Uniondale, NY, United States

With a population of 32,473, Uniondale is no quaint Long Island hamlet. This sprawling census-designated place is a dense urban center, home to major institutions like Hofstra University and Nassau Community College. While the area has its perks, like proximity to New York City, the bureaucratic headaches of being an unincorporated hamlet are a persistent annoyance for residents. And with a subtropical climate prone to wet, humid summers, the weather is far from idyllic. Overall, Uniondale is a practical choice for those seeking an affordable alternative to Manhattan, but it's not the picturesque suburban fantasy many imagine when moving to Long Island.