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Rockaway Beach

Rockaway Beach

Neighborhood in Queens, New York

Queens County 11693, 11694

$556,602 Average Value
$520 Average Price per Sq Ft
12 Homes For Sale

Centrally-located Rockaway neighborhood with coastal living

Situated in the middle of the Rockaway cape between Jamica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, Rockaway Beach is one of New York City’s main waterfront neighborhoods. Five miles of sandy coastline draw in sunbathers during the summer and avid surfers throughout the year. In recent years, the area’s long-rooted multicultural community has welcomed a new crop of young creative professionals moving in from other parts of the city and even Long Island. Most residents live in homes with direct ocean or bay beach access. “This section of the peninsula is only four blocks wide. Most amenities and attractions are within walking distance,” says Melissa Carrington, a broker with RE/MAX Elite and resident of nearby Neponsit.

Some homes and restaurants are on the water in Rockaway Beach.
Some homes and restaurants are on the water in Rockaway Beach.
Rockaway Beach has lots of surfers in the neighborhood.
Rockaway Beach has lots of surfers in the neighborhood.
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One of New York City’s main beaches and a surfer’s paradise

“It’s a beach town with the grit and edginess of the city but also open skies and fresh saltwater air,” says Carrington. “You see people in wetsuits riding their bikes along the boardwalk and carrying their boards with one arm, even in snowy weather. Waves are better in winter.” Abutting the beach, the recently reconstructed boardwalk is a hive of activity accommodating cyclists, joggers and pedestrians. Jetties section of areas for swimming and others for surfing. Rockaway Skate Park, Rockaway Beach Amphitheater and the Shore Front Parkway Adventure Course host events throughout the spring and summer but are open all year long. Close to the bay, there’s the Pier 8 fishing dock, the Rockaway Freeway Dog Run and Hammels Playground.

The Rockaway Amphitheater is a standout in Rockaway Beach featuring geometric architecture.
The Rockaway Amphitheater is a standout in Rockaway Beach featuring geometric architecture.
Rockaway Beach residents are always ready to surf.
Rockaway Beach residents are always ready to surf.
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Restaurant Row and seasonal beachside eateries

A short stretch of Rockaway Beach Boulevard is locally known as Restaurant Row and has an eclectic array of establishments like Central Asian mainstay Uma’s and popular barbeque joint Smoke & Barrel. A shopping center with a Key Food grocery store and Family Dollar covers the essentials. A number of seasonal hot spots like burger and hot dog go-to Rippers line the boardwalk. Peruvian seafood counter La Cevicheria stays open in the fall and winter as well. Boarders Surf Shop is an important resource for Rockaway Beach’s thriving surf scene.

Uma of Rockaway Beach has an extensive menu.
Uma of Rockaway Beach has an extensive menu.
Boarder's is a family-own business of Rockaway locals who know the surfs of Rockaway Beach.
Boarder's is a family-own business of Rockaway locals who know the surfs of Rockaway Beach.
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Detached Saltbox-style houses and high-rise condos

Though mostly a commercial area, there’s a wide variety of homes on offer in Rockaway Beach. Quiet side streets are filled with detached Saltbox-style single-family and multifamily homes selling for between $650,000 and $850,000. A few semi-detached postwar properties start at $550,000. While condos in postwar high-rises with water-facing balconies hover around the $350,000 mark, more recent townhome-style developments near the beach have units priced closer to $600,000.

A row of saltbox cape cod homes,  seen across Rockaway Beach along smaller rural streets.
A row of saltbox cape cod homes, seen across Rockaway Beach along smaller rural streets.
Ocean Breeze in Rockaway Beach features private parking and great views of the shore.
Ocean Breeze in Rockaway Beach features private parking and great views of the shore.
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Hurricane Sandy and flood insurance

Much of the original wooden Rockaway Boardwalk washed away during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The Army Corps of Engineers spent years rebuilding and securing this infrastructure. It now also serves as a sea wall, protecting homes from potential storm surges coming off the ocean. Many homeowners have opted to raise their properties and pour higher foundations. New buildings must sit on pylons at least 10 to 12 feet high. All of Rockaway Peninsula is in a flood zone with subsections rated between X and A based on risk. This rubric informs the cost of mandatory annual insurance.

