The village of Floral Park is a thriving yet peaceful suburban community composed of tidy neighborhoods, an old-fashioned downtown district, recreational areas, and civic and community-based organizations.

Many residents report a sense of pride and camaraderie. "There's a lot of community involvement," said Tara Moreno, owner-broker of Abbott Realty.

Moreno, who grew up here, also notes Floral Park has a lot of second- and third-generation families.

"I like the fact that there's a real community spirit," says Mayor Phil Guarnieri, who has lived in the village most of his life. "People care about the village, about values and have an orientation to the future," he adds. "That's what makes Floral Park, Floral Park."

It its ongoing effort to strengthen the community, the village in 1999 took out a 30-year renewable lease on a former sump owned by Nassau County to beautify it. Renamed Centennial Gardens to commemorate the village's 100th birthday in 2008, the 13-acre park has plantings around its perimeter and a new footbridge.

The pedestrian-friendly shopping district along Tulip Avenue has old-fashioned lampposts and vintage buildings. Shops and restaurants also can be found along Jericho Turnpike and Covert Avenue.

Floral Park has three sections - the incorporated village; Floral Park, Queens, and Floral Park Center, a small unincorporated area in the Floral Park-Bellerose school district.

The tree-lined village streets, many named for flowers and trees, are dominated by Colonials, capes and Tudors on neat, compact lots. Buyers can also find two co-op developments in the village.

To learn more, visit www.fpvillage.org.

-Lisa Doll Bruno (5/13/2005)