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"Welcome to the Five Towns", Far Rockaway border
Location within Nassau County

The Five Towns is an informal grouping of villages and hamlets in Nassau County, United States on the South Shore of western Long Island adjoining the border with Queens County in New York City. Although there is no official Five Towns designation, "the basic five are Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, Hewlett and Inwood."[1] Each of these "towns" has a consecutive stop on the Far Rockaway Branch of the Long Island Rail Road. All five communities are part of the Town of Hempstead. Woodmere is the largest and most populous community in the Five Towns, while Inwood is the second-largest community in the Five Towns.

The area also includes some unincorporated communities and two small villages, Hewlett Bay Park and Woodsburgh, that are not added to the final total.[1] Despite the name, none of these communities is a town. The Five Towns is usually said to comprise the villages of Lawrence and Cedarhurst, the hamlets of Woodmere and Inwood, and "The Hewletts,” which consist of the villages of Hewlett Bay Park, Hewlett Harbor, and Hewlett Neck, and the hamlet of Hewlett, along with Woodsburgh.

North Woodmere is technically one of the "Five Towns" as it is served by the Five Towns' two local high schools and its constituents use the "Five Towns" many public services. Others do not consider it to be part of the "Five Towns," as it is a section of Valley Stream, separated from the rest of the Five Towns by Motts Creek. Atlantic Beach, which is located across a drawbridge from Lawrence on a barrier island it shares with Long Beach, Lido Beach and Point Lookout, is culturally linked to the Five Towns, with its students attending Five Towns public schools, but it is usually — though not always — excluded from the designation.

History

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The name "Five Towns" dates back to 1931,[1] when individual Community Chest groups in the area banded together to form the "Five Towns Community Chest", consisting of Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere, and Hewlett. The organization still exists (as of 2018) as a local charity, but the "Five Towns" moniker caught on as a designation for the entire area.[2] A 1933 article in The New York Times references a Girl Scouts of the USA encampment by the "Five Towns Council, embracing the villages [sic] of Inwood, Lawrence, Cedarhurst, Woodmere and Hewlett", listed in order by LIRR station.[3]

One notable characteristic of the Five Towns is that despite the reputation of the South Shore of Nassau County being more urbanized than the North Shore, the Five Towns retains hamlets that resemble areas along Long Island's Gold Coast on the North Shore with enormous mansions and exclusive private communities along the water. The New York Times used the term "affluent" in describing the area.[4] Inwood, however, is much less affluent than the other "towns," with a more urban character and a significantly more ethnically diverse population.

Education

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There are two school districts in the Five Towns, the Lawrence Public Schools (District 15) and the Hewlett-Woodmere School District (District 14).[1] Roughly speaking, the Lawrence school district contains all of Lawrence, Cedarhurst and Inwood, and parts of Woodmere, North Woodmere, and Woodsburgh, while the Hewlett-Woodmere district contains all of Hewlett and part of Woodmere and extends partly into the neighboring villages of Lynbrook and Valley Stream (North Woodmere and Gibson in particular).

In addition, there are many private schools in the Five Towns. Among them are the independent school, Lawrence Woodmere Academy, and Jewish schools, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), Hebrew Academy of Long Beach (HALB), and Yeshiva of South Shore.

Five Towns College

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Although Lawrence was planned to be the location for Five Towns College, the original site was no longer available by the time the school received its charter in 1972. The college is currently located in Dix Hills, Suffolk County. Other than the proposed original site, the school never had a physical connection to the Five Towns.[5]

Jewish community

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By the 1980s, the Five Towns had developed a large Jewish community. The UJA-Federation of New York estimated that 35,000 Jews lived in the area, out of a total of 47,048 counted in the 1980 census, with a growing number of Orthodox Jews.[6] By 2010, the Five Towns hosts 53 orthodox synagogues. And a number of Jewish private schools, and kosher restaurants. The Orthodox community had become so large that many incoming Orthodox families chose to move to adjoining areas like Far Rockaway and North Woodmere.[7]

Publications

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As of February 2019, the Five Towns has two weekly local publications: The Nassau Herald and The Five Towns Jewish Times.

