What Does It Take to Live Comfortably on Long Island?
A new Smart Asset report highlights just how expensive it has become to live comfortably in New York—and the numbers are even higher on Long Island. According to the report, a single adult needs an annual income of nearly $129,000 in Nassau County, while a family of four needs more than $323,000 a year. In neighboring Suffolk County, those figures climb to more than $131,000 for a single adult and nearly $329,000 for a family of four. Smart Asset describes “comfortable” as earning more than what is necessary to simply get by, rather than being wealthy.
The high numbers reflect expenses Long Islanders know all too well, including housing, property and income taxes, utilities, transportation, childcare, and groceries. Long Island Association Interim CEO Stacey Sikes told News 12 that there is no single solution to the region’s affordability challenges and that both the public and private sectors will need to play a role.
For residents trying to navigate these rising costs, the report serves as another reminder of the importance of strengthening household finances where possible. SmartAsset recommends maintaining an emergency fund, saving for retirement, and seeking professional financial guidance when needed. For many Nassau County families, however, the findings put numbers behind something they already feel every day: living comfortably on Long Island is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive.
New York Bill Seeks New Standards for Pet Boarding Facilities
New York lawmakers are considering the Safe Pet Boarding Act, legislation that would establish statewide regulations for pet boarding facilities and doggy day cares. Under the proposal, businesses would be required to obtain a state license, undergo inspections, provide mandatory employee training, and follow established safety guidelines. The bill has bipartisan support, including co-sponsors State Sens. Monica Martinez and Anthony Palumbo, but it remains before the state Agriculture Committee and its path forward is uncertain.
The push for stronger oversight follows a troubling incident at an upstate boarding facility where 21 dogs died last summer. Animal advocates argue that New York has fallen behind other states when it comes to regulating the pet-care industry; the Animal Legal Defense Fund currently ranks the state 29th nationally for animal protection laws. If approved, the legislation would create more consistent standards for facilities entrusted with caring for New Yorkers’ pets.
Upcoming Community and Family Events
Summer Game Night For Adults- 8/31 6pm- 9pm Put down the screens and enjoy some old-fashioned competition at Summer Game Night for Adults on August 31 from 6:00–9:00 p.m. Adults ages 18 and up are invited to drop in for an evening of strategy, cards, and social fun featuring Canasta, Bridge, Backgammon, Scrabble, Mahjongg, Uno, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon TCG, and more. Standard playing cards and classic games will be provided, while guests are encouraged to bring their own Mahjongg tiles, specialized cards, or trading card decks. Best of all, no registration is required, just stop by, grab a seat, meet some fellow game lovers, and get ready to play! For more information click here
Arts & Crafts All Ages- 9/01 11am- 1pm Let your child’s imagination take the lead at Arts & Crafts for All Ages! This fun library program invites kids and families to spend some creative time together while making their own colorful works of art. It’s a great opportunity for children to explore their creativity, work with their hands, and enjoy a relaxed activity before the summer comes to an end. Whether your little artist loves drawing, decorating, cutting, gluing, or simply trying something new, come ready to create and have some fun at the library! For more information click here
Play & Eat at Dave & Buster's- 9/1 11am- 12:00am Turn dinner into a full day or night of fun with the Play & Eat Combo at Dave & Buster's - Arcade! Purchase any Power Card® and you can add an entrée for just $4.99, then head to the arcade to take on new games, classic favorites, and plenty of friendly competition. The special runs daily through September 30, making it an affordable option for family outings, date nights, or a fun get-together with friends. Available at participating Long Island locations, including Westbury and Islandia, this deal makes it a little easier to enjoy food and games without putting as much pressure on the entertainment budget. Come hungry, bring your competitive side, and make a day of it! For more information click here
Music & Movement- 9/2 1030am Members/ 11:30am Members and Non Members Get those little bodies moving at Music and Movement at Long Island Children's Museum in Garden City! Designed for children ages 5 and under, this lively 30-minute workshop taps into kids’ natural love of rhythm and sound through interactive sing-alongs, creative movement, finger plays, puppetry, and classic children’s songs. It’s a playful way for young children to express themselves while supporting physical, social, language, and musical development. The workshop is $4 with museum admission and $3 for LICM members. Space can be limited, so advance tickets are recommended. Come ready to sing, move, groove, and make some musical memories together! For more information click here
CCE Nassau Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park- 9/05 9am- 1pm Shop fresh and support local at the CCE Nassau Farmers Market at Eisenhower Park, happening every Saturday from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. through October 31 at Parking Field 8 in East Meadow. Browse a delicious selection of farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers, breads, honey, jams, baked treats, and other locally made goods while supporting Long Island farmers, food producers, and small businesses. There’s more than shopping, too! Visitors can enjoy games, children’s activities, weekly events, and special programming, making the market a great Saturday morning outing for the whole family. Bring your reusable bags, discover something local, and enjoy a fresh taste of the season right here in Nassau County. For more information click here
End Of Summer Festival- 9/05 10AM to 4PM Celebrate the final days of summer at the End of Summer Festival at Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of East Meadow on Saturday, September 5, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. This free, rain-or-shine community festival offers something for the whole family, including ethnic and BBQ foods, live music, a bouncy house, kids’ games, a flea market, basket raffles, church tours, and a $1,000 cash prize raffle. Bring the family, enjoy some great food and entertainment, browse for bargains, and spend a fun afternoon together before saying goodbye to summer. Admission is free, making it an easy addition to your weekend plans! For More information click here.
