Buonamassa

This was my first home, located in Wantagh, New York. It was a two-family home, that my parents owned. It was in average condition, and was large enough for my family, until my baby sister and I were born in 1998 & 1999. Since it was a two-family, we rented out the upstairs portion. It was considered affordable by my family. We lived in Wantagh due to the good school district and close proximity to the rest of my family. After the first two years of my life, we moved; primarily because this house wasn't substantial enough for a family of four, and my dad was able to increase it's value. My next home was actually cheaper than what this one sold for.

My second home was also located in Wantagh, New York. The same pull factors as my first home, in terms of Wantagh itself existed here as well. Also, this home was across the street from the water, farther away from any major highways, and very close to Wantagh State Park, where I often went with my dad. It was larger than the first, so it was more appropriate for a four person family. My parents also owned this house, and it was more affordable than the first. However, we did move after two years. Primarily due to my dad once again flipping this home for a substantial profit quickly, and the opportunity that pulled us to our next home.

My third and last home on Long Island is in Massapequa. My family has lived in this house since I was four years old. Massapequa is farther out-east than Wantagh by about ten minutes. The primary reason for moving to this house was the fact that it is on a canal. My dad has had a boating obsession since he was a little kid, and my whole family has come to love the overall atmosphere so close to the water. Although Wantagh is a very nice town, Massapequa has a superior school district, and a very Italian demographic, like us. This is also a house that my family owns. It is much larger than the first two in Wantagh, so my sister and I were able comfortably grow up here. Due to all the aforementioned aspects of this home, it was much less affordable. Living here posed more of a challenge than the prior houses, but my family made it work. All of my childhood friends are from Massapequa, and I wouldn't mind raising my own family there. Massapequa High School also provided me with numerous great opportunities, which brings me to my next and last phase of personal housing. I lived here from 2001-2016.   

I didn't necessarily "move" from Massapequa, but simply went away to college in New York City. This last portion of my housing history is at the Baruch College Dorms. They are located on the border of the Upper East Side, and East Harlem, in Manhattan. Students living in the dorms must pay a bi-annual fee, that would be the equivalent to rent. I live in a spacious room with two roommates. Many consider the dorms to be overpriced however, and I believe this is one of the reasons they are under occupied. I came to the dorms in order to acquire the "college experience" of living away from home, independent of my family. Being here in New York City is unique however. I am on my own, but it would only take an hour on the LIRR to get back to my family in Massapequa. It's a nice balance that I'm lucky to have fallen into. The surrounding area is very vibrant and always busy. It is very diverse, and extremely different than anything I experienced on Long Island. I'm very thankful for the opportunity to have this extraordinary experience at a young age. I've lived here for a year and a half. This concludes my housing history.