What is now Baxter Estates was originally inhabited by the MatinecockNative Americans, and there is evidence that a Matinecock wigwam village within its territory once existed in the vicinity of Baxter Pond.<ref name=":81">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name=":4" /> European colonists eventually settled in the area during the mid-17th century, after purchasing the land on the Cow Neck Peninsula from the Matinecocks in 1644.<ref name=":81" />
In 1895, Port Washington's first public library was established in the Baxter Homestead.<ref name="longislandpress" /><ref name=":5">Template:Cite news</ref> The Port Washington Public Library would eventually move to what is now the Polish American Museum in unincorporated Port Washington, before moving to its current location along the north side of Main Street; this facility is located within Baxter Estates.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":12" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1931, Baxter Estates incorporated as a village in order to retain home rule, after Port Washington proposed incorporating as a city and absorbing the territory – about the same time as nearby Flower Hill, which similarly wished to remain independent from the then-proposed City of Port Washington.<ref name=":81" /> The residents of Baxter Estates were also concerned about the possibility of Village of Manorhaven annexing their neighborhood, further prompting their decision, after a movement to extend that village's territory further east – including the Port Washington Terrace and Hicksville neighborhoods, and what is now the Village of Port Washington North and the adjacent Morewood Oaks neighborhood – was made; Manorhaven ultimately never absorbed those areas.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2010, the Village of Baxter Estates opened the present Baxter Estates Village Hall on Main Street, replacing the former facility – originally built in the 1950s – at the corner of Shore Road and Harbor Road.<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":7">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> This new facility, which overlooks Manhasset Bay, is located adjacent to Sunset Park and consists of multiple floors; the village occupies the lower level and leases the space above it to businesses.<ref name=":6" /><ref name=":7" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On February 5, 2017, the Baxter Homestead was destroyed in a major fire while its owner, Sabrina Wu, was in the process of submitting plans to demolish it.<ref name="longislandpress" /><ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name=":9">Template:Cite news</ref> This raised suspicion that the blaze was intentionally set, and an investigation was executed.<ref name="longislandpress" /><ref name=":2" /><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":10" /> The cause of the fire has not determined.<ref name=":10">Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2024, the village secured a $7.7 million grant from New York state for repairs to the seawall along Shore Road, adjacent to the Baxter Estates Village Beach.<ref name=":11">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The project will additionally see the construction of improved recreational facilities – including a boardwalk over the water, directly linking Bay Walk Park in Port Washington North with Sunset Park in Baxter Estates.<ref name=":11" /> The plan – including the boardwalk over Manhasset Bay – were approved by the Town of North Hempstead later that year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Etymology
The village is named for the Baxter family – a prominent local family which owned a significant amount of land in the area – including the former homestead at the corner of Central Drive and Shore Road.<ref name=":81" /><ref name=":14" /> The Baxters – who were shipbuilders, whalers, and sea captains – retained this property until the 19th century.<ref name=":81" /><ref name=":14" />
Additionally, Baxter Estates is located on the western portion of the Cow Neck Peninsula, roughly midway between its southern base and northern tip.<ref name=":12" />
As of the census of 2020, there were 991 people residing in the village.<ref name="GR2" /><ref name=":3" /> The racial makeup of the village was 71.2% White alone, 0.8% African American, 5.8% Asian, 0.1% Native American, 0.2% from other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 18.5% of the population.
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 999 people residing in the village.<ref name="GR2" /><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> The racial makeup of the village was 81.08% White, 1.30% African American, 6.01% Asian, 3.50% from other races, and 7.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 16.82% of the population.
Census 2000
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,006 people, 376 households, and 262 families residing in the village.<ref name="GR2">Template:Cite web</ref> The population density was Template:Convert. There were 386 housing units at an average density of Template:Convert. The racial makeup of the village was 84.00% White, 2.68% African American, 0.10% Native American, 7.16% Asian, 3.98% from other races, and 2.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.61% of the population.
There were 376 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.1% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.68 and the average family size was 3.21.
In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.8% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 27.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.6 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $84,592, and the median income for a family was $111,074. Males had a median income of $56,250 versus $51,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $44,718. About 3.0% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Village government
As of July 2025, the Mayor of Baxter Estates is Nora Haagenson, the Deputy Mayor is Charles Comer, and the Village Trustees are Charles Comer, Alice M. Peckelis, Maria Branco and Alexander Price.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Baxter Estates is located in Nassau County's 11th Legislative district, which as of July 2025 is represented in the Nassau County Legislature by Delia DiRiggi-Whitton (D–Glen Cove).<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":78">Template:Cite web</ref>
There are multiple parks and recreational facilities located within Baxter Estates.<ref name=":12" /> Major parks include:
Baxter's Pond Park – a Nassau County-owned park at the corner of Shore Road and Central Drive; contains Baxter Pond.<ref name=":12" />File:GoosePondinNovSm.jpgBaxter Pond – located within Baxter's Pond Park – in 2007
Sunset Park – a large park owned by the Port Washington Water Pollution Control District; it is geographically split between Baxter Estates and unincorporated Port Washington and contains several recreational and cultural amenities.<ref name=":12" />
Education
School district
The Village of Baxter Estates is located entirely within the boundaries of the Port Washington Union Free School District.<ref name=":12">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":452">Template:Cite web</ref> As such, all children who reside within Baxter Estates and attend public schools go to Port Washington's schools.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":452" />
Baxter Estates is located within the boundaries of the Port Washington Library District, which is served by the Port Washington Public Library.<ref name=":12" />
Additionally, the Port Washington Public Library is located within Baxter Estates.<ref name=":12" />
Baxter Estates is located within the boundaries of the Port Washington Water District, which provides the entirety of the village with water.<ref name=":12" />
The Village of Baxter Estates, in its entirety, is located within the boundaries of (and is thus served by) the Port Washington Fire District.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":35">Template:Cite web</ref>
The Baxter Homestead stood at 15 Shore Road until being destroyed in a 2017 fire; erected in 1673 and designated a Village of Baxter Estates Historical Landmark in 2005.<ref name="longislandpress" />
Notable people
Tallulah Bankhead – actress; lived in the historic Baxter House.<ref name=":2" />
William Landsberg – architect; designed his Baxter Estates home.<ref name="nris2" />