Eisenhower Park Fair- 9/05 9/06 10am- 5pm Spend part of your Labor Day weekend shopping local at the Eisenhower Park Art, Craft & Gift Fair. Browse a wide variety of booths featuring artists, crafters, gift vendors, farm stands, specialty items, local organizations, and more while enjoying a relaxed outdoor shopping experience in one of Nassau County’s most popular parks. Organizers anticipate approximately 75–100 vendors and around 3,000 shoppers over the two-day fair with favorable weather. Bring the family, take a stroll through the fair, discover something unique, and support independent vendors and local makers along the way. Field 8 is located near the intersection of Merrick and Stewart avenues, making this a fun and easy addition to your holiday weekend plans. For more information click here.
Upcoming Nightlife Events
Jam Jazz Session- 8/31 7pm Jazz lovers and musicians are invited to come together for the Monday Night Jazz Jam Session in Merrick! Beginning Monday, August 31 at 7:00 p.m., these weekly sessions offer musicians of all skill levels the opportunity to play, improvise, and connect with fellow jazz enthusiasts in a relaxed and welcoming environment. A piano, drums, and backline will be available, so bring your instrument and your love of jazz. The sessions take place at 2655 Clubhouse Road in Merrick, with $10 admission. Whether you're an experienced musician ready to join the jam or simply a jazz fan who wants to sit back and enjoy live music, Monday nights are a great opportunity to support local talent and experience the spontaneity of live jazz. For more information click here
Oyster Bay Cruise Nights- 9/1 5:30pm Rev up your Tuesday evenings at Oyster Bay Cruise Nights, a beloved summer tradition that transforms downtown Oyster Bay into a lively showcase of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, custom vehicles, and other automotive favorites. Stroll along Audrey Avenue, admire an impressive lineup of vehicles, chat with fellow car enthusiasts, and enjoy the nostalgic atmosphere of this weekly community gathering. Oyster Bay Summer Cruise Night More than just a car show, Cruise Nights are a great excuse to spend a summer evening exploring downtown Oyster Bay with family and friends. Grab dinner or a treat from a nearby business, enjoy the sights and sounds, and experience a fun night that brings cars, community, and summertime together in the heart of Oyster Bay. For more information click here
Freestyle & Old School Hip Hop Music Bingo at 317 Main Street!- 9/2 7:30pm Turn up the volume and put your music knowledge to the test at Freestyle & Old School Hip Hop Music Bingo at 317 Main Street in Farmingdale! Instead of listening for traditional bingo numbers, players will recognize songs from some of their favorite freestyle and old-school hip-hop hits while competing for bingo. Expect plenty of throwback music, singing along, friendly competition, and nostalgic fun throughout the night. This 21+ event is perfect for a night out with friends or anyone who loves the sounds of freestyle and classic hip-hop. Tickets start at $22.07, so grab your crew and get ready to eat, drink, reminisce, and play your way to a win! For more information click here
Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at The Space at Westbury- 9/04 8:30pm Experience the music of Taylor Swift in a whole new way at Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift at The Space at Westbury. Surrounded by the warm glow of candlelight, guests can enjoy a beautiful live musical tribute featuring some of the superstar’s most beloved songs in an intimate and atmospheric setting. The 60-minute concert offers Swifties and music lovers alike a memorable evening filled with familiar melodies and Candlelight’s signature ambiance. Guests ages 8 and older are welcome, with anyone under 16 accompanied by an adult. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and seating within each ticketed zone is first come, first served. Choose from available dates and times, grab your tickets, and get ready to experience Taylor Swift’s music under the glow of candlelight! For more information click here
CDM Classic Dance Music Festival- 9/05 2pm- 11pm Get ready to relive the golden era of club music at the CDM Classic Dance Music Festival, happening Saturday, September 5, from 2–11 p.m. at Di Edge Waterfront Bar & Kitchen. This 21+ waterfront festival brings nine hours of classic house, tribal, trance, progressive, and unforgettable dance-floor anthems from the late ’90s and early 2000s. The lineup includes legendary DJs and performers such as Jonathan Peters, Johnny Vicious, Andrea Brown, DJ Plasmic Honey, Mike Macaluso, Dimitri Tee, and more. With a powerful sound system, lighting, immersive visuals, and plenty of throwback energy, CDM is part dance party and part reunion for a generation of club-music lovers. Grab your friends, head to Freeport’s waterfront, and get ready to dance your way through Labor Day Weekend! For more information click here
