If you’re typing the zip code for Syosset New York into a search bar, you’re probably either sending a package to a student at the high school or you're considering a massive life move to Long Island’s fabled North Shore. It's 11791. That’s the short answer. But honestly, in a place like Syosset, those five digits act as a sort of golden key to one of the most complex, high-performing, and frankly, expensive real estate pockets in the United States.
It’s a place where the traffic on Jericho Turnpike can make you want to pull your hair out, yet people pay millions to live three minutes away from it.
Most people assume a zip code is just a routing label for the USPS. In the case of 11791, it’s a lifestyle marker. Syosset isn’t an incorporated village—it’s a "census-designated place" (CDP) and a hamlet within the Town of Oyster Bay. This distinction matters because it means the boundaries of the zip code for Syosset New York don't always perfectly align with what people think is Syosset. You might live in Woodbury and share the 11791 code, or you might be on the edge of Muttontown and still find yourself using it. It’s confusing. It’s quirky. It’s quintessential Long Island.
The 11791 Boundary Logic (and Why It’s Weird)
Let's get into the weeds of the geography. 11791 covers roughly five square miles. It’s bordered by Oyster Bay to the north, Woodbury to the east, Plainview to the south, and Hicksville/Jericho to the west. But here is the kicker: mail delivery boundaries and school district boundaries are two different animals.
You could have the zip code for Syosset New York but pay taxes to a different school district, or vice versa. Most of 11791 falls under the Syosset Central School District, which is basically the "Harvard of public schools" in the eyes of local parents. This district consistently ranks in the top tiers of Niche and U.S. News & World Report. When people talk about moving to 11791, they aren't talking about the post office on Post Road; they are talking about the chance for their kids to attend a school that produces Intel Science Talent Search finalists like a factory.
The 11791 zip code also handles a surprisingly large volume of commercial traffic. Think about it. Between the massive Syosset Hospital (part of Northwell Health) and the industrial parks tucked away near the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tracks, this zip code isn't just leafy suburban streets and cul-de-sacs. It’s an economic engine.
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Real Estate Realities in the Syosset Hub
Living in the zip code for Syosset New York will cost you. Deeply. As of early 2026, the median home price in 11791 remains stubbornly high, often hovering well above the $900,000 mark for even modest "starter" split-levels. If you want one of the stately Colonials or the mid-century moderns in the North Syosset section, you’re looking at $1.5 million and up.
Why? It’s the commute.
The Syosset LIRR station is a major stop on the Port Jefferson branch. If you work in Manhattan, the 50-minute express train is a godsend. You can leave your house at 7:45 AM and be at your desk in Midtown by 9:00 AM, assuming the MTA is behaving itself. That proximity to the city, combined with the "Gold Coast" adjacent prestige, keeps property values in 11791 remarkably resilient, even when the broader market gets shaky.
The "Woodbury-Syosset" Identity Crisis
If you hang out at the Woodbury Common (the shopping center, not the outlet mall upstate), you’ll notice something. Half the people there say they live in Syosset, and the other half say Woodbury. Both often use 11791.
Woodbury is technically the more affluent sibling to the east, but they share the zip code for Syosset New York. This shared identity creates a weird social dynamic. The boutiques at the Americana Manhasset are only 15 minutes away, but the local shopping in 11791—like the shops along Jackson Avenue—has a more "hometown" feel, despite the high net worth of the residents.
You’ve got a mix of old-school diners like the Syosset Woodbury Diner and high-end sushi spots. It’s a place where you can see a beat-up contractor truck parked next to a brand-new Porsche Taycan. It’s diverse in its own way, though economically, it’s very much an upper-middle-class stronghold.
Demographic Shifts and the "New" 11791
Over the last decade, 11791 has seen a massive demographic shift. There has been a huge influx of Asian American families, particularly of Chinese and Indian descent, drawn primarily by the reputation of the school system. This has fundamentally changed the local landscape in the best way possible. You see it in the businesses along Jericho Turnpike—more specialty grocery stores, tutoring centers, and diverse restaurants.
The 2020 Census data showed that Syosset’s population is becoming increasingly international. This isn't the 1950s Levittown-style suburb anymore. It’s a globalized hub. People aren't just moving to the zip code for Syosset New York from Queens or Brooklyn anymore; they’re moving here from all over the world.
