$535,303Average Value$444Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
A Jamaica Bay island that connects mainland Queens and Rockaway Beach
Broad Channel stands out from the typical New York City neighborhood. Rather than the hustle of urban city life, residents enjoy the tranquility of the Jamaican Bay as its only neighbor. Located on an island in south Queens, Broad Channel is a small community that connects mainland Queens to Rockaway Beach via two north-south bridges. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge covers over half of the island, while residential streets dominate much of the southern portion. Locals enjoy a relaxed, coastal atmosphere, but the trade-off is extreme flood risk. After Hurricane Sandy devastated the area in 2012, many of the island’s houses were rebuilt and elevated. The city is still undergoing efforts to reinforce the existing infrastructure and minimize the impact of future storms.
Locals enjoy waterfront living and an abundance of green space
Operated by the United States National Park Service, the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge is over 12,000 acres in size. Residents and nature lovers head here, armed with bug spray and sunscreen, to go birding and walk trails along the East and West Ponds. The Broad Channel Athletic Club sits at the bottom of the refuge and hosts several children’s sports leagues like soccer and softball. Families frequent two playgrounds: the nautical-themed Gene Gray Playground or ocean-themed jungle gym at Broad Channel Park. The latter also has basketball and tennis courts. For more immersive nature, locals have Sunset Cove Park and Broad Channel American Park, both popular fishing spots at the southern tip of the island. It’s also a go-to for spectacular, waterfront sunsets and skyline views. Residents can reach the iconic Rockaway Beach and boardwalk in just a few minutes by car.
Elevated, single-family houses attempt to mitigate the area’s high flood risk
The island has two residential areas. A traditional, gridded neighborhood can be found between 6th Street and 9th Street, while the next 10 blocks are narrow, dead-end streets separated by canals. In both sectors, residents live in single-family houses, many of them raised, vinyl-clad Craftsman cottages or shingled Cape Cods. Nestled on small lots, most houses have an American flag hanging in the front and decks located in the back, especially those on the water. Houses in need of repair can sell for as low as $230,000, while a new, turn-key property can list for $990,000. The median price for a single-family house is $549,000.
A few favorites on the island, plus more restaurants and shops nearby
There’s very little commerce in Broad Channel. The only thoroughfare, Cross Bay Boulevard, has a deli, ice cream shop, pizzeria and a few small markets. All American Bagel & Barista II is a popular stop-over for those heading to Rockaway Beach, while Adrienne's NYC is considered a hidden gem: The beachy, design-forward eatery serves Italian dishes and craft cocktails inside and on its bayfront deck. There are more options off the island. In Howard Beach, Cross Bay Boulevard is lined with cafes, Italian restaurants and a Stop & Shop. A little farther away, the Gateway Center shopping mall in East New York has retail shops, chain restaurants and supermarkets. There are also plenty of local eateries and bars, plus a CVS and a Key Food, nearby in Rockaway Beach.
A rebuilt elementary and middle school serves the island
Broad Channel’s youngest learners can begin their studies at P.S./M.S. 47 Chris Galas School, which earns a B from Niche and serves prekindergarten through eighth grade. The new campus replaced the original, which suffered damages from Hurricane Sandy, and welcomed students for the 2023 school year. The four-story building has solar panels, a library with views of Jamaica Bay and a gymnasium, plus a bicycle storage room for students who bike to school. In Rockaway Beach, several high schools make up one superblock, including the B-minus-rated Channel View School for Research.
Residents rely on cars, buses and trains
Most residents rely on cars for travel, reaching Rockaway Beach via the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge or mainland Queens via the North Channel Bridge. John F. Kennedy International Airport is less than 7 miles away. Despite its unique location on an island, Broad Channel is still serviced by the subway: locals can take the A and S lines from the Broad Channel station along West Road. Several local and express bus routes run through the area, as well.
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
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Arlene Weil,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
Rockaway Freeway Dog Park
Dog Park
Brant Point Wildlife Sanctuary
Hamilton Park (Gateway National Recreation Area)
Broad Channel Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Tennis
Transit
Airport
John F Kennedy International
15 min drive
Subway
Broad Channel
Bus
Cross Bay Bl & E 16 Rd
Bus
Cross Bay Bl & Wildlife Refuge
Bus
Cross Bay Bl & W 17 Rd
Bus
Cross Bay Bl & Noel Rd
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Broad Channel
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Broad Channel, Queens sell after 100 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Broad Channel, Queens over the last 12 months is $488,833, down 10% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This unique commercial property is currently operating as a funeral home and offers exceptional potential for a variety of future uses. The building features two spacious viewing rooms, a private office, and two lavatories, and was fully renovated approximately six years ago. With its flexible layout it could possibly be converted into a one- or two-family home, or repurposed as a professional
Waterfront Living in Broad Channel, QueensDiscover the charm and versatility of this legal two-family home, currently enjoyed as a spacious one-family retreat, nestled along the canals of Jamaica Bay in Broad Channel. With a rare reverse floor plan and stunning water views, this home offers a lifestyle that’s both relaxed and ready for adventure.On the main level, you’ll find a private
Newly Renovated 3-Bedroom Home in Broad Channel, Queens. Whether you are looking for a starter home or your forever home, this property offers everything you could possibly search for. This beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom raised home at 803 Cross Bay Boulevard combines comfort, style, and efficiency. With extensive recent renovations, this property is ready
Welcome to 22 W 16th Road in the tight knit community of Board Channel. This two to three bedroom, two bath duplex home is in great condition and has beautiful views of the canal and bay. On the first floor, the house has a huge living room / dining room, huge eat-in kitchen with laundry closet, full bathroom, along with two more rooms that can serve as bedrooms or be used however you'd like.
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Arlene Weil,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,368
Median Age
46
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
21.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$94,982
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$118,136
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
88.7%
College Graduates
36.2%
Advanced Degrees
16.5%
On par with the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
57.3%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
21''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
52/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
9/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
67/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