7 in Heaven Singles Comedy Night Out- 9/05 5:45- 9pm Looking for a fun way to meet other singles without the pressure of speed dating? 7 in Heaven Singles Events is hosting a Comedy Night Out for singles in their 50s, 60s and 70s on Saturday, September 5, from 5:45–9:00 p.m. at Governor’s Comedy Club in Levittown. Arrive early for introductions and mingling in the lounge before settling into reserved seating arranged by age group for a 90-minute comedy show, with appetizers included. Come solo or bring a single friend and enjoy an evening filled with laughter, conversation, and the chance to make a new connection. Advance reservations and prepayment are required, and guests should note that the venue has an additional two-item minimum per person at the table. For more information click here
PM Bar Tours - A bar crawl- 9/05 9pm Skip the trip into the city and experience the nightlife right here on Long Island with PM Bar Tours in Rockville Centre! This guided 21+ bar crawl takes guests to 3–4 local bars and nightclubs, offering a fun way to discover—or rediscover—Rockville Centre’s lively nightlife scene. Along the way, your guide helps break the ice with fellow crawlers while keeping the night moving with drinking and dancing games, socializing, and a group photo. Whether you’re coming with friends or heading out solo and looking to meet new people, this is a fun excuse to get out of the house and enjoy a Saturday night close to home. Bring your crew, meet some new faces, and get ready to bar-hop your way through Rockville Centre! For more information click here
Great Eats For the Week
Burrito Blvd Craving fresh, customizable Mexican street-style food? Burrito Blvd Rockville Centre serves up a satisfying lineup of burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos, salads, birria tacos, and more, with plenty of ways to build your meal just the way you like it. Choose from proteins including chicken, steak, carnitas, shrimp, or veggie options, then load up on rice, beans, fresh toppings, house sauces, guacamole, queso, and other favorites. Burrito Blvd says its food is made fresh in-house daily, including handmade 100% corn tortillas. With locations including Rockville Centre and Garden City Park, Burrito Blvd is a casual option for a quick lunch, family dinner, takeout, or an easy meal when you're craving bold Mexican-inspired flavors. Come hungry, customize your favorite combination, and see what’s cooking at Burrito Blvd. For more information click here
Beach BBQ Baldwin If you’re craving authentic, slow-smoked barbecue, Beach BBQ brings old-school BBQ flavor to Baldwin with a family-owned and operated approach. Their meats are cooked low and slow over cherry and hickory wood, creating the deep, smoky flavor barbecue lovers look for. The restaurant focuses on quality, family-developed recipes, and a welcoming atmosphere where customers are treated like part of the family. Whether you’re stopping in to satisfy a BBQ craving, picking up food for the family, or feeding a larger crowd, Beach BBQ also offers catering trays and on-site catering packages for gatherings, graduations, corporate events, church functions, and other celebrations. Come hungry and get ready for some slow-smoked goodness where wood, time, and plenty of flavor do the work. For more information click here
Community
Blood Pressure Screening @ Glen cove Public Library- 9/02 1pm- 3pm Take a few minutes to check in on your heart health with a free blood pressure screening at the Glen Cove Public Library. A registered nurse from St. Francis Hospital will be available to provide quick and convenient blood pressure checks, giving community members an easy opportunity to stay informed about this important measure of cardiovascular health. No appointment is necessary, and screenings are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Stop by, get your numbers checked, and take a simple step toward staying proactive about your health and wellness. For more information about this event click here
Happening In Nassau
Long Beach Movie Night on the Beach- 9/04 @ Dusk
End the summer with a movie under the stars as Long Beach Movie Nights on the Beach presents JAWS on Friday, September 4, at Laurelton Boulevard Beach. This free community tradition invites movie lovers to settle into the sand and enjoy the iconic shark thriller with the Atlantic Ocean providing the perfect—and slightly eerie—backdrop. The movie begins at dark, so be sure to arrive early and find a good spot.