[edit]
  • The 1993 movie Amongst Friends, by Rob Weiss, was filmed and set in the Five Towns.[8]
  • The television show Entourage features a fictional show titled Five Towns, in which Johnny Drama stars as a character. The producer of the show was supposed to be actor-director Edward Burns, who in real life grew up in Valley Stream but attended Hewlett High School. When shown on Entourage the Five Towns is oddly portrayed as a gritty industrial area.
  • In Thomas Pynchon's 1963 debut novel V., he mentions the Five Towns; however, he includes Malverne as being part of the group.
  • In the film Goodfellas, when trying to get Henry to come along on a double date, Tommy mentions that his date lives in the Five Towns.
  • Opening scene to Married to the Mob was filmed at the Cedarhurst train station (but with the trains going in the reverse direction per the director's decision).

Notable people

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Notable current and former residents of the Five Towns include:

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Five Towns

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The Five Towns is an informal name for a group of five closely linked villages and hamlets—Cedarhurst, Hewlett, Inwood, Lawrence, and Woodmere—located in the southwestern part of the Town of Hempstead in , on the South Shore of . This affluent suburban area, with a combined of approximately 51,000 as of the 2020 U.S. Census, is characterized by its residential neighborhoods, strong , and proximity to , about 20 miles east. The region developed in the early as a resort and commuter destination, transitioning from farmland and summer homes to year-round upscale housing amid post-World War II suburban growth. The Five Towns is renowned for its large and vibrant Jewish community, particularly Orthodox and Conservative populations, which form a significant portion of the area's demographic and cultural fabric. According to a 2011 community study, the region was home to about 24,000 Jewish adults and 15,000 Jewish children across roughly 10,000 households, representing around 39,000 Jewish individuals in total and contributing to a diverse mix of synagogues, kosher establishments, and educational institutions. This community influence is evident in local commerce, such as the bustling shopping district along Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, which features Jewish-owned businesses, bakeries, and markets serving both residents and visitors from nearby areas. Education plays a central role, with highly rated public schools in the Lawrence, Hewlett-Woodmere, and Inwood districts, alongside prominent yeshivas and private academies that attract families from across the region. Economically, the Five Towns stands out for its high median household incomes—exceeding $150,000 in several communities—and low rates, supported by commuters to and a mix of local services, retail, and small businesses. The area also features notable landmarks like the historic Lawrence Yacht and Country Club, waterfront parks along Reynolds Channel, and cultural venues including the Five Towns Community Center, which offers programs in arts, recreation, and senior services. Despite its suburban tranquility, the Five Towns has seen demographic shifts in recent decades, with growing and Asian populations adding to its evolving diversity—for instance, the population in Inwood reached approximately 48.8% based on 2020 census data—while maintaining its reputation as a family-oriented, close-knit enclave.

Geography and Location

Boundaries and Composition

The Five Towns is an informal grouping of five villages and hamlets located within the Town of Hempstead in , on the South Shore of western . These communities consist of the incorporated villages of Cedarhurst and Lawrence, and the unincorporated hamlets of Hewlett, Inwood, and Woodmere. The region's precise boundaries are not formally defined but generally extend from the border with Atlantic Beach to the west and the border with Valley Stream to the east, encompassing an area of approximately 7 square miles. Broader definitions occasionally include adjacent areas such as the village of Woodsburgh or portions of North Woodmere. The name "Five Towns" emerged in when local charitable organizations in these communities united to form the Five Towns Community Chest, and it gained popularity after the nearby area of Far Rockaway was annexed into in 1898, prompting a 1917 historical reference to "the five towns of Rockaway." Despite comprising villages and hamlets rather than independent towns under New York State law, the designation has endured as a cultural and geographic identifier.

