Bellmore’s Best-Kept Secrets: What You Didn’t Know About Its History

Bellmore, with its lovely waterfront, iconic bagel shops, and LIRR station that’s a blessing and a curse, all rolled up in one. But come on, everyone thinks about it as another Long Island suburb with good schools, good delis, and pricey real estate. What they don’t realize, though, is that this unassuming little town has a far more interesting past than its generic "bedroom community" nickname suggests. From secret histories to surprises about its role in the development of Long Island, the stories to be found in Bellmore are crazy ones indeed. Buckle up, Nassau County—here’s Long Island history, folks.

 Pre-Strip Mall History: The Humble Beginnings of Bellmore

Long, long ago, when your biggest worry about Bellmore was whether to head to Ralph’s Ices or Dairy Queen, the area was actually farmland. Native American tribes initially inhabited the region, making their living off the bountiful seafood, and it was subsequently settled by European colonists during the 17th century. But the cool part begins here—Bellmore wasn’t even known as Bellmore yet. The town was originally split between Smithville and New Bridge, two little hamlets that would eventually merge (because, obviously, having two little towns with confusing names wasn’t sufficient). The railroad arrived during the 1860s, people saw an opportunity to make a buck, and the next thing you knew, Bellmore was on the map.

Bellmore and the Underground Railroad: Reality or Myth?

Each community on Long Island has its legend, and Bellmore isn’t an exception. For decades, it’s been rumored that some of the area’s oldest homes and churches doubled as Underground Railroad stops, providing fugitive slaves with safe passage to the North. While evidence is hard to come by (since secret tunnels and hidden compartments didn’t exactly make the local records), historians all agree that many coastal towns on Long Island had abolitionist sympathizers who helped fugitives on their journey to New England. Was Bellmore a crucial stop on a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek, though? Possibly. At the very least, it’s more compelling than bickering about whose bagel shop is supreme (but come on, it’s My Three Sons).

The Emergence of Suburbia: Why Bellmore Became a Desired Asset

In case you're wondering why home prices in Bellmore are through the roof, look to the post-World War II boom. Soldiers returning home required housing, the government was handing out GI Bill benefits, and builders saw dollar signs. Bellmore, conveniently close enough to the city but far enough away to be "suburban," became the place to be. Add the building out of Sunrise Highway and the Wantagh Parkway (because let’s be real, without those, we’d all be stuck in our driveways), and suddenly this little farming community became a commuter’s dream come true. Today, the median home price in Bellmore is approximately **$700K**, further proof that Long Island real estate is an Olympic sport where only the strongest survive.

Bellmore Movies: Something More Than Popcorn and Movies

If you thought that Bellmore was all chain restaurants and bagel shops, think again. It’s home to one of the few remaining **single-screen movie theaters** on Long Island. The **Bellmore Movies**, a holdover from the early 20th century, has survived the megaplex era, the era of streaming, and the people who think it’s okay to watch an entire movie on their phone. Not only a place to catch a movie, this piece of history hosts film festivals, live performances, and events that bring the community together. Go, go see it—if you haven’t already—because when places like this are gone, all that’s left will be more urgent care centers and another Dunkin’ Donuts.

From Clam Diggers to Boaters: The Nautical Heritage of Bellmore

Before the waterfront along Bellmore was lined with lovely homes that make you wonder about your life, it had been a fishing and clamming community that flourished. During the late 1800s and the early 1900s, baymen inhabited Bellmore and made their living off the Great South Bay, supplying New York City with clams, oysters, and other sea fare. While the commercial fishing industry has declined, the nautical lifestyle still pervades the area. With Jones Beach, Freeport’s Nautical Mile, and upscale marinas all within easy reach, Bellmore remains a destination favorite for water enthusiasts and boat owners—just with fewer clamming rakes and more watercraft on the scene.

 Bellmore Is More Than Just a Train Stop

It’s simple to visualize Bellmore as another Long Island suburb with good schools, nice homes, and another 7-Eleven, but scratch the surface, and you’ll find a community with rich heritage, unexpected connections to major events in the past, and a community that takes pride in preserving its local character. Whether it’s the refurbished movie theater, the homes with their own histories, or the waterfront lifestyle, Bellmore has its own personality on the increasingly expanding map of Nassau County.

What’s Your Bellmore Story?

Do you have a personal stake in the history of Bellmore? Do you happen to be aware of a little-known bit of local lore? Or are you simply interested in arguing the merits of whose pizzeria stands supreme? Leave your remarks below, and the conversation continues—Long Island style.

Modern Bellmore: Expansion and Heritage 

Bellmore is a thriving community nowadays with a variety of different schools, places of worship, and civic organizations. Despite having grown, the town remains committed to keeping its heritage alive, serving as a gateway to the beautiful beaches, parks, and highways of Long Island. Curious about other secrets that Bellmore holds?Thinking about calling Bellmore home? Dean Miller knows the best neighborhoods, local gems, and real estate opportunities that make this town so special. Let’s find your dream home—contact Dean today!