The Brown's family home sits on the border of Rosedale, Queens and Valley Stream, L.I., giving them a lot of confusion, but some benefits. They are one of 84 families living along the border, getting two addresses and two options for things like utilities, cable, insurance and, unfortunately, taxes. Myrna Brown told the Daily News, "We get our utilities from Queens, and we can use the Nassau County school district."
Brown estimates that her family has been able to save over $96,000 in 12 years by sending her kids to public school in Nassau County rather than the local Catholic school in Queens, even though the property is listed as 87% in Queens. Being able to pick and choose between the two counties is one benefit, though the split-housing can cause its fair share of problems for residents. One Queens/LI resident, Dharmie Inder, said that property taxes from both counties may drive him out. His house is 85% in Queens, where he pays $3,049 for property taxes. But his garbage pickup and emergency services come from Valley Stream, where he pays $2,257. "They are not providing me with services...Why are my taxes double my neighbor?"
The split address also brings up some street cred debates, making homeowners choose which side of the city line they prefer. The Huber family of Great Neck/Little Neck send their kids to school in Queens despite the higher cost. Mr Huber said, "We could have sent our kids to Great Neck school or New York City schools. I still consider myself a New York City person more than a Long Island person." And for those who would call Little Neck a suburb, he admits, "There is nothing wrong with Queens." Does anyone along the tense Queens/Brooklyn border feel the same way?
