Is Roslyn Safe, Pros and cons of living in Roslyn

Roslyn, a charming village located in Nassau County, New York, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to urban amenities. Nestled on the North Shore of Long Island, it provides a picturesque setting with its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the waters of Hempstead Harbor and Mill River. This community appeals to those seeking a refined lifestyle with a strong sense of local identity.

The village boasts a rich history and a well-established community, making it an attractive place to settle. Its location provides a balance between a peaceful residential environment and the dynamic opportunities found in nearby New York City. Roslyn’s appeal lies in its blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and a high quality of life, drawing residents who appreciate its distinctive character.

Is it Safe to Live in Roslyn?

Roslyn presents a generally safe environment for its residents, with crime rates that are often lower than national averages. The overall crime rate in Roslyn is approximately 21.42 per 1,000 residents in a typical year (according to CrimeGrade.org). Residents often consider the southwest part of the village to be the safest area. Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can vary by neighborhood, with chances ranging from 1 in 37 in the northeast to 1 in 63 in the southwest (according to CrimeGrade.org).

The violent crime rate in Roslyn is reported at 2.457 per 1,000 residents annually (according to CrimeGrade.org). This rate is considered slightly lower than the average for U.S. cities, with Roslyn ranking in the 62nd percentile for safety. This means it is safer than 62% of cities nationwide, though less safe than 38%. The projected total cost of crime in Roslyn for 2025 is estimated at $1,626,599, which translates to about $301 per resident (according to CrimeGrade.org).

Cost of Living and Housing

Roslyn is known for its high cost of living, significantly exceeding both national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Roslyn is approximately 58% higher than the national average (according to ERI Economic Research Institute). Housing costs, in particular, are a major driver of this expense, being substantially higher than the national average. Transportation, food, and healthcare costs also contribute to the elevated cost of living in the area.

The housing market in Roslyn reflects its affluent status, with high median home prices and rents. As of March 2026, the median home price in Roslyn was $325,000, though this figure experienced a significant decrease of 54.5% compared to the previous year (according to Redfin). However, the median sale price per square foot has seen an increase of 14.4% year-over-year. Rental prices are also substantial, with the average rent for an apartment in Roslyn being $2,802 per month as of May 2026, which is 71% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com).

Median Home Prices

The median home price in Roslyn shows considerable variation depending on the source and specific timeframe. As of March 2026, Redfin reported a median sale price of $325,000, noting a significant year-over-year decrease. However, other sources indicate higher figures, with Zillow stating the average home value in Roslyn was $1,660,036 as of March 31, 2026, an 8.2% increase over the past year (according to Zillow). Realtor.com indicates a median listing home price of $1,424,500 for homes in Roslyn, NY (according to Realtor.com).

Prop:Metrics reported the median home price in Roslyn, NY as $1,603,000 as of December 2025, with a year-over-year change of 4.5% indicating an increase (according to Prop:Metrics). These differing figures highlight the dynamic nature of the real estate market and the importance of consulting multiple sources for the most current data. The high property values underscore Roslyn’s desirability and its status as an affluent community.

Average Rent

Renting in Roslyn is also a significant financial commitment, with average rents considerably higher than the national average. As of May 2026, the average rent in Roslyn, NY, is $2,802 per month, which is 71% higher than the national average (according to Apartments.com). This figure places Roslyn among the more expensive cities in the U.S. for rental accommodations.

Apartment rental costs vary by size, with studios averaging around $3,158 per month, one-bedroom apartments at $2,802, and two-bedroom apartments at approximately $4,063 (according to Apartments.com). For those seeking larger spaces, three-bedroom rentals can cost $3,997 or more per month. In the past year, rent in Roslyn has increased by 7.5%, adding an average of $211 more per month (according to Apartments.com).

Job Market and Economy

The economy of Roslyn, NY, is characterized by a strong presence in professional, technical, and educational services. The area employs approximately 1.37k people, with the largest industries being Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, Educational Services, and Health Care & Social Assistance (according to Data USA). These sectors indicate a workforce engaged in specialized and knowledge-based professions.

Employment in Roslyn has seen modest growth, with a 0.367% increase from 2023 to 2024. The highest paying industries in the area include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, with an average salary of $120,345 (according to Data USA). The job groups with the most residents include Health Diagnosing & Treating Practitioners & Other Technical Occupations, Sales & Related Occupations, and Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, & Media Occupations.

Major Employers

While specific lists of major employers can vary, key sectors indicate where employment opportunities are concentrated. The professional, scientific, and technical services sector is a significant employer, suggesting the presence of consulting firms, research and development companies, and other specialized businesses. Educational services also play a vital role, likely encompassing school districts and related institutions.

Additionally, the healthcare and social assistance sector is a notable employer, pointing to the presence of hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. Companies such as Sino Global Shipping America, headquartered in Roslyn, and prominent dealerships like Rallye Motors, are also part of the local economic landscape (according to Zippia). The United States Postal Service, Starbucks, CVS Health, and Bank of America are also listed as companies with a presence in the Roslyn area (according to Indeed.com).

Average Salary and Unemployment

The average salary in Roslyn, New York, is reported to be around $79,527 per year, or $38 per hour, according to ERI SalaryExpert. This figure is notably higher than the national average, reflecting the area’s cost of living and the nature of its employment sectors. Other sources provide different median wage figures, with ZipRecruiter indicating a median wage of $52.4K per year as of May 2026.

Data USA reports that the highest paying industries in Roslyn include Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services, with an average salary of $120,345. The unemployment rate for Roslyn is not readily available as a specific figure in the provided search results, but the general economic indicators suggest a stable job market driven by specialized industries.

