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Belle Harbor

Belle Harbor

4.8
$1,170,441 Average Value
$534 Average Price per Sq Ft
14 Homes For Sale

Miniature suburb set in the Rockaways

In the middle of the Rockaways, the beachy Queens peninsula below JFK Airport and Jamaica Bay, sits Belle Harbor. This 1-mile-long neighborhood has the quiet streets and green lawns of a compact suburb, augmented with public transit options and ocean access that helps residents unplug from New York City’s congestion. “It’s one of the few neighborhoods where kids are still playing basketball in the street, riding their bikes and going to friends’ houses,” says Kelly Neinast, who grew up in the Rockaways and has been living and selling real estate there for over 20 years. “People used to look at the Rockaways as a day-trip place, but a lot of people are coming to buy their forever house here.”

The quaint neighborhood of Belle Harbor features a coastal downtown area with retail and dining.
The quaint neighborhood of Belle Harbor features a coastal downtown area with retail and dining.
Beaches in Belle Harbor are uncongested and laid-back.
Beaches in Belle Harbor are uncongested and laid-back.
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New York City’s largest beach

On the south side of Belle Harbor is Rockaway Beach, a sandy shore that’s open all year and has lifeguards stationed during the summer. The beach in Belle Harbor is less crowded than in Rockaway Park to the east, where the boardwalk has food vendors and designated surfing areas. About 2 miles west, Jacob Riis Park is another beach option that also has a par-3 golf course.

Jacob Riis Park is only a short drive away from Belle Harbor, offering pristine beaches.
Jacob Riis Park is only a short drive away from Belle Harbor, offering pristine beaches.
Stroll along Belle Harbor Beach just south of the downtown area.
Stroll along Belle Harbor Beach just south of the downtown area.
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Diverse colonials, co-ops under $500,000 and ocean mansions

Belle Harbor’s largely residential streets are lined with single-family homes that create a diverse suburban atmosphere, thanks to their varying sizes. “It’s not a very uniform neighborhood,” Neinast says, “so you could have one house on a 30-foot by 100-foot lot across from one on an 80-foot by 100-foot lot.” According to Neinast, the many prewar and mid-century colonials aren’t getting knocked down, so most new houses were built during the renovations that followed Hurricane Sandy in 2012. House prices range from $900,000 to $1.5 million, and can go into the multimillions for modern waterfront estates. Rockaway Beach Boulevard, which runs through the middle of Belle Harbor, has mid-century co-op buildings with units ranging from $200,000 to $400,000. Condo buildings around this street have units priced from $250,000 to $400,000

Belle Harbor offers quiet suburban living in NYC.
Belle Harbor offers quiet suburban living in NYC.
Residents in Belle Harbor enjoy outdoor terraces perfect for evening sunsets.
Residents in Belle Harbor enjoy outdoor terraces perfect for evening sunsets.
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Global cuisine with outdoor seating in the summer

The one-block stretch of Beach 129th Street between Cronston Avenue and Newport Avenue hosts most of Belle Harbor’s dining and shopping. Restaurants serve a variety of upscale pub food, Mexican, Italian and New American, covering many cuisines in a tiny area. In the summer, some eateries have outdoor seating, too. Belle Harbor Foods is convenient for small grocery trips, and the Stop & Shop in neighboring Rockaway Park is preferred for larger hauls.

Stop by for a sweet treat at Ciro's Pastry Shop in Belle Harbor.
Stop by for a sweet treat at Ciro's Pastry Shop in Belle Harbor.
A mini mall sits in the heart of downtown Belle Harbor.
A mini mall sits in the heart of downtown Belle Harbor.
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Boats and express buses to Manhattan

The QM16 express bus on Rockaway Beach Boulevard reaches Midtown in about 1 hour. Neighboring Rockaway Park also has an A train and a ferry that goes to Pier 11 near Wall Street — both also take around 1 hour. “Of my friends who work in the city, 50 percent of them use the ferry,” Neinast says.

Above average local schools

For preschool through eighth grade, local students can attend P.S. 114, which has a B-plus grade from Niche. Next door, Rockaway Beach has options for older students. The Scholars’ Academy teaches grades sixth through 12th and has an A grade, and Rockaway Collegiate teaches ninth through 12th and has a C-plus grade. The neighborhood also has private schools, including the St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy and the Yeshiva Mercaz HaTorah of Belle Harbor.

