Beginnings: The heavily forested hills south of Oyster Bay were among the lands used for hunting by Matinecock Indians during the hundreds of years before European settlers arrived. It was too far from the shore to serve as a settlement for Indians, but occasional discoveries of arrowheads are indicators that Indians used the woods. Indeed, the name Syosset may come from the Indian word Suwasset, which means "place in the pines." Robert Williams, a Quaker, purchased this land in 1648 from the Matinecock Indian Tribe. The Quaker farmers who settled in nearby Jericho confined themselves to that area for a number of years. Eventually, some Dutch families did clear the Syosset land in the mid-1700s, and a small, isolated farming community was established. By 1824, a few businesses, including a small hotel, made up Syosset's core.

Turning Point: Syosset was connected to the rest of the world in 1854, when the Long Island Rail Road built a spur north from Hicksville. The access to New York agriculture markets attracted more farmers to the area, and a commercial district formed around the train station. A post office was established in 1855. Farming remained the dominant trade until shortly before World War II, when the community's larger population triggered an expansion of the business district on Jackson Avenue. After the war, the housing shortage made it profitable for farmers to sell the property developers.

Giving the Slip: On those rare occasions when Theodore Roosevelt wanted to elude the press and some politicos he returned to Sagamore Hill in Cove Neck, he would take the train to Syosset instead of Oyster Bay, and ride his horse home through the woods. Today Sagamore Hill is a National Landmark and is open to the public.

Today: Real Estate values in Syosset range between $450,000 for 3 bedroom homes to multi-million dollar estates in Syosset and the incorporated villages of Laurel Hollow, Brookville, etc. These incorporated villages have a minimum of 2 acre zoning. Due to the close proximity of New York City, 50 minutes via the Long Island Railroad, it is a tranquil retreat for those in the financial and business arenas. There are many recreational facilities in the Syosset area including public and private golf courses, country clubs, State, County and Town parks. Sun and fun is a mere 4 miles away at the beaches and campgrounds.

The Syosset School System, which encompasses all of the 11791 zip code, is one of the most outstanding school districts on Long Island. If offers a broad curriculum catering to both the gifted and those with special education needs. Further information regarding the Syosset School District is available at their website www.syosset.k12.ny.us. There are 2 Middle Schools, H.B. Thompson and Southwoods, with Syosset High School situated on 74 majestic acres in North Syosset.

Real Estate in Syosset enjoys a comprehensive retention of value due to the excellent school system and proximity to Manhattan. Additionally, over the years the business district has broadened in both the financial and business services. The anticipation of the 8000 sq ft shopping mall will have a positive effect on real estate taxes as well as provide opportunities of employment for both the young and the old.

Syosset Hospital, which is a part of the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health Care System, is centrally located with an outstanding emergency room and a dedicated staff of doctors and nurses.

Lex Realty boasts many lifelong real estate associates. For further information contact James Balletta a resident since 1948 and actively participating in Real Estate for 50 years.