Is Westbury Safe, Pros and cons of living in Westbury

Westbury, a village located in Nassau County, New York, offers a blend of suburban tranquility and convenient access to the bustling New York City. This community provides a unique lifestyle for its residents, balancing a quieter pace of life with the opportunities of a major metropolitan area.

The village is known for its diverse population and a housing market that presents various options for potential homeowners and renters. Understanding the key aspects of Westbury, from its safety and cost of living to its employment landscape and educational opportunities, is crucial for anyone considering a move to this Long Island community.

Is it Safe to Live in Westbury?

When considering Westbury, understanding its safety profile is paramount. Overall crime rates in Westbury are reported to be lower than the national average. Specifically, violent crimes are 50% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Westbury is considered safer than 55% of cities across the United States (as reported by AreaVibes).

However, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. Some reports indicate that the violent crime rate in Westbury is 3.878 per 1,000 residents annually, which is considered slightly higher than the average US city (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). While Westbury is not among the safest communities in America, its crime rate is higher than only 91% of New York’s cities and towns (as reported by NeighborhoodScout). Property crime rates are noted as 17 per one thousand population (as reported by NeighborhoodScout).

Cost of Living in Westbury

Westbury’s cost of living is significantly higher than both the national and state averages. The overall cost of living in Westbury is approximately 72% higher than the U.S. national average and 167% higher than New York’s state average (as reported by Salary.com). This increase is largely driven by elevated housing costs, transportation expenses, and rising food prices.

The median home price in Westbury reflects this higher cost of living. As of March 2026, the median sale price of a home in Westbury was $815,000, showing a 23.2% increase compared to the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Renting an apartment also comes with a considerable expense. The average rent in Westbury is around $3,976 per month, which is 142% higher than the national average (as reported by Apartments.com).

Housing Market Trends

The Westbury housing market is characterized by strong buyer demand, making it a seller’s market as of March 2026 (as reported by realtor.com®). Homes in Westbury receive an average of 1 offer and sell relatively quickly, with a median of 26 days on the market (as reported by Redfin). The median sale price per square foot is $486, reflecting an increase of 2.9% from the previous year (as reported by Redfin).

For those considering purchasing a home, the median listing price in Westbury is approximately $799,000 (as reported by Redfin). This indicates a competitive market where properties are in demand. The sale-to-list price ratio is 101.7%, and 60.0% of homes sell above their list price, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the market (as reported by Redfin).

Rental Market Insights

For renters, Westbury presents a market with higher-than-average rental costs. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $3,976 per month (as reported by Apartments.com). For a two-bedroom apartment, the average cost rises to around $5,021 per month, and three-bedroom rentals can exceed $6,373 per month (as reported by Apartments.com).

The median rent across all bedroom counts and property types in Westbury is around $2,900, which is 49% higher than the national average (as reported by Zumper). This suggests that securing affordable rental housing in Westbury requires a significant portion of one’s income. Rent prices have seen an increase, with a 10% rise in the average rent for an apartment compared to the previous year (as reported by Zumper).

Job Market and Economy

Westbury’s economy is supported by a variety of employers, contributing to its overall economic landscape. While specific major employers are not detailed in the provided search results, general companies like Walmart, Costco Wholesale, Target, and Amazon have a presence in the broader Westbury area, indicating retail and logistics as significant sectors (as reported by Indeed.com). New York Community Bank and Rallye BMW are also listed as significant companies in the region (as reported by Zippia, Lensa).

The average salary in Westbury, NY, is approximately $78,443 per year, with an hourly wage of about $38 (as reported by ZipRecruiter). This average salary is higher than the national average, but it must be considered in conjunction with the high cost of living in the area. The median household income in Westbury was reported as $145,185 in 2024 (as reported by the US Census Bureau’s American Community Survey).

Unemployment and Employment

The unemployment rate in Westbury is a key economic indicator for the area. As of March 2026, the unemployment rate in Westbury village was 3.2% (as reported by townfolio.co). This rate is relatively low, suggesting a healthy job market with ample opportunities for residents.

Nationally, the civilian unemployment rate was 4.3% in April 2026 (as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The low unemployment rate in Westbury, compared to the national average, indicates a strong local economy. The labor force participation rate in Westbury is 52.72%, with 94.85% of those in the labor force being employed (as reported by townfolio.co).

Climate in Westbury

Westbury experiences a climate with distinct seasons, typical of the northeastern United States. The summers are generally warm, humid, and wet, while the winters are characterized by cold temperatures, snow, and wind. The weather throughout the year is mostly partly cloudy (as reported by BestPlaces). The temperature typically ranges from 26°F to 82°F and rarely drops below 13°F or exceeds 90°F (as reported by BestPlaces).

The warmest period of the year lasts from June to September, with average daily high temperatures above 74°F. July is the hottest month, with average highs around 82°F and lows of 69°F (as reported by BestPlaces). Conversely, the cold season extends from December to March, with average daily high temperatures below 47°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows of 27°F and highs of 39°F (as reported by BestPlaces).

Rainfall and Sunshine

Westbury receives a notable amount of precipitation throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of approximately 46 inches (as reported by Livability.com). The wettest month is typically April, with an average of 3.8 inches of rain (as reported by BestPlaces). December is also a wet month, with an average of 124 mm of precipitation (as reported by Westbury (NY) Weather & Climate).

The amount of sunshine varies seasonally. The clearest part of the year generally runs from late June to mid-November. September is the clearest month, with the sky being clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 63% of the time (as reported by BestPlaces). Conversely, the cloudier period begins around mid-November and lasts until late June, with January being the cloudiest month, often experiencing overcast or mostly cloudy skies 52% of the time (as reported by BestPlaces).

Education and Demographics

Westbury’s educational system is a significant factor for families considering a move to the area. The Westbury Union Free School District serves the community, and Westbury High School has received an overall Niche grade of B (as reported by Niche). Westbury High School ranks #553 out of 1,269 for Best Public High Schools in New York (as reported by Niche).

The Westbury Union Free School District itself holds a B grade overall (as reported by Niche). Within Nassau County, the district ranks 39th out of 43 for Best School Districts (as reported by Niche). Westbury Middle School has an overall grade of C+ (as reported by Niche).

Population and Diversity

Westbury is a diverse community with a projected population of around 16,000 residents for 2026 (as reported by Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). The racial composition of Westbury includes a significant Hispanic population at 34.4%, followed by White residents at 34.2%, and Black or African American residents at 16.2% (as reported by Census Bureau’s American Community Survey). Westbury has become slightly more racially diverse since the 2020 Census (as reported by Census Dots).

The median age in Westbury is 44.5 years, indicating a population that skews towards older adults (as reported by Census Bureau). The median household income was $145,185 in 2024 (as reported by Census Dots), with a poverty rate of 1.6% (as reported by Census Dots). Approximately 90.4% of Westbury residents are U.S. citizens (as reported by Census Reporter).

Pros and Cons of Living in Westbury

Living in Westbury offers a mix of advantages and disadvantages that potential residents should consider. The community provides a suburban environment with relatively convenient access to New York City, which can be a significant draw for those seeking both tranquility and urban opportunities. The diverse population and established school district are also notable positives for families and individuals.

However, the high cost of living, particularly in housing and rent, presents a substantial challenge. While crime rates are generally lower than the national average, some areas may experience higher instances of crime than others, requiring careful consideration of specific neighborhoods. The climate, with its cold winters and warm, humid summers, may also be a factor for those sensitive to weather variations.