The Belle Harbor School is a hub of educational excellence.
The Belle Harbor School is a hub of educational excellence.
St. Francis De Sales Catholic Academy is known for its academic excellence near Belle Harbor.
St. Francis De Sales Catholic Academy is known for its academic excellence near Belle Harbor.
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Starting St. Patrick’s Day early

Since 1975, the Rockaways St. Patrick’s Day parade has kicked off on the first Saturday in March in Belle Harbor on Newport Avenue at Beach 129th Street. It’s also the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. While Belle Harbor doesn’t have any official beach events, the summer always brings an influx of crowds.

Located in a flood area

According to First Street, a nonprofit organization that gathers climate data, 99% of properties in Belle Harbor are currently at risk of being flooded. Following Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which destroyed a number of homes in the neighborhood, the city added infrastructure to reduce the risks from future storms. “The boardwalk is all cement now, and they built dunes on the beach to prevent water from infiltrating,” Neinast says.

Enjoy iconic views of the Manhattan skyline at Jamaica Bay Shoreline Park in Belle Harbor.
Enjoy iconic views of the Manhattan skyline at Jamaica Bay Shoreline Park in Belle Harbor.
The sparking Atlantic Ocean is a sight to take in from Belle Harbor.
The sparking Atlantic Ocean is a sight to take in from Belle Harbor.
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Nicolas Dobija-Nootens
Written By
Nicolas Dobija-Nootens
Johnny Milano
Photography Contributed By
Johnny Milano
Chris Freeman
Video By
Chris Freeman

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

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

John F Kennedy International

25 min drive

Bus

Newport Av & Beach 128 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 129 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Blvd & B. 135th St

Bus

Newport Av & Beach 130 St

Bus

Newport Av & Beach 139 St

Bus

Newport Av & Beach 126 St

Bus

Rockaway Beach Bl & Beach 137 St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
4.8 2 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
6/5/2025 Niche Review
Very safe community. Close to Manhattan. Lots of places to eat. Good public schools, some elementary-middle schools but some middle-high schools farther away.
Are you familiar with the Belle Harbor neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Belle Harbor US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 2 4
Burglary 3 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 2 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
266
Number of Homes for Sale
14
Median Year Built
1940
Months of Supply
6.00
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,400
Significantly below the national average
1,932
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
5,460
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,599
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
787
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
6,098

Open Houses

  • Sunday, May 17
    1 - 3pm

    533 Beach 130th St, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

    $1,249,000

    • 6 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,389 Sq Ft
    • 533 Beach 130th St
    • New 1 day ago

    Amazing opportunity for a Queen Anne style home in Belle Harbor. This large one family triplex has 6 bedrooms and 2 full baths.As you enter this home there is a large living room with a wood burning fireplace that flow perfectly into the dining room. Beautiful hardwood floors that glisten throughout, stained glass and some original detail. Home has very high ceilings for a grand appearance

    Lee Wasserman Bergen Basin Realty LLC

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  • Sunday, May 17
    12 - 2pm

    517 Beach 129th St, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

    $939,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,500 Sq Ft
    • 517 Beach 129th St

    Welcome to 517 Beach 129th Street in the heart of Belle Harbor, Rockaway Beach. This beautifully redone, recently updated home offers the perfect blend of modern comfort and coastal charm. Featuring three spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms, the layout is ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. Enjoy year-round comfort with central air conditioning and luxurious radiant heated

    Annette Farina Belle Harbor Realty

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  • Sunday, May 17
    2:30 - 4pm

    208 Beach 124th St Unit 6, Rockaway Park, NY 11694

    $769,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,282 Sq Ft
    • 208 Beach 124th St
    • Unit 6

    Get ready for summer where sunrise beach walks meet sunset rooftop views. Redefine Rockaway living in this 3 bedroom 3 bath condo with garage and private driveway, balcony and rooftop deck. A beautifully updated kitchen showcases sleek cabinetry, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a striking mosaic backsplash, and a breakfast bar ideal for effortless entertaining. Rich hardwood

    Barbara Ferguson ROCKAWAY PROPERTIES

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
2
Median Rent
$2,550
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,200
Median 2 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,200
Median Condo Rent
$3,000
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$3,000

Demographics

Total Population
6,853
Median Age
47
Population Density
20 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.8%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.9%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$113,376
Significantly above the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$134,908

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
93.4%
College Graduates
58.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
27.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.3%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
21''

Area Factors

Moderately friendly

Bikeability®

70 / 100

Moderately friendly

Walkability®

60 / 100

Fairly friendly

Transit®

50 / 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic

Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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
Belle Harbor
Colleen Brady
Rockaway Properties
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