Hicksville, New York

With its row of chain restaurants and requisite gas stations every five seconds, Hicksville, NY, can at times feel more like (a New Yorker's perception) of "real" America than Long Island. Filled with malls, big box chains, and restaurant franchises, Hicksville is a perfectly decent and well-stocked town (although it's far from walkable - it seems to be composed of highways) that nevertheless could use a bit more flair and individuality. On the plus side, Hicksville is located a convenient drive away from the shores of Oyster Bay. The Millridge Inn in nearby Jericho, a five-minute drive from the Hicksville Train Station, is perhaps the best place to eat in town: it offers pricey but delicious Ye Olde Americana fare, and the adjacent "Millridge Village" with its quaint candy and toy stores are a perfect way to spend an hour or two with a child in tow. Also worthwhile is the local steakhouse. But if you're looking to live somewhere that has its own individual character and flair, while still being within commuter distance of New York, you might want to look elsewhere.