Is Bellmore Safe, Pros and cons of living in Bellmore
Bellmore, a hamlet located on the south shore of Long Island, New York, offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to New York City. It is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, good schools, and active community life. The area provides a blend of residential neighborhoods and local amenities, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between a peaceful environment and urban proximity.
The hamlet’s location provides residents with access to recreational opportunities, including nearby beaches and parks. Bellmore also boasts a vibrant downtown area with a variety of shops, restaurants, and services. Community events and a strong sense of local pride contribute to Bellmore’s appeal as a place to live and raise a family.
Is it Safe to Live in Bellmore?
Bellmore is generally considered a very safe community with crime rates significantly below the national average. The overall crime rate is 51% below the national average, and violent crime is 27% lower than the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crime is also lower than the national average, with a 24% lower chance of becoming a victim per year (as reported by DoorProfit).
The crime rate in Bellmore is 18.59 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (as reported by AreaVibes). NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI crime data indicates that Bellmore has a crime rate that is lower than approximately 25% of New York communities. When compared to similarly sized cities across America, Bellmore is considered safer than most (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Violent Crime Statistics
The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Bellmore is 1 in 360 per year (as reported by DoorProfit). This rate is lower than the national average, contributing to the community’s overall sense of security. Violent crimes tracked include murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault.
Murder rates in Bellmore are 55% below the national average (as reported by DoorProfit). While rape incidents are 16% above the average, the overall low rates for other violent crimes contribute to Bellmore’s reputation as a safe place to live.
Property Crime Trends
Property crime in Bellmore is also low, with a 1 in 71 chance of being a victim per year (as reported by DoorProfit). Property crimes include burglary, larceny, grand theft auto, and arson. The overall property crime rate is about average for all cities and towns in America of all population sizes (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).
Bellmore’s crime map analysis shows that neighborhoods like Bellmore and North Bellmore receive top safety grades, indicating minimal criminal activity. This suggests a secure environment for residents and visitors alike (as reported by DoorProfit).
Cost of Living in Bellmore
The cost of living in Bellmore, NY, is notably higher than the national average. Overall living costs are 72% higher than the U.S. national average and 167% higher than New York’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This increase reflects a 2% rise from the previous year.
Housing costs are a significant driver of Bellmore’s high cost of living, being 25.4% higher than the national average for a single person and 27.4% for renters (as reported by Salary.com, Point2Homes). The median housing cost is $2,907 per month, with median gross rent at $2,160 per month (as reported by Point2Homes).
Housing Expenses
The median home price in Bellmore was $743,000 in March 2026, showing a 2.0% decrease compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). However, home values have seen an increase of 4.5% over the past year, with the average home value reaching $816,239 as of March 31, 2026 (as reported by Zillow). The median listing price is $837,000 (as reported by Realtor.com®).
Rental prices in Bellmore are also above the national median. The median rent for an apartment is $2,800, which is significantly higher than the national median rent of $1,469 (as reported by HotPads). Other sources indicate a median rent of $3,100, which is 55% higher than the national average (as reported by Zillow).
Income and Expenses
The average annual household income in Bellmore was $187,775 in 2024, marking a 4.2% decrease from the previous year, while the median income stood at $161,674, showing a 1.6% increase (as reported by Point2Homes). Per capita income is approximately $63,892 (as reported by Census Reporter).
For a single person, total monthly expenses in Bellmore are estimated at $2,493, and for a family of four, they are $5,196 (as reported by Salary.com). These figures highlight the substantial financial commitment required to live in Bellmore.
Job Market and Major Employers
Bellmore’s job market is supported by approximately 8,569 working residents. The majority of the working population, 89.2%, is employed in professional or administrative positions, while 10.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs (as reported by Point2Homes).
The most common employment sectors for Bellmore residents include Educational Services, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). Major employers in the broader Bellmore area include Northwell Health, BDO USA, and First National Bank of Long Island (as reported by Zippia).
Employment Landscape
Employment in Bellmore grew at a rate of 1.66% from 2023 to 2024 (as reported by Data USA). The unemployment rate in Bellmore stands at 4.1% (as reported by Point2Homes), which is lower than the national average of 5.2% (as reported by Census Reporter).
The average annual salary in Bellmore is approximately $48,190, with most salaries ranging between $35,140 and $59,157 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). However, other sources indicate a higher average base salary of $41,000 (as reported by 6figr.com), with salaries ranging from $30,000 to $67,000 annually.
Key Industries and Occupations
The primary job groups for Bellmore residents are Education Instruction & Library Occupations, Management Occupations, and Office & Administrative Support Occupations (as reported by Data USA). Top-paying jobs in the area include Dermatology, Northwell Nurse Practitioner, and Art Director (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
For those in the education sector, the average yearly pay for a School Teacher at North Bellmore School District is approximately $173,074, which is 200% above the national average (as reported by Indeed.com). This indicates strong compensation for certain professional roles within the community.
Climate in Bellmore
Bellmore experiences a climate characterized by warm, humid summers and very cold, snowy, and windy winters. The weather is partly cloudy throughout the year (as reported by Weather Spark). Temperatures typically range from 26°F to 82°F, rarely dropping below 13°F or exceeding 90°F (as reported by Weather Spark).
