The glacial action that formed much of Long Island deposited Shelter Rock in what is now North Hills approximately 11,000 years ago. The Matinecock had a village in the area. Farming developed in North Hills in mid 17th century. Around this time a long fence was built along the road later known as Northern Boulevard, to the North of North Hills. The lands of the Cow Neck peninsula enclosed by the fence were used for grazing. Later, in the 19th century, one of the largest farms in the area was owned by I.U. Willets. The village was formed as a tax haven to prevent Manhasset from raising taxes on the property.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,301 people, 1,808 households, and 1,424 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,542.5 people per square mile. There were 1,907 housing units at an average density of 683.9 per square mile. The racial makeup of the village was 81.42% White, 0.91% African American, 15.83% Asian, 0.14% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population. There were 1,808 households, out of which 19.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.5% were married couplesliving together, 3.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 18.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.66. In the village, the population was spread out, with 14.5% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 17.2% from 25 to 44, 36.9% from 45 to 64, and 27.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.1 males. The median income for a household in the village was $149,122, and the median income for a family was $184,223. Males had a median income of $100,000 versus $60,789 for females. The per capita income for the village was $100,093. About 3.4% of families and 6.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.1% of those under age 18 and 6.0% of those age 65 or over.
Government influence
As the general housing situation of the village of North Hills is private, gated community style living, there is little communal activity. However, in the early first decade of the 21st century, the mayor decided that the buying of the Deepdale Golf Club would make it a better place, and raise home values. Deepdale, whose lands include the former estate of Joseph P. Grace, served the village with legal papers, claiming that they were abusing government power by trying to close a country club for residents only. After much dispute in and out of court, the case eventually dissolved, leaving the club in the hands of its members.