Physical Features and Climate

The Five Towns area occupies a flat coastal plain on the South Shore of in , characterized by low elevations generally under 50 feet above , with many locations near due to its position on glacial outwash deposits. This terrain, formed during the last Ice Age, features minimal topographic relief, sandy soils, and proximity to to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the south, which shapes the local ecology through tidal influences and barrier beach systems. The landscape supports an urban-suburban mix of residential neighborhoods, with limited green spaces including parks like Inwood Park, a county facility offering waterfront access and recreational areas along . Environmental features in the region include salt marshes adjacent to Inwood, part of the broader complex, which provides for diverse wildlife and acts as a natural buffer against . Denser developed areas, such as Lawrence, experience effects, where impervious surfaces like pavement and buildings elevate local temperatures by several degrees compared to surrounding rural zones, exacerbating heat during summer months. These natural elements contribute to the area's vulnerability to environmental changes, though human development has altered much of the original coastal . The climate of the Five Towns is classified as humid subtropical, with an average annual temperature of about 55°F and approximately 45 inches of distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Winters are mild for the , with average lows around 26°F, while summers are warm and humid, featuring average highs near 82°F and frequent thunderstorms. The coastal location heightens susceptibility to nor'easters, hurricanes, and tidal flooding, as evidenced by impacts from events like Superstorm Sandy in 2012, which caused widespread inundation in low-lying areas.

History

Early Settlement and Development

Prior to European contact, the area encompassing the Five Towns was home to the Rockaway people, an Algonquian-speaking indigenous group closely related to the broader confederacy, who occupied the south shore of western . These communities, part of the thirteen tribes of , relied on the region's woodlands, bays, and meadows for hunting, fishing, and seasonal agriculture, with principal settlements near what is now Rockville Centre. European explorers and settlers arrived in the early , leading to displacement through land purchases and conflicts, as documented in colonial records from the Dutch and English periods. In the colonial era, the Five Towns region formed part of Queens County, established in 1683 as one of New York's original counties, and remained under its jurisdiction until the 1899 split that created Nassau County. Early English , arriving after the English , transformed the landscape into farmland and fishing grounds, cultivating crops like corn and wheat while harvesting oysters and fish from and Reynolds Channel. Transportation was rudimentary, with key paths such as Rockaway Road—traced to Native American trails and formalized in the —serving as vital links for moving goods to markets in and . The area's rural character persisted through the , when American rebel forces occupied local estates like Rock Hall in Lawrence. The brought gradual changes to the region's agrarian economy, with potato farming emerging as a dominant activity by the mid-1800s, supported by the fertile soils of Nassau's south shore and drawing immigrant labor from and . This shift was accelerated by the arrival of rail service in , when the South Side Railroad of opened stations at Cedarhurst (initially called Cedar Grove) and nearby Hewlett, enabling faster shipment of produce to markets and spurring modest population growth in these hamlets from a few hundred to over a thousand residents by century's end. The railroad's extension to the Rockaway Peninsula further integrated the area into broader commercial networks, transitioning isolated farmsteads toward small communities. These developments laid the groundwork for formal organization, exemplified by the incorporation of Lawrence as a village in 1897 and Cedarhurst in 1910, which provided local governance to address infrastructure needs and marked the shift from unincorporated rural hamlets to structured municipalities.

