Bay"?
Yes. This is the part that trips up newcomers. New York's hierarchy goes: State > County > Town > Hamlet/Village.
So, your full address is technically Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, NY.
Oyster Bay is a huge town. It stretches from the North Shore (wealthy, "Great Gatsby" vibes) all the way to the South Shore (Massapequa). Bethpage sits in the middle-eastern chunk of this territory.
Quick Facts for Your GPS:
- County: Nassau
- Town: Oyster Bay
- Neighboring Spots: Hicksville (West), Levittown (South), Farmingdale (East), Plainview (North).
- Major Roadways: Route 135 (Seaford-Oyster Bay), Route 107, and the Long Island Expressway is just a few minutes north.
Actionable Tips for Visiting or Moving
If you're heading to the area, keep these things in mind:
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1. Check the Park Address: If you’re going to Bethpage State Park for golf or the polo matches, don't just type "Bethpage" into your GPS. The main entrance is actually on Quaker Meeting House Road in Farmingdale.
2. Commuter Parking: The LIRR station in Bethpage has a decent-sized lot, but it’s mostly permit-only for Town of Oyster Bay residents. If you don't have a permit, you’re going to get a ticket faster than you can say "Metropolitan Transportation Authority."
3. Water Reports: If you’re moving here, look up the most recent Bethpage Water District annual report. They’re required by law to disclose the levels of contaminants and what they’re doing to filter them. It’ll give you peace of mind regarding the plume situation.
4. The Ryder Cup Factor: With major golf events frequently hitting the Black Course, traffic in the eastern Nassau area can become a nightmare. Check the tournament schedules before planning a trip through the 135 corridor.
Knowing what county is Bethpage NY in is just the start. It’s a community defined by its aerospace history, its world-class golf, and its stubborn refusal to be overshadowed by the bigger cities nearby. Whether you're there for a round of golf or looking at houses, just remember: it's Nassau through and through.