The hamlet of Manhasset is located in the Town of North Hempstead. The Manhasset name was adopted in 1840 and comes from the native word "Manhansett", meaning "island neighborhood." The unincorporated areas of Manhasset Proper include the communities of North and South Strathmore, Strathmore Village, Strathmore Vanderbilt, Shorehaven, Terrace Manor and Norgate. Furthermore, residents with a Manhasset address also include three incorporated villages - Munsey Park, Plandome and Plandome Heights—and parts of three others—Flower Hill, Plandome Manor and North Hills. . The Manhasset School District covers not only the unincorporated areas, but several incorporated villages including Plandome, Plandome Manor, Munsey Park and part of Flower Hill.
Architectural styles vary but the mainstays are single family Georgian brick colonials, large expanded ranches, cottages and split level homes; even a few clay tile Mediterranean style stucco mansions. Residents appreciate the close proximity to major roadways and the approximate 20 mile trip into Manhattan. The commute is a short 25 minute drive or 30 minutes from the LIRR stop in Manhasset.
Very high profile, Americana Manhasset, is located along ‘Miracle Mile’ Northern Blvd in Manhasset. Interestingly, while this multitude of upscale luxury boutiques is known to cater to the wealthy in and around the Gold Coast, Manhasset has historically been home to many well-known stores long before Americana was built. Some more notable stores include B. Altmans, Abraham & Strauss and Bonwit Teller. There is no shortage of shopping options. Plandome Road, a main roadway in Manhasset, offers a wide array of shops, restaurants and boutiques.