The warm season lasts from early June to mid-September, with daily high temperatures often exceeding 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 69°F. Conversely, the cold season extends from early December to mid-March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F.
Temperature and Precipitation
The coldest month in Bellmore is January, with average temperatures ranging from 27°F to 39°F (as reported by Weather Spark). The average annual rainfall in Bellmore is approximately 43 inches, and the average annual snowfall is around 16 inches (as reported by Livability.com).
Cloud cover in Bellmore shows seasonal variation. The clearest part of the year is from late June to mid-November, with September being the clearest month. The cloudier period occurs from mid-November to late June, with January being the cloudiest month (as reported by Weather Spark).
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summers in Bellmore are typically warm and humid, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and beach visits. Winters are cold and can bring significant snowfall, impacting daily routines and requiring preparation for winter conditions.
The transition seasons of spring and autumn offer milder temperatures. The area experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, with rainfall being more common in the warmer months and snowfall in the winter.
Schools and Education
Bellmore is served by several highly-rated public school districts, contributing to its reputation as a family-friendly community. The North Bellmore Union Free School District, serving grades K-6, has a student-teacher ratio of 14 to 1 and receives an overall Niche grade of A- (as reported by Niche). Within this district, John G. Dinkelmeyer School and Saw Mill Road School both hold a 5 out of 5 rating on Niche.
For secondary education, students in Bellmore are part of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. High schools such as Sanford H. Calhoun High School and Wellington C. Mepham High School are highly regarded, with Niche ratings of 4.04 and 4.03 out of 5, respectively (as reported by Niche). These schools are recognized for their academic performance and quality of teaching.
District Performance
The Bellmore Union Free School District demonstrates strong academic performance, with 81% of students proficient in math and 64% proficient in reading (as reported by Niche). The North Bellmore Union Free School District also shows solid results, with 66% of students proficient in math and 51% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Niche rankings place Bellmore among the top places with the best public schools in New York, ranking it #94 out of 586 (as reported by Niche). This high ranking reflects the consistent quality of education provided across the district’s schools.
Educational Opportunities
Bellmore offers a range of educational opportunities for its young residents, from elementary through high school. The commitment to education is evident in the district’s performance metrics and the positive reviews from parents and students.
The student-teacher ratios in Bellmore schools are generally favorable, indicating smaller class sizes and more individualized attention for students. This supportive learning environment contributes to the academic success of Bellmore’s student population.
Demographics of Bellmore
Bellmore is home to approximately 15,954 residents, with a population density of 6,762.2 people per square mile (as reported by Census Reporter). The median age in Bellmore is 42.3 years (as reported by Census Reporter), with a nearly even split between males and females, at 48.2% and 51.8% respectively (as reported by Point2Homes).
The racial composition of Bellmore is predominantly White, making up 86.14% of the population. Other racial groups include Asian (3.28%), Black or African American (1.72%), and those identifying with two or more races (7.82%) (as reported by Census Reporter). Hispanic or Latino individuals constitute 8.12% of the population (as reported by Data USA).
Population Characteristics
The population of Bellmore has seen a slight decrease, with a 2.3% decrease since the most recent census in 2020 (as reported by Census Reporter). Of the residents, 98.9% are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (as reported by Data USA).
Households in Bellmore average 3 members, with 81.4% of households being families (as reported by Point2Homes). The median age of 42.3 years suggests a mature population, with 17.1% under 15 and 15.2% over 65 (as reported by Point2Homes).
Diversity and Inclusivity
While the majority of Bellmore’s population is White, there is a growing diversity with significant percentages of Asian and Hispanic residents. The community also includes smaller percentages of Black or African American and multiracial populations (as reported by Census Reporter).
The demographic makeup of Bellmore reflects a stable, established community with a strong presence of families. The median age indicates a population that is largely in its prime working years, contributing to the local economy and community life.
Pros and Cons of Living in Bellmore
Bellmore offers a desirable suburban lifestyle with numerous advantages, including a very low crime rate and highly-rated schools. Its proximity to New York City provides convenient access to urban amenities and employment opportunities, while its own vibrant downtown offers local charm and services.
However, the cost of living, particularly housing, is significantly higher than the national average. This can be a considerable barrier for some individuals and families looking to relocate or establish themselves in the area.
Advantages of Bellmore
The safety of Bellmore is a major draw, with crime rates well below national averages (as reported by DoorProfit, NeighborhoodScout). The excellent public school system, consistently ranked among the best in New York, provides a strong educational foundation for children (as reported by Niche).
Additionally, Bellmore boasts a strong sense of community, with active local engagement and numerous family-friendly events. The hamlet’s beautiful natural surroundings, including proximity to beaches, add to its appeal.
Disadvantages of Bellmore
The primary disadvantage of living in Bellmore is its high cost of living, especially the expense of housing. The median home price is considerably higher than the national average (as reported by Redfin, Zillow), and rental costs are also elevated (as reported by HotPads, Zillow).
While the average salary is substantial, it may not fully offset the high cost of living for everyone. This economic factor can make Bellmore less accessible for individuals or families on a tighter budget.