Throughout much of the late 19th century, Great Neck was the terminus of what is today the Port Washington Branch of the Long Island Rail Road.

In addition to the railroad station, Great Neck Plaza contains other historic structures, such as the local post office and the Grace and Thomaston Buildings.

[3] Great Neck Plaza encompasses a busy commercial district, two parks, as well as a residential section with many multiple dwellings and private homes.

Although geographically the Village measures only one-third of a square mile, it boasts a vibrant downtown including the Great Neck LIRR station, over 250 retail stores and service establishments, almost 90 multiple-family apartment buildings, 148 single family homes, approximately 40 office buildings, two four-star hotels, a nursing home, a senior independent living facility, and one assisted-care living facility.

[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.3 square miles (0.78 km2), all land.

[11][14] Great Neck Plaza is located in New York's 3rd congressional district, which as of February 2024 is represented in the United States Congress by Tom Suozzi (D–Glen Cove).

[11][15] Like the rest of New York, Great Neck Plaza is represented in the United States Senate by Charles Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D).

[16] In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the majority of Great Neck Plaza voters voted for Hillary Clinton (D).