Dara Gardens, a six-story brick structure completed in 1952, stands as a cornerstone of the Kew Gardens Hills neighborhood in central Queens. This gated community comprises 536 units, offering a blend of convenience and security for its residents. The building's simple, functional design reflects the architectural sensibilities of its era, while its location provides easy access to the diverse amenities of the surrounding area.
Spacious layouts with vaulted ceilings and ample storage
Dara Gardens offers a range of unit sizes to accommodate various lifestyles. One-bedroom units span from 624 to 800 square feet, featuring one bathroom and sale prices around $260,000. These cozy apartments provide an ideal starting point for singles or couples. Two-bedroom units, slightly larger at 668 to 700 square feet with one bathroom, are available for around $340,000. For those requiring more space, the three-bedroom units are generously sized at approximately 1,500 square feet, also with one bathroom.
Many units boast unique features that set them apart. Vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms create a sense of openness and airiness, while excellent closet space ensures ample storage for residents. Some apartments offer private entrances, adding a touch of individuality to the living experience. The larger units may include bonus spaces that can serve as home offices or additional sleeping areas. Southern and eastern exposures in many bedrooms flood the spaces with natural light.
Kitchens in the apartments vary, with some featuring eat-in layouts and windows for added brightness. Living rooms, particularly in the larger units, are often oversized and benefit from southern exposure. While some units may retain original features, others have undergone renovations, potentially including updates such as custom cabinetry, stone countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The diversity in layouts and features ensures that Dara Gardens can accommodate a wide range of preferences and needs.
24-hour security and family-friendly outdoor spaces
Dara Gardens offers a range of amenities designed to enhance residents' quality of life. The gated community is staffed with 24-hour security, providing peace of mind for all inhabitants. A private outdoor playground within the complex offers a safe space for children to play and socialize. The well-maintained courtyard serves as a communal area for relaxation and community gatherings.
For the convenience of residents, the building features on-site laundry facilities, eliminating the need for trips to external laundromats. Bicycle enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated bike room for secure storage. The property is pet-friendly, allowing residents to share their homes with their furry companions.
A live-in superintendent ensures prompt attention to maintenance issues, contributing to the smooth operation of the building. While parking is available, it operates on a waitlist system, so new residents should inquire about availability. The building is equipped with air conditioning, and units come with essential appliances such as dishwashers, microwaves, refrigerators, and ovens. The presence of a property manager on-site further enhances the responsive management of the community.
A diverse community with excellent educational and recreational options
Kew Gardens Hills offers a vibrant mix of cultures, cuisines, and conveniences. The neighborhood is home to Queens College, part of the City University of New York, which brings a youthful energy and cultural offerings to the area. The college's Kupferberg Center for the Arts hosts performances and exhibitions, enriching the local cultural scene.
Residents of Dara Gardens enjoy proximity to several notable amenities. Flushing Meadows Corona Park, just a short distance away, provides nearly 900 acres of green space, recreational facilities, and cultural institutions. This expansive park is home to the Unisphere, a relic from the 1964-65 World's Fair, as well as the Queens Museum and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which hosts the annual U.S. Open tournament.
For daily needs, Key Food Marketplace is conveniently located just three blocks from the property. Kosher food enthusiasts will appreciate Aron's Kissena Farms, a spacious grocery store offering certified kosher products, within a five-minute walk. Seasons Queens, another kosher supermarket with a wide range of offerings including sushi and prepared foods, is about a 15-minute walk or drive away.
The neighborhood caters to diverse dining preferences. For those seeking quick bites, McDonald's is just a five-minute walk from Dara Gardens. Smash House Burgers Queens, highly rated for its burgers, is within a 15-minute walk. Fidela's Restaurant offers Mexican cuisine about a mile away, providing a local option for international flavors.
Fitness enthusiasts have several nearby options. Rock Fitness NYC and Form Fitness, both highly rated, are within a 15-20 minute walk. Ruth's Pilates & TRX offers specialized fitness classes just a 15-minute walk from the property.
Families with children will find quality educational options in the vicinity. P.S. 165 - Edith K. Bergtraum, an elementary school with high ratings, is just a five-minute walk away. For middle school students, I.S. 250 - The Robert F. Kennedy Community Middle School is about a 10-minute walk from Dara Gardens.
The area boasts several parks and playgrounds for outdoor recreation. Vleigh Playground, Emerald Playground, and Judge Moses Weinstein Playground are all within a 15-minute walk, offering various amenities for children and adults alike. The proximity of these green spaces contributes to the family-friendly atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Well-connected with multiple public transit options
Dara Gardens benefits from its location in a transit-rich area, offering residents multiple options for commuting and exploring the city. The neighborhood's excellent transit infrastructure makes it possible for many residents to live comfortably without relying on personal vehicles.
Bus service is particularly convenient, with several stops within easy walking distance. The Kissena Bl & Aguilar Av bus stop, just a five-minute walk away, serves the Jamaica - Flushing - College Point and Jamaica - Flushing - Whitestone routes. Another nearby stop at Main St & 72 Av, also a five-minute walk, provides access to the College Point - Jamaica line. These bus routes offer connections to major transit hubs and commercial areas in Queens.
For those needing to travel further, subway access is available. The Kew Gardens-Union Turnpike station, serving the E and F lines, is about a 30-minute walk or a quick 5-minute drive. The Forest Hills-71 Avenue station, offering access to the E, F, M, and R lines, is approximately a 5-minute drive away. These subway lines provide direct routes into Manhattan and connections to other parts of the city.
Commuters who prefer rail travel can utilize the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from the Kew Gardens Station, about a 5-minute drive from Dara Gardens. This station serves multiple LIRR branches, including the Babylon, Hempstead, Long Beach, and Port Jefferson lines, offering swift connections to Manhattan and Long Island.
For those who do drive, the property's location provides relatively easy access to major roadways. Residents can quickly reach the Grand Central Parkway, Long Island Expressway, and other key thoroughfares, facilitating travel throughout Queens and to other boroughs.
Air travelers will appreciate the proximity to two major airports. LaGuardia Airport is about a 10-minute drive, while John F. Kennedy International Airport is approximately a 10-minute drive in the opposite direction. This convenient access to air travel is a significant advantage for frequent flyers or those hosting out-of-town guests.
The neighborhood's layout and infrastructure also support active transportation modes. The area's flat terrain and network of sidewalks make walking a viable option for many local trips. While dedicated bike lanes may be limited, the streets are generally amenable to cycling, providing another eco-friendly transportation alternative for residents.
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Quantarium
Current List Price
Sold Price
Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
3/ 10
Very Bikeable
Bike Score®
75/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Excellent Transit
Transit Score®
72/ 100
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
Sources: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Walk Score
WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com, Powered by CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks. Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Environmental risk data is provided by First Street Foundation® and is designed to approximate risk and not intended to include all possible scenarios.
Parks in this Area
Pomonok Playground
12 min walk
Emerald Playground
14 min walk
Vleigh Playground
15 min walk
Judge Moses Weinstein Playground
3 min drive
Electric Playground
4 min drive
Willow Lake Playground
5 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Hoover-Manton Playgrounds
5 min drive
Basketball
Trails
Playground
Fresh Meadows Playground
6 min drive
Basketball
Playground
Joseph Austin Playground
7 min drive
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Playground
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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