SperlingViews - Holbrook, New_york

A good thing about Holbrook is that I do feel safe. I have never had anything stolen, and have never felt as if my own or my son's safety were threatened. The worst part about Holbrook is the cost of living. I lived in Houston, TX before here and for almost the exact same apartment, I am paying double what I was paying in rent down there. As a single mother it is a real struggle to get by day to day. Groceries are higher, gas is higher, everything here is more expensive. Even to go to the park there is a fee, $8 for the local state parks for a day pass, $6 for the county parks during the summer only in most cases. People are quiet, keep to them selves mostly, it is hard to make friends here. If you ever want to get off the island you either have to go through NYC and fight the traffic and pay $15 in tolls each way, or spend $50 each way for a ferry ride across the sound. So you kind of get trapped here on the island and can't get off. Most beaches I have gone to usually have a lot of trash, but if you find one with no trash it is really nice, white sandy beaches, but the water on the south shore is brown. But if you go up to the North Shore then those beaches and water is a lot nicer. There is quite a bit of traffic, and agressive driving, and for me, there isn't a whole lot to do for fun. But if you are a person who enjoys shopping then you may love it here. There are lots nice mountain bike trails if you are into that. Kayaking is popular, as well as sailing. It is a great place to live if money isn't a problem. [read more...]

Great area but very expensive[read more...]

I have been living in holbrook over 12 years. There are many families and great people. There is a lack of community involvement and most people keep to themselves. Holbrook is part of the Sachem school district that consists of 5 towns and extremely big. Elementary school (based on my own experience) are not very family friendly and teachers there seem more concerned with teaching for standardized tests. Middle school and high school are a much better experience for the student though again not enough community involvement and activities to keep the community connected. Cost of living is extremely high. Utilities are up the roof and housing cost is insane. Climate is pretty good. Winters are not that harsh there may be a rare big blizzards and summers are pretty cool with occasional heat waves.[read more...]