Newer homes are built higher of the ground to prevent flooding.
Newer homes are built higher of the ground to prevent flooding.
Rockaway Beach is a neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, NY.
Rockaway Beach is a neighborhood on the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens, NY.
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The Channel View School for Research is in the top 20% of citywide rankings

Students can begin their education at Waterside Children's Studio School in nearby Rockaway Park. With an A-minus rating from Niche, this elementary school has a favorable 11 to 1 student-teacher ratio. With a B-minus score, Channel View School for Research covers grades 6 to 12 and is in the top 20% of citywide high schools according to the New York City Department of Education. Channel View is lauded for its expeditionary learning model. Its students acquire knowledge and skills by investigating real-world problems. There are also parochial schools like St. Rose of Lima Catholic Academy.

Waterside Children's Studio School is a top school in Rockaway Beach.
Waterside Children's Studio School is a top school in Rockaway Beach.
Students are the highest priority at Rockaway Collegiate High School in Rockaway Beach.
Students are the highest priority at Rockaway Collegiate High School in Rockaway Beach.
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Bridge to the Belt Parkway and the A Subway to Manhattan

The Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge connects directly between Rockaway Beach and the Belt Parkway on the other side of Jamaica Bay. The A Subway stops at several stations in the neighborhood and gets residents to Lower Manhattan in an hour. During the summer, there’s a free shuttle from the beach to the 108th Street Ferry dock, which has direct service to Wall Street.

Rockaway Beach residents can take the Cross Bay Bridge to connect o Brooklyn and beyond.
Rockaway Beach residents can take the Cross Bay Bridge to connect o Brooklyn and beyond.
The Rockaway Beach stations between Beach 90 St and 116 St are a short walk from the beach.
The Rockaway Beach stations between Beach 90 St and 116 St are a short walk from the beach.
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Adrian Madlener
Written By
Adrian Madlener
Andrew Sutton
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Andrew Sutton

Agents Specializing in this Area

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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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anna Diaz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John F Kennedy International

21 min drive

Subway

Beach 105 Street

Subway

Beach 98 Street

Subway

Beach 90 Street

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 99 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 105 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 108 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 79 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Cross Bay Pkwy

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 102 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 77 St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Rockaway Beach US
Homicide 5 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 5 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 4 4
Crime Score 5 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$494,000
Median Single Family Price
$525,000
Median Townhouse Price
$325,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$547,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$347,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$520
Number of Homes for Sale
12
Last 12 months Home Sales
50
Months of Supply
2.90
Median List Price
$536,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
13%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
314
Median Year Built
2006
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,062
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,027
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,112
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
668
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
871

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 2:30pm

    355 Dormans Ct, Far Rockaway, NY 11693

    $995,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 800 Sq Ft
    • 355 Dormans Ct
    • New 2 days ago

    This charming 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom home is situated on a spacious 50' x 60' double lot in Rockaway Beach, offering ample room for outdoor activities and future development potential. Recently renovated, the property boasts modern updates throughout, including a fully finished basement perfect for additional space or entertainment. The main floor features an inviting living area, a bright kitchen

    Annette Farina Belle Harbor Realty

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 1:30pm

    144 Beach 93rd St, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

    $1,995,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 144 Beach 93rd St
    • New 5 days ago

    Surf, Sun & Soulful Design in the Heart of Rockaway! Welcome to the breathtaking Wabi Sabi Beach House - a rare coastal retreat just half a block from Rockaway's legendary surf beach and boardwalk. This exquisite home is tucked on a 25x100 ft lot with private parking and surrounded by native edible landscaping. Thoughtfully and uniquely renovated, this house blends beachy ease with

    Olivia Ionescu Corcoran Group

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 1:30pm

    79-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd, Rockaway Beach, NY 11693

    $525,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,273 Sq Ft
    • 79-14 Rockaway Beach Blvd
    • New 17 days ago

    This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bath condo in Rockaway Beach offers stunning ocean views from every window. Enjoy a bright, open floor plan with spacious living areas and ample closet space throughout. The modern kitchen and bathrooms add a touch of luxury, while a private terrace provides the perfect spot to unwind. Additional amenities include parking and in-unit laundry for added

    Nia Casilla ROCKAWAY PROPERTIES

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Anna Diaz, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
16,242
Median Age
47
Population Density
37 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.9%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$54,648
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$73,536

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
84.2%
On par with the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
29.6%
Advanced Degrees
12.7%
% Population in Labor Force
54.1%
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

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

75 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

87 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

87 / 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.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Rockaway Beach