Long Island Basics
By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com Guide to Long Island, NY
Do you have a question about life on Long Island? You can find the answer here. Whether you need to know about Long Island real estate, local schools and colleges, hospitals, government and laws or any other basic information about the island, make this your first stop.
- Owning or Renting a Home
- Schools / Colleges / Libraries
- Working and Doing Business on Long Island
- Shopping and Services
- Local Transportation / Traffic / Weather / Media
- Local, County and New York State Government Resources and Laws
- Family / Lifestyles / Interests
- Health Care
- Long Island Facts / Figures
Owning or Renting a Home
Whether you are planning to buy a house on Long Island, already own one or want to rent an apartment, here's information you can use.
- Buying a House on Long Island
- Renovating Your Home
- How to Hire a General Contractor on Long Island
- Heating Assistance
- What is STAR (School Tax Relief Program)?
Schools / Colleges / Libraries
Find Web Sites of local school districts, read profiles of Long Island colleges, learn what programs Long Island's public libraries offer.
- Nassau County Public Schools
- Suffolk County Public Schools
- School Safety
- Free Tutoring for Long Island Students
Working and Doing Business on Long Island
Are you looking for a job on Long Island or thinking about starting a business here? These resources can help you with both these endeavors.
- Occupations Licensed or Certified by New York State
- Long Island Employment Resources
- Long Island Business Resources
Shopping and Services
Everyone loves to shop, right? Find out where to shop on Long Island. Discover how to get discounts and deals. Need a gift? Find gifts that are unique to Long Island. Get help planning your Long Island wedding.
- Discounts and Deals
- Wedding Venues
- Experience Gifts
- Gifts for Fans of NY Sports Teams
- Kids' Birthday Parties
Local Transportation / Traffic / Weather / Media
Traveling around Long Island can be ... um ... interesting. Find out where to get up-to-the minute traffic reports and local maps and directions. Learn about public transportation and get information on local airports. See local weather reports.
- Long Island Weather and School Closing Information
- How to Spend Less on Gas
- How to Get Road Condition Information for New York State Roads
Local, County and New York State Government Resources and Laws
With two counties, thirteen towns, two cities and a multitude of incorporated villages, things can get confusing here on Long Island. Use the resources here to help you navigate through the bureaucratic maze and learn about New York State laws that affect Long Islanders.
- Comparing Prescription Drug Prices in NYS
- Heating Assistance
- How to Register to Vote
- How to Vote by Absentee Ballot
- Long Island Elected Officials
- Getting a U.S. Passport on Long Island
- Getting a Marriage License in New York State
- Got a Complaint? Who to Call on Long Island
- How to Obtain a New York State Driver's License
- How to Register Your Vehicle in NYS
- Teen Drivers: New York State's New Driver Program
- Nassau County Social Host Law
- Getting a Copy of Your Birth Certificate if You Were Born in NYS (except NYC)
- Getting a Copy of Your Birth Certificate if You Were Born in NYC
- NYS Child Car Seat Law
- NYS Megan's Law
Family / Lifestyles / Interests
Resources for families and others with special interests. You will find information on child care, camps, charities, social and fraternal organizations, houses of worship, and resources for pet owners.
- Long Island Food Banks
- Donating Clothing on Long Island
- The American Legion on Long Island
- Summer Camps
Health Care
Here is a guide to Long Island health facilities as well as health-related information for Long Islanders.
- Smoking Cessation Resources
- Child Health Plus (NYS Health Insurance Program)
- Family Health Plus (NYS Health Insurance Program)
Long Island Facts / Figures
Learn about Long Island's history, get demographic information and learn about famous people who currently or once called Long Island home.