20th-Century Growth and Suburbanization

Following , the Five Towns experienced accelerated residential development driven by improvements in transportation infrastructure. The Long Island Rail Road's Far Rockaway Branch, with improvements like electrification in the early , provided reliable commuter access to , attracting middle-class families seeking suburban escapes from urban density. Concurrently, the rise of automobiles facilitated easier travel via newly paved roads, spurring the subdivision of farmland into residential lots in areas like Woodmere and Hewlett. This post-war boom mirrored broader trends, with speculative fueled by economic optimism in the 1920s. However, the 1929 stock market crash and ensuing halted much of this momentum, delaying large-scale projects and leading to foreclosures on nascent developments, though the area's appeal as a commuter persisted. The mid-20th century marked a resurgence in , propelled by federal policies aiding returning veterans. The of 1944 enabled low-interest home loans and mortgage guarantees, catalyzing a housing boom across Nassau County as demand for single-family homes surged. In the Five Towns, this translated to the conversion of remaining farmland into upscale residential neighborhoods, particularly in Woodmere and Lawrence, where developers constructed spacious homes on former agricultural plots to accommodate growing families. By the 1950s, these areas had shifted from rural enclaves to established suburbs, with infrastructure like schools and utilities expanding to support the influx. This era solidified the region's affluent character, distinguishing it from mass-produced developments like nearby . In the late , the Five Towns reached new heights of community consolidation, with significant institutional and commercial growth. The and saw a proliferation of synagogue constructions, as the Orthodox Jewish population expanded rapidly; notable examples include the establishment of key institutions under leaders like Rabbi Yaakov Kamenetzky, who helped foster community building through education and worship, such as the Talmudical Academy of Far Rockaway, established in 1943. Commercial development along Central Avenue in Cedarhurst emerged as a vibrant strip, featuring boutiques and retail outlets that catered to local residents and reinforced the area's self-contained suburban identity. Population levels peaked around 1980, with the combined villages and hamlets totaling approximately 47,000 residents as of the 1980 U.S. Census, reflecting sustained influxes from . Despite this prosperity, the 1970s brought challenges related to demographic shifts and land-use pressures. Concerns over , amid broader patterns of racial steering and suburban segregation, prompted debates in Nassau County communities, including the Five Towns, where residents worried about maintaining social cohesion. Zoning policies became a flashpoint, with strict regulations on lot sizes and building heights enacted to preserve the single-family suburban character and prevent high-density developments that could alter the area's exclusivity. These measures, often exclusionary in effect, helped sustain the region's affluent, low-density profile amid economic uncertainties.

Demographics

Population Statistics

The Five Towns collectively had a population of approximately 51,000 residents as of the 2020 U.S. . With a total land area of roughly 5 s, the region exhibits a of about 10,000 people per . in the Five Towns has been steady since the mid-20th century, increasing from around 20,000 residents in 1950 to current levels, driven by suburban expansion and proximity to . However, some villages, such as Inwood, have seen slight declines since 2010 due to economic shifts and housing dynamics. Socioeconomic indicators underscore the area's relative affluence, with household incomes exceeding $150,000 in several communities based on recent , average home values around $800,000 or more, and a rate below 5 percent. These metrics reflect a high , supported by professional employment and stable markets.
VillagePopulation (2020)
Woodmere18,669
Hewlett7,262
Cedarhurst7,374
Lawrence6,809
Inwood9,930
As of 2023 U.S. Census estimates, the population has grown modestly to approximately 52,000. The high percentage of Jewish residents contributes to larger average household sizes, influencing these trends.

Ethnic and Religious Composition

The ethnic composition of the Five Towns is predominantly White non-Hispanic, with approximately 70% of residents identifying as such in 2022 American Community Survey data. Hispanic or Latino residents make up about 12% of the population, with a notable concentration in Inwood where they constitute nearly half of the local demographic, while Asian residents account for around 5%, Black or African American residents about 5%, and multiracial or other groups about 8%. Religiously, the Five Towns are distinguished by a strong Jewish majority, with the 2023 Jewish Community Study of New York estimating 24,000 Jewish adults and 15,000 Jewish children, representing roughly 70% of the area's total of about 51,000. Among Jewish residents, approximately 69% identify as Orthodox, with the remainder divided between Conservative, , and other denominations; non-Jewish residents include an estimated 20% Catholic and smaller proportions of Protestant, Muslim, and other faiths, though precise figures for non-Jewish groups are limited due to the lack of direct tracking of . Diversity trends show a marked increase in the Orthodox Jewish population since the 1990s, driven by families relocating from and parts of seeking suburban settings with established religious infrastructure, resulting in a 4% growth in the overall Jewish population between 2002 and 2011 alone. The African American presence remains relatively limited at under 10% overall, with minimal representation in most villages outside Inwood. Multilingualism is prevalent in Jewish households, where and Hebrew are commonly spoken alongside English, reflecting cultural and religious practices. This ethnic and religious profile influences local institutions, fostering a community-oriented environment with strong interfaith dialogues in shared civic spaces.

