$585,864Average Value$414Average Price per Sq Ft13Homes 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
Are you familiar with the Broad Channel neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Broad Channel
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Broad Channel Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Broad Channel, Queens sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Broad Channel, Queens over the last 12 months is $560,000, up 29% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to this stunning waterfront home offering breathtaking views and modern living. This beautifully designed property features multiple balconies and expansive outdoor decks, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying serene sunsets by the water. The open-concept interior boasts a bright and airy layout with sleek finishes, recessed lighting, and elegant wood-style flooring. The spacious
Welcome to 27 West 11th Road in Broad Channel. This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath gem sits right on the canal. Inside, you’ll find oak floors throughout, a cozy layout, and an updated kitchen that leads straight out to your private back deck overlooking the water — perfect for morning coffee or sunset dinners. This home is energy-efficient from top to bottom, featuring electric heating
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
This property is currently an operating Funeral home with 2 viewing rooms, an office and 2 lavatories. Totally renovated approx. 6 years ago. Possibly converted to a 1 or 2 family residential home. This property would be Ideal for a professional office, grocery store or House of Worship. Owner makes no representation as to the legal use and occupancy of the premises & buyer should do their due
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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.