Bring your beach chair or blanket, gather some friends and family, and enjoy one last memorable seaside movie night before summer winds down. Admission is free, and the event is open to all ages. For more information click here
Helping Hands
Lupus Foundation of America Every donation can help bring hope to individuals and families affected by lupus. The Lupus Foundation of America works to improve the lives of people living with this chronic autoimmune disease through research, education, support, and advocacy. Donations help advance efforts to better understand the causes of lupus, improve treatments, provide valuable resources and support, and ultimately work toward finding a cure. Nassau Plus encourages our readers to consider giving if they are able. Whether your contribution is large or small, it can become part of a much bigger effort to support lupus warriors and their families and move lifesaving research forward. Together, we can help create a future with better treatments, greater awareness, and one day, a world without lupus. For more information click here
Volunteer with Pronto Long Island
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Pronto in Bay Shore welcomes volunteers who want to lend their time and talents to helping Long Island families in need. The nonprofit provides emergency food and clothing assistance along with educational, wellness, workforce, and community-support programs, making volunteers an important part of its mission to provide hope and practical help to neighbors facing difficult times. Whether you're looking to serve your community, meet new people, or simply make a difference, volunteering with Pronto is an opportunity to turn a few hours of your time into meaningful support for others. Nassau Plus encourages readers who are able to get involved—because sometimes the most valuable thing we can give is our time. Learn more about volunteering with Pronto Long Island
Highway and State Route Closures
Long Island Expressway (I-495): Westbound overnight pavement renewal continues between Exit 40 (Jericho Turnpike) and Exit 36 (Searingtown Road) in North Hempstead and Oyster Bay. Lane closures start at 10 p.m. (HOV lane at 9 p.m.) and wrap up by 5 a.m. on weekdays, with detours directed to the North Service Road.
Sunrise Highway (Route 27) & Local Paving: Watch for shifting off-peak lane restrictions during overnight hours as part of ongoing regional multi-million dollar capital resurfacing initiatives.
Local Town and County Impacts: Intermittent local lane shifts and utility construction can create localized delays. Check local municipal alerts or transit feeds like NICE Bus Service Alerts if commuting via public transit for localized detours (such as on Grand Avenue).
Before driving, check the 511NY map for live traffic updates.
Weather For The Week
A Final Note with a quote
Dear Nassau Plus Family,
Welcome back to school days. The backpacks are being packed, school supplies are being checked off the list, alarm clocks are being reset, and another school year is beginning.
As our children head back to the classroom, we hope all of our parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, neighbors, and friends are ready to chip in wherever they can. A successful school year isn't just about teachers, homework, and report cards. It takes a village. Sometimes helping means picking up a child from school, assisting with homework, preparing dinner on a busy night, attending a school event, or simply asking, "How was your day?" Every little bit of support matters.
And while our students adjust to their new routines, the rest of us will have some adjusting to do as well. School buses are back, roads will be busier, trains will be fuller, and commute times may get a little longer. Don't let the extra traffic steal your peace. Give yourself a few additional minutes, expect some delays, and most importantly, find patience for the journey.
If you're driving, consider turning that extra time into something positive with an audiobook, podcast, or something inspiring. If you're riding the train or bus, maybe this is the perfect time to finally start that self-help book or novel you've been meaning to read. We can't always control how long it takes to get somewhere, but we can choose what we do with the time along the way.
As we begin this new school year, let's also remember to slow down in school zones, watch carefully for children, respect crossing guards, and give school buses the space they need. A few extra minutes on our commute is a small price to pay for keeping our children safe.
To all of our students, teachers, school staff, and families across Nassau County, we wish you a safe, exciting, productive, and successful school year. May it be filled with new friendships, new discoveries, new opportunities, and plenty of reasons to be proud.
And as always, thank you for being with us every week. Nassau Plus wouldn't be Nassau Plus without the community that continues to read, share, participate, and grow with us.
Have a wonderful week, Nassau County—and remember: pack a little extra patience with you. We're all sharing the road.
With gratitude,
The Nassau Plus Team
Local. Connected. Hopeful.
"The tans will fade, but the memories will last forever."
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