Jewish Community

Historical Formation

The Jewish community in the Five Towns emerged in the early 20th century as Jewish families from Manhattan's began migrating to the area in the 1910s and 1920s, attracted by options amid the region's developing suburban landscape. These early settlers, primarily working-class immigrants seeking escape from urban overcrowding, established initial roots in villages like Cedarhurst and Woodmere, where land was available for modest homes and small businesses. The founding of the first synagogue, Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence, in 1928 served as a pivotal anchor, offering religious services, , and social gatherings that solidified communal bonds in what was then a sparsely populated coastal area. The post-World War II era brought a transformative influx of Holocaust survivors and European Jewish immigrants, particularly to Hewlett and Lawrence in the 1950s, dramatically expanding the community's size and depth. Displaced by the devastation of the war, these newcomers—many arriving via displaced persons camps—chose the Five Towns for its relative safety, access to employment, and emerging infrastructure like the . This migration not only tripled local Jewish households in some areas but also infused the community with a resilient Orthodox ethos, emphasizing family, education, and ritual observance as means of cultural preservation. From the 1960s through the 1980s, accelerated growth occurred as Orthodox families migrated from Brooklyn neighborhoods like Borough Park and Flatbush, fleeing escalating housing costs and urban decline for the Five Towns' spacious lots and top-rated public schools. This wave, often termed white flight within Jewish circles, transformed the region into a "suburban shtetl"—a self-contained enclave reminiscent of Eastern European Jewish villages, complete with kosher markets, yeshivas, and mutual aid networks. By the late 1970s, the Jewish population had swelled to over 20,000, fostering a vibrant, insular lifestyle that balanced professional success with religious fidelity. A defining organizational milestone came in 1975 with the formation of the Five Towns Jewish Community Council, which united synagogues, schools, and welfare groups to address shared challenges like for religious facilities and interfaith relations. This body, comprising leaders from across the villages, facilitated coordinated and , marking the community's maturation into a cohesive entity capable of influencing local .

Institutions and Cultural Influence

The Jewish community in the Five Towns supports over 50 synagogues, reflecting its Orthodox dominance and growth since the mid-20th century. Among the prominent ones is Congregation Shaaray Tefila in Lawrence, established as a longstanding Orthodox institution serving the area for over a century and fostering through regular services and programs. Similarly, the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, founded in , emphasizes spiritual growth, , and an inclusive atmosphere for families across the region. Other notable synagogues include the Young Israel of Woodmere, the largest Orthodox congregation in the Five Towns, and Congregation Beth Sholom, the area's oldest continuously operating Orthodox shul since 1928. These institutions host daily minyanim, holiday observances, and educational classes, anchoring religious life amid suburban expansion. Educational institutions within the Jewish community emphasize yeshiva-style learning, blending secular and religious curricula. The Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR), formed in 1978 through the merger of the Hebrew Institute of and the Hillel School, serves as a flagship modern Orthodox from through high school, preparing students for academic excellence and . Its predecessors date back to the , with the Hebrew Institute established to provide comprehensive in the region. HAFTR's programs include rigorous , courses, and extracurriculars like athletics, enrolling hundreds of students annually and contributing to the community's high educational standards. Community centers complement this by offering supplementary Hebrew classes and youth programs, reinforcing religious observance. Key organizations bolster communal infrastructure and daily life. The Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, with campuses in Cedarhurst and Lawrence, provides programs in , recreation, , and senior services, connecting residents across generations while supporting Israel-related initiatives. The Vaad HaKashrus of the Five Towns & Far Rockaway, a nonprofit founded to uphold strict kosher standards, certifies over 85 retail and commercial establishments, including supermarkets like Gourmet Glatt and KolSave, ensuring access to and maintaining halachic compliance. These groups also influence local politics through voter mobilization on issues like funding and security, and drive philanthropy via donations to synagogues, schools, and Israel support efforts, such as rallies following the October 7, 2023, attacks. The cultural influence of these institutions preserves Jewish traditions in a suburban setting, fostering a vibrant Orthodox identity. Annual events like the Five Towns Carnival, organized by and community groups, feature costume parties, games, megillah readings, and family activities, drawing hundreds to celebrate the 's themes of joy and salvation. Such gatherings, alongside programs and holiday seudot, counteract assimilation by integrating rituals into everyday life, while ties to broader education systems enhance intergenerational continuity.

