Hempstead boasts a relatively walkable environment, particularly in its downtown area. The compact street layout, along with commercial zones on streets like Fulton Avenue and Front Street, makes it easy for travelers to explore shops, restaurants, and cultural spots on foot. Additionally, the presence of Hofstra University enhances the walkability with its student-friendly amenities. While there are perceptions of safety concerns, many travelers and locals find the area generally secure for walking.

Hempstead offers good public transit options centered around the Rosa Parks Hempstead Transit Center. This hub connects travelers to Manhattan via the Long Island Rail Road and provides numerous Nassau Inter-County Express (NICE) bus routes for easy navigation across Long Island. These systems support a feasible commute for work or leisure without a car. However, as with many smaller cities, the transit network is less extensive compared to larger metropolitan areas.

The town of Hempstead provides adequate biking options for travelers, with some infrastructure dedicated to cyclists. Paths like the one connecting Hofstra University to Eisenhower Park and the multi-use Bethpage Bikeway offer recreational biking opportunities. However, the overall lack of dedicated off-road bike paths on Long Island means cyclists should be cautious, especially on busier roads, making biking more suitable for short commutes and leisurely rides.