[3] The majority of the 135-acre (55 ha) area now encompassing the village was originally part of the estate of Captain Frederick Russell.

[2][3] In 1931, around the same time when neighboring Thomaston proposed incorporating itself and potentially taking in this development as part of their village, the residents felt that in order to maintain the character of their community, it would be imperative for them to incorporate Russell Gardens as a separate village in order to create and pass their own zoning ordinances.

[3] According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.2 square miles (0.52 km2), all land.

[11][15] Russell Gardens is located in New York's 3rd congressional district, which as of July 2023 is represented in the United States Congress by George A. Santos (R).

[11][16] Like the rest of New York, Russell Gardens is represented in the United States Senate by Charles Schumer (D) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D).

[17] In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the majority of Russell Gardens voters voted for Hillary Clinton (D).

[18] Russell Gardens is located entirely within the boundaries of the Great Neck Union Free School District.

[11] Northern Boulevard (New York State Route 25A) passes through the village and forms its southern boundary.

[11] The n20G bus route travels along Northern Boulevard and Middle Neck Road through Russell Gardens.

[21] Additionally, NICE's n20h, n21, n25, and n26 bus routes run through a small section of the northwestern portion of the village, along Middle Neck Road.

[22][23] PSEG Long Island provides power to all homes and businesses within Russell Gardens.