Education

Primary and Secondary Schools

The Five Towns area is primarily served by two public school districts for K-12 : the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District and the Lawrence Union Free School District. The Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District covers Hewlett, Woodmere, and portions of neighboring communities, enrolling approximately 2,698 students across five schools from kindergarten through grade 12 as of 2023-24. This district achieves high academic outcomes, with a four-year graduation rate of 93% as of 2024 and an average SAT score of 1300 among test-takers. Proficiency rates are strong, with 64% of elementary students at or above proficient in reading and 74% in math, reflecting robust instructional programs. The Lawrence Union Free School District, a smaller system focused on Lawrence, Cedarhurst, and Inwood, serves about 2,198 students in grades K-12 across five schools as of 2023-24, including Lawrence Senior High School. It maintains a student-teacher ratio of 13:1, though state test proficiency for grades 3-8 is 30% in English Language Arts and approximately 28% in math as of 2023-24, indicating areas for targeted improvement. Lawrence Senior High School ranks 824th among New York high schools, offering courses to support college preparation. Private K-12 options in the Five Towns emphasize rigorous academics, with the Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns & Rockaway serving as a prominent example; this Modern Orthodox Jewish day school enrolls 1,058 students from pre-K through grade 12 and reports a 100% graduation rate, an average SAT score of 1340, and an average ACT score of 31. It features strong STEM programs, including advanced science labs and electives, alongside a 7:1 student-teacher ratio in its high school division. Other notable private institutions include the Yeshiva of Far Rockaway and Torah High School for Boys, providing additional Orthodox options. Key facilities include in the Hewlett-Woodmere district, established in 1927 as a comprehensive public high school with modern campuses supporting 1,003 students and a 97% rate. The school offers extensive extracurriculars, such as theater productions, history clubs, and varsity sports teams, fostering community engagement through arts and athletics programs. Challenges in the districts include overcrowding, particularly at schools in Inwood within the Lawrence district, where recent enrollment surges from asylum-seeking families have increased student numbers by about 25%, straining resources like libraries and spaces. Efforts toward integration focus on diverse student bodies, with the Hewlett-Woodmere district noted for high diversity rankings among New York schools and recent demographic shifts adding Hispanic and Asian students. Jewish yeshivas serve as supplementary educational options for some families, complementing public and private secular schooling.

Higher Education Institutions

The primary higher education institution associated with the Five Towns is , a private institution founded in 1972 by Lorraine Kleinman Cohen and Stanley G. Cohen as a in , with initial plans for a campus in Lawrence, one of the Five Towns in southwestern Nassau County. Despite relocating first to Seaford in 1982 and then to its current 35-acre campus in Dix Hills, County, in 1992—approximately 20 miles east of the Five Towns—the college retains its name to reflect its historical and cultural ties to the region's vibrant music scene, which influenced its founding amid local demand for specialized . Five Towns College offers associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees primarily in music performance, audio recording and production, media arts, business management, and theatre arts, with notable programs in audio production that leverage professional-grade studios like the John Lennon Center for Music and Technology, named in honor of the musician by Yoko Ono. The institution is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) for institutional accreditation, as well as by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) and the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) for specific programs, ensuring recognition of its specialized curricula, with the next MSCHE evaluation in 2026-27. With an enrollment of approximately 600 students as of fall 2024, predominantly undergraduates, the college primarily serves commuter students from the area, including the Five Towns, fostering a close-knit environment focused on practical skills for the entertainment industry. The college's impact on the region is evident through its alumni, many of whom have achieved prominence in entertainment, such as of , , , and of , highlighting its role in preparing local talent for professional careers in music and media. Residents of the Five Towns also have convenient access to nearby universities, including in Hempstead (about 8-10 miles away) and in Garden City (similar distance), which offer broader liberal arts and professional programs. Additionally, adult education opportunities are available through in Garden City, providing and workforce development courses for local professionals.