Climate and Weather

Roslyn experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by distinct seasons with significant temperature variations. Summers are warm and humid, while winters are cool, wet, and can be snowy. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with slight peaks in spring and fall.

The average annual precipitation in Roslyn is around 1199 mm (47 inches) per year (according to BestPlaces). Daytime temperatures in July typically range from a comfortable 30°C (86°F) to a cooler 5°C (41°F) in February. Nighttime temperatures can drop to around 20°C (68°F) in July and as low as -4°C (25°F) in February. The warmest month is July, with average highs of 82°F and lows of 69°F, while January sees average lows of 27°F and highs of 39°F (according to myPerfectWeather).

Average Temperatures

Throughout the year, temperatures in Roslyn typically range from 26°F to 86°F, rarely falling below 13°F or exceeding 90°F (according to myPerfectWeather). The warm season, from June to September, generally sees daily high temperatures above 74°F. The hottest month is July, with average highs of 82°F and lows of 69°F.

Conversely, the cold season, from December to March, typically has average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 27°F and highs of 39°F. Temperature variations between day and night are generally limited, with a difference of about 17 degrees Fahrenheit in summer and 13 degrees Fahrenheit in winter (according to IDcide).

Rainfall and Precipitation

Roslyn receives a significant amount of precipitation annually, averaging around 48 inches, which includes rain and the liquid equivalent of snow (according to myPerfectWeather). The distribution of rainfall varies moderately throughout the year. June is typically the wettest month, with approximately 125 mm (4.9 inches) of rainfall.

The drier season lasts for about 3.6 months, from December to April. January tends to be the month with the fewest wet days, averaging around 7.3 days with at least 0.04 inches of precipitation. Humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months, contributing to a pleasant environment (according to myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

Roslyn is served by the highly-regarded Roslyn Union Free School District, which consistently ranks among the top districts in New York State. The district is recognized for its excellent teachers and overall academic performance. It has received an A+ overall Niche grade and is ranked #2 for Best School Districts in New York (according to Niche).

The district serves approximately 3,329 students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. State test scores indicate high levels of proficiency, with 87% of students proficient in math and 77% in reading. Many students from this district go on to attend prestigious universities, with NYU, Binghamton University, and Boston University being among the most popular choices (according to Niche).

Roslyn High School

Roslyn High School, serving students in grades 9-12, is a top-rated public institution. It is recognized for its strong academic programs and college preparatory offerings. The school has an A+ rating on Niche and a 9/10 GreatSchools Rating, placing it among the best public high schools in New York (according to Homes.com).

With an enrollment of 1,066 students, Roslyn High School boasts a student-teacher ratio of 11:1. State test scores show high proficiency rates, with 89% of students proficient in math and 94% in reading. The school also demonstrates a high graduation rate of 97%, placing it in the top 5% in New York (according to Public School Review).

Roslyn Middle School

Roslyn Middle School, catering to students in grades 6-8, is also a highly-rated public school within the district. It has earned an A+ rating on Niche and is recognized for its exceptional academic environment. The school is noted for its strong performance in state test scores, with 93% of students proficient in math and 76% in reading.

Serving 792 students, Roslyn Middle School maintains a student-teacher ratio of 12 to 1. It is ranked among the top public middle schools in New York, specifically noted for its teachers and academic programs. The school’s dedication to student success is reflected in its consistent high rankings and positive reviews.

Demographics

Roslyn is a village with a diverse population, characterized by a significant White and Asian demographic, along with a notable Hispanic or Latino presence. As of the 2020 census, the population was 2,988. Projections for 2026 estimate the population to be around 3,029, indicating a slight annual growth rate of about 0.9% to 1.02% (according to World Population Review and Census Reporter).

The racial composition of Roslyn includes approximately 65.7% White, 18.5% Asian, and 12% Hispanic or Latino residents (according to Census Reporter). Other racial groups are represented in smaller percentages. The foreign-born population constitutes about 31.7% of residents as of 2024, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).

Population and Age Distribution

The median age in Roslyn is notably high, around 64.3 years, with slightly lower medians for males (56.1 years) and higher for females (65.5 years) (according to World Population Review). This demographic profile suggests a community with a significant proportion of older adults.

The age distribution shows approximately 16% of the population under 15, 10.6% between 15 and 24, 18.6% between 25 and 44, 29.6% between 45 and 64, and about 25.3% aged 65 or older (according to Point2Homes). For every 100 females, there are approximately 88.0 males in Roslyn (according to World Population Review).

Income and Poverty Levels

Roslyn boasts a high median household income, reflecting its affluent character. The median household income is reported as $116,386 (according to World Population Review and Census Reporter). This income level is significantly higher than both the national and New York state averages.

Despite the high median income, a small percentage of families live below the poverty line. The poverty rate in Roslyn is reported at 7.96% (according to World Population Review). The largest demographic living below the poverty line includes females aged 75 and older, followed by females aged 65-74.

Pros and Cons of Living in Roslyn

Roslyn offers a desirable living environment with several advantages, including a strong educational system and a generally safe community. The highly-rated Roslyn Union Free School District provides excellent educational opportunities for children, consistently ranking among the best in the state (according to Niche). The village also benefits from a low crime rate, making it an appealing choice for families and individuals prioritizing safety.

However, the high cost of living and housing presents a significant drawback for many potential residents. Roslyn is considerably more expensive than the national average, particularly in terms of housing expenses, which can be a substantial barrier. While the job market is robust in certain professional sectors, the overall cost of maintaining a lifestyle in Roslyn requires a high income level.