The Balfour, a six-story brick structure completed in 1956, stands as a testament to mid-century design in the vibrant Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens. With 220 units, this full-service co-op offers a range of living spaces from cozy studios to spacious four-bedroom apartments. The building's simple, functional design blends seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, while its prime location puts residents within easy reach of the area's diverse amenities and excellent transportation options.
Versatile layouts with modern updates and ample space
The Balfour offers a variety of floor plans to suit different lifestyles and needs. Studios, ranging from 500 to 520 square feet, provide efficient living spaces with one bathroom. One-bedroom units span 700 to 850 square feet, also featuring one bathroom. Two-bedroom apartments, priced around $400,000, offer 907 to 1,150 square feet of living space with one bathroom. For those seeking more room, three-bedroom units range from 1,100 to 1,375 square feet and may include one or two bathrooms. The largest offerings are the four-bedroom units, boasting approximately 1,900 square feet with two bathrooms.
Many apartments have been thoughtfully updated while retaining their original charm. Renovated units often feature modern amenities such as stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops, and updated bathrooms with marble floors and contemporary fixtures. Hardwood floors are common throughout, and some units boast crown molding in living areas and bedrooms. Large windows in many apartments provide ample natural light, with some offering views of the surrounding neighborhood or the building's landscaped courtyard.
Kitchens in The Balfour vary from efficient galley-style to more spacious eat-in configurations, with some featuring windowed layouts. Many units include separate dining areas that can be converted to home offices or additional bedrooms if desired. Storage is often plentiful, with some apartments boasting walk-in closets and built-in shelving. Air conditioning units are typically provided, and some apartments have been updated with 220V electric lines to support larger cooling systems.
Full-service living with modern conveniences and outdoor spaces
The Balfour offers a comprehensive suite of amenities designed to enhance residents' daily lives. A 24-hour doorman provides security and assistance, while a live-in superintendent ensures prompt attention to building maintenance. The recently renovated lobby and hallways create a welcoming atmosphere for residents and guests alike.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the state-of-the-art gym equipped with modern exercise machines and free weights. For those who prefer outdoor activities, the beautifully landscaped garden and patio area provide a serene retreat, complete with tables and chairs for relaxation or al fresco dining. The building also features a private dog run, a unique amenity for pet owners.
Practical amenities include three recently renovated laundry rooms with new machines, eliminating the need for in-unit laundry facilities. A bike room and storage room offer additional space for residents' belongings. For those with vehicles, an indoor garage is available, though there may be a waiting list for spaces.
The Balfour keeps pace with modern technology, offering high-speed internet options including Verizon Fios, Spectrum, and RCN. The building has also undergone recent improvements, including the installation of new elevators, roof resurfacing, and extensive waterproofing to ensure long-term structural integrity.
A vibrant community with diverse dining, shopping, and green spaces
Forest Hills is a lively Queens neighborhood that seamlessly blends urban convenience with suburban charm. The area surrounding The Balfour is rich in amenities, offering residents a diverse array of dining, shopping, and recreational options within easy reach.
Austin Street, the neighborhood's main commercial thoroughfare, is a short walk from The Balfour. This bustling street offers a variety of shopping and dining options. Residents can enjoy a variety of cuisines, from the Korean-inspired offerings at Oh K-Dog to the classic American fare at Shake Shack. For those who prefer cooking at home, several grocery options are nearby, including Foodtown of Forest Hills and SS Natural Market, both about a five-minute walk from the building.
The neighborhood is also known for its abundance of green spaces. Willow Lake Playground, just a quarter-mile away, offers basketball courts and play areas for children. Other nearby parks include MacDonald Park and Yellowstone Municipal Park, providing additional outdoor recreation opportunities.
Education is a priority in Forest Hills, with several well-regarded schools in the vicinity. PS 196 Grand Central Parkway, an elementary school with an excellent reputation, is just a five-minute walk from The Balfour. For older students, Forest Hills High School and Stephen A. Halsey JHS 157 are both within a short drive.
The neighborhood has a rich history and continues to be a vibrant and desirable area for residents of all ages.
Excellent connectivity to Manhattan and beyond
The Balfour's location in Forest Hills provides residents with exceptional transportation options, making commutes and city exploration effortless. The building is ideally situated near multiple subway lines and bus routes, offering quick and convenient access to various parts of New York City.
Just a five-minute walk from The Balfour is the 75 Avenue subway station, served by the E and F lines. These express trains provide rapid transit to Midtown Manhattan. For even more transit options, the Forest Hills-71 Avenue station is about a 10-minute walk away. This major hub is served by the E, F, M, and R trains, offering additional flexibility for commuters and weekend travelers alike.
Bus service in the area is robust. Several bus stops are located near The Balfour, including ones on Queens Boulevard and 75th Avenue. These routes provide connections to various parts of Queens and Manhattan.
For those traveling beyond New York City, the Forest Hills LIRR station is approximately a 10-minute walk from The Balfour. This station is served by several Long Island Rail Road lines, including the Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, and Oyster Bay branches, providing quick access to Long Island and connecting to Penn Station in Manhattan.
Residents with cars will find The Balfour's location advantageous as well. The building is near major thoroughfares like Queens Boulevard and the Grand Central Parkway, facilitating easy drives to other parts of Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island. For air travel, LaGuardia Airport is about a 10-minute drive, while John F. Kennedy International Airport is approximately an 8-mile drive, making The Balfour an excellent choice for frequent flyers.
The neighborhood's high walkability means that many daily errands and activities can be accomplished on foot, reducing the need for frequent use of public transportation or personal vehicles. This pedestrian-friendly environment, combined with the excellent public transit options, makes The Balfour an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between city accessibility and residential comfort.
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Area Factors
Low Crime
Crime Score®
2/ 10
Bikeable
Bike Score®
58/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
93/ 100
Rider's Paradise
Transit Score®
100/ 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
Willow Lake Playground
4 min walk
Basketball
Playground
Hawthorne Park Forest Hills
8 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
MacDonald Park
11 min walk
Multi-Purpose Field
Yellowstone Municipal Park
3 min drive
Russell Sage Playground
3 min drive
Vleigh Playground
3 min drive
Judge Moses Weinstein Playground
3 min drive
Kew Gardens Cinema Park
5 min drive
Albert H. Mauro Playground
5 min drive
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.
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Disclaimer: Please note that this building may not be in these schools' attendance zones.
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