Economy and Media

Local Economy and Commerce

The Five Towns, an affluent suburban enclave in Nassau County, New York, features a predominantly service-oriented economy driven by professional services in law and finance, retail trade, and healthcare. These sectors dominate local employment, reflecting the area's median household income of $147,625 as of 2023 and its role as a commuter hub for white-collar professionals. Key commercial districts include the vibrant strip malls along Central Avenue in Cedarhurst, which host a mix of upscale boutiques, chain stores, and specialty shops catering to local needs, such as kosher groceries at Gourmet Glatt and Seasons Kosher. The region's rate remained low at 3.1% in 2023, underscoring economic stability amid broader trends. Local businesses primarily consist of small firms and national chains, with limited manufacturing activity; Lawrence stands out as a center for healthcare, hosting numerous medical offices like Five Towns Total Medical PC and Physician Partners Medicine at Lawrence. Approximately 34% of the workforce, including many from the Five Towns, relies on commuting to for employment, often via the . Post-2020 trends have seen a notable increase in adoption, reducing daily commutes and fueling a boom; median home prices in the Five Towns rose from around $900,000 in 2020 to over $1.1 million by 2023, representing more than a 20% increase and highlighting sustained demand for housing in this desirable area.

Publications and Local Media

The Five Towns supports a range of local media outlets focused on community news, with a strong emphasis on serving its Jewish population. The primary publication is the Five Towns Jewish Times, an independent weekly newspaper that delivers coverage of local events, Jewish life, and regional issues to residents of southwestern . Published by Larry Gordon, it features articles on community happenings, editorials, and features tailored to Orthodox Jewish readers, including discussions on and religious observance. Complementing this are general news sources like the Herald Community Newspapers' Five Towns edition, which originated as the Nassau Herald in 1927 and provides broader coverage of , sports, and daily life across the area. Online platforms have grown in prominence, with sites like 5townscentral.com serving as central hubs for hyper-local information, including event listings, ads, and community resources such as minyanim schedules and simcha announcements. Patch.com's Five Towns section also offers digital updates on , , and resident stories, enhancing accessibility for younger audiences. Following the broader industry trend after , Five Towns media outlets have increasingly integrated digital elements, transitioning from primarily print-based distribution to hybrid models with robust websites and newsletters to reach wider audiences amid declining print ad revenue. These publications play a pivotal role in discourse by spotlighting hyper-local stories, such as events and developments, while addressing political matters like zoning disputes and local elections—issues often debated in letters to the editor and feature pieces. This focus underscores their ties to the area's Jewish cultural fabric, promoting unity and informed participation among residents.

Culture and Society

The Five Towns has been depicted in television as both a real and fictional setting, often highlighting its suburban character. In the series Entourage (2004–2011), a recurring plot element involves the fictional show Five Towns, a about five Irish brothers controlling the area's underworld, which contrasts the region's actual affluent image with a gritty, crime-ridden portrayal; the series premiered to 16 million viewers in its storyline. In film, the 1993 independent drama , directed by , is set and was filmed entirely in the Five Towns, following three teenage friends from the area who turn to petty crime and drug dealing amid their privileged upbringing, capturing the boredom and moral ambiguity of suburban youth. has occasionally used the Five Towns as a backdrop to explore Jewish American life and social dynamics. Leslie Tonner's 1980 novel The Five Towns chronicles a family's experiences in the area from the post-World War II era through the late , depicting the evolution of its close-knit, upwardly mobile community. Five Towns College, located in Dix Hills, New York, and named after the area, has produced influential artists including Wyclef Jean, Adam Levine and Jesse Carmichael of Maroon 5, and Chrisette Michele, though its geographical separation from the Five Towns limits direct local ties. Media portrayals frequently stereotype the Five Towns as an affluent, insular Jewish enclave, emphasizing its high median income—over $120,000 per household as of 2010—and strong Orthodox institutions that foster a self-contained suburban lifestyle, sometimes critiqued for exclusivity.