Practical Logistics: What You Need to Know
If you are actually moving here or just visiting, there are some boots-on-the-ground details about 11791 that Google Maps won't necessarily emphasize.
First, the post office. The main Syosset Post Office is located at 103 Jackson Ave. It’s right in the heart of the "downtown" area. Parking there is a nightmare during the holidays. Just a heads up.
Second, the library. The Syosset Public Library is a legitimate community hub. It’s not just for books; it’s where everyone goes for tax help, ESL classes, and high-speed Wi-Fi when the power goes out after a Nor'easter.
- Zip Code: 11791
- County: Nassau
- Town: Oyster Bay
- Time Zone: Eastern (EST)
- Area Code: 516
The zip code for Syosset New York also covers some unique landmarks. The Trail View State Park runs right through the area. It’s a 7.4-mile linear park that connects Bethpage State Park to Cold Spring Harbor State Park. You can literally hike or bike through the 11791 zip code and feel like you're in the middle of the woods, even though a Starbucks is only a quarter-mile away.
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Is the 11791 Zip Code "Worth It"?
This is the question everyone asks on Reddit and city-data forums. "Is the 11791 lifestyle worth the $25,000+ annual property tax bill?"
Honestly, it depends on your stage of life. If you have three kids and want them to have access to Olympic-sized swimming pools, world-class music programs, and a straight shot to an Ivy League university, the answer is usually yes. The "Syosset Tax" is basically a private school tuition disguised as a property tax.
However, if you're a young professional or a retiree, the zip code for Syosset New York can feel like an expensive trap. The cost of living is roughly 70% higher than the national average. Everything—from a gallon of milk to a haircut—costs more in 11791.
Hidden Gems Within 11791
Most visitors stick to the main drags, but if you really want to understand the 11791 vibe, you have to look at the smaller pockets.
- The "Flower" Streets: There’s a section of Syosset where all the streets are named after flowers (Daisy, Lilac, etc.). It’s a charming, quieter part of the zip code that feels more like a traditional neighborhood and less like a transit hub.
- Syosset-Woodbury Community Park: This is the crown jewel of the local parks. It has a pool, ice rink, and playground. But remember: it's for residents of the Town of Oyster Bay. If you’re just visiting the zip code for Syosset New York, you might need a resident pass to get in during the summer months.
- The Food Scene: Everyone talks about the pizza on Long Island, and Syosset has its contenders. But the real 11791 move is hitting up the local bakeries. There’s a level of competition for the best bagel in this zip code that borders on the religious.
Navigating 11791: A Quick Guide
If you're dealing with the zip code for Syosset New York for business or personal logistics, keep these three things in mind.
Traffic on the Long Island Expressway (LIE) at Exit 43 or 44 is almost always congested. If you're trying to reach the heart of 11791 during rush hour, take Northern State Parkway instead; it’s often slightly better, though not by much.
The Syosset Fire Department is a volunteer-led organization, which is common on Long Island but often surprises newcomers from the city. They are incredibly professional and a core part of the 11791 social fabric. You’ll see their fundraisers and parades throughout the year.
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Lastly, don't confuse Syosset with Setauket or Sayville. It happens more than you’d think. Those are much further east. Syosset (11791) is firmly in the "inner ring" of Long Island suburbs.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you are currently looking at homes or planning a move to the zip code for Syosset New York, don't just look at the Zillow listing.
Drive the neighborhood at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday. See how the traffic flows toward the train station. Check the specific school boundary maps on the Syosset Central School District website, because 11791 is a big area and not every house feeds into the same elementary school.
Visit the local shops on Jackson Avenue and grab a coffee. Talk to the people there. You’ll find that despite the high-pressure reputation of the schools and the high cost of living, the people in 11791 are generally just trying to do the best for their families. It’s a community of strivers.
Lastly, make sure you actually need to be in 11791. Sometimes, the 11771 (Oyster Bay) or 11753 (Jericho) zip codes might offer what you’re looking for with a slightly different vibe or tax structure. But if you want that specific Syosset blend of convenience, education, and North Shore prestige, 11791 is the only place to be.