Notable Residents

The Five Towns has been home to numerous notable individuals across various fields, including politicians, business leaders, and cultural figures, many of whom are detailed in the following subsections.

Entertainment

The Five Towns have produced several influential figures in entertainment, particularly in music, film, and . (1947–2021), born and raised in Hewlett Harbor, was a renowned songwriter, composer, and record producer best known for his collaborations with on the Bat Out of Hell trilogy and with on hits like "Total Eclipse of the Heart," which sold over 100 million records worldwide. Steinman, a 1965 graduate of , drew inspiration from his upbringing in crafting dramatic, operatic rock anthems. Peggy Lipton (1946–2019), raised in Lawrence and Woodmere, gained fame as an actress and model, starring as flower-child Julie Barnes in the ABC series (1968–1973), which addressed social issues and earned her Golden Globe nominations. She later appeared in David Lynch's (1990–1991) as Norma Jennings, contributing to its cult status. Lipton, from a Jewish family, began her career modeling in New York before transitioning to television. Leslie West (born Leslie Weinstein, 1945–2020), a Lawrence resident and graduate of Lawrence High , was a pioneering guitarist and co-founder of the band , whose 1970 hit "" blended blues and heavy metal influences. West's powerful riffs and soulful style influenced generations of rock musicians, and he performed until his death, releasing over a dozen solo albums.

Sports

Athletes from the Five Towns have excelled in professional and Olympic-level competitions across multiple disciplines. (1949–1992), who moved to Cedarhurst at age 10 and attended Lawrence High , was a dominant , earning All-Pro honors with the and , including a selection in 1980. Standing 6'3" and weighing 250 pounds, Alzado's aggressive play style made him a two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year before his career was overshadowed by admissions of steroid use. Gene Mayer (born 1956), from Woodmere and a alumnus, rose to world No. 4 in rankings in 1980, winning 14 ATP singles titles and contributing to the U.S. team in 1982. Known for his versatile groundstrokes and endurance, Mayer was an All-American at and later coached professionally. Red Holzman (1920–1998), who lived in Cedarhurst from the 1950s onward, was a legendary NBA coach who led the to two championships (1970, 1973) and was named Coach of the Year in 1970. As a player, he appeared in the ; his tactical innovations, including the , revolutionized team during his 13-year tenure with the Knicks.

Business and Politics

Prominent business leaders and political figures have also emerged from the area, shaping industries and public policy. (born 1958), raised in Lawrence, founded the global footwear and accessories brand Steve Madden, Ltd., in 1990 with a $1,100 investment, growing it into a publicly traded company valued at billions by emphasizing affordable, trendy designs. A Lawrence High School graduate, Madden's entrepreneurial journey included overcoming legal challenges in the 2000s to expand internationally. Rande Gerber (born 1962), who grew up in Woodmere, is a nightlife entrepreneur and co-founder of , sold to for $1 billion in 2017; he previously built the Gerber Group, operating over 30 upscale bars and lounges worldwide. A former model, Gerber's business acumen stems from his family's background in the Five Towns. Harvey Milk (1930–1978), born in Woodmere to a Jewish family, became the first openly gay elected official in California as a supervisor in 1977, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, , and anti-discrimination laws. A Navy veteran and teacher, Milk's assassination in 1978 galvanized the gay rights movement; he was posthumously awarded the in 2009.

References

  1. https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=uc1.%24b630295
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