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Far Rockaway

Far Rockaway

Urban Core Neighborhood in Queens, New York

Queens County 11559 , 11691
3.4
$1,022,844 Average Value
$522 Average Price per Sq Ft
36 Homes For Sale

A breezy oceanfront neighborhood with residential streets

Far Rockaway is tucked away in the easternmost section of the Rockaways, just 4 miles from Rockaway Beach's namesake 4-star hotel and beachside tiki bar. The Rockaway Beach Boardwalk circumscribes the two-square-mile area of mainly residential streets, occasionally interspersed with public schools, hospitals, daycares, yeshivas and synagogues. Because of its proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport, a handful of hotels and restaurants cater to airline staff and passengers. A calm, breezy ocean air floats through Far Rockaway, like liquid velvet washing over golden grains of sand. Residents here enjoy the tranquil beach life: fishing in Jamaica Bay, taking a cold plunge with the New York Dippers Club, and, on occasion, learning to surf at one of the area's many schools. “Far Rockway is a rapidly growing community,” says Melissa Carrington, broker-owner with RE/MAX Elite and Rockaways native. “There’s good opportunity to get in on the ground floor.”

Far Rockaway has sprinkling of colorful houses in the neighborhood.
Far Rockaway has sprinkling of colorful houses in the neighborhood.
Fishing along the beach is popular among residents and visitors to Far Rockaway.
Fishing along the beach is popular among residents and visitors to Far Rockaway.
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Single- and multi-family homes, including Craftsman bungalows

There are a variety of home styles here, mainly made up of attached multi-family properties and standalone single-family homes, with a few condos scattered throughout. The Bungalow Historic District runs along Beach 24th-26th Streets from the boardwalk to Seagirt Avenue. Quaint Craftsman and Cape-style bungalows line these sandy, beachside streets with two- to three-bedroom homes starting at $550,000. On the neighborhood's north side, toward the city and near Jamaica Bay, prewar Victorians on good-sized plots start at $850,000. Tall brick co-op buildings with two-bedroom apartments and wide open views start at $500,000. The area is slowly changing as new high-rise condo developments, like 20-50 Nameoke, top out along the shoreline and offer two-bedroom condos starting at $600,000.

Far Rockaway is a neighborhood on the eastern part of the Rockaway peninsula in Queen, NY.
Far Rockaway is a neighborhood on the eastern part of the Rockaway peninsula in Queen, NY.
Many families and young professionals live in Far Rockaway.
Many families and young professionals live in Far Rockaway.
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How Far Rockaway emerged as a year-round residential neighborhood

At the turn of the last century, Far Rockaway was the summer destination, drawing 48,000 visitors to its oasis away from the city. There, socialites would sunbathe at glamorous beachfront hotels, and celebrities would "summer" in their seasonal home away from home. However, this golden era was short-lived, as the advent of air travel cast a shadow over Far Rockaway's heyday. Over the subsequent half-century, the area faced a decline characterized by high crime rates, misguided urban renewal efforts, and the closure of a Long Island Rail Road train stop. The neighborhood languished, falling into a state of disrepair. Yet over the years, developers constructed large multifamily homes as a draw to the area. More recently, a $139 million infrastructure project breathed fresh life into the area. Streets, curbs, and sidewalks were rebuilt, enhancing mobility and creating a more inviting environment. New housing options emerged, and stormwater management received a much-needed boost.

Far Rockaway is ranked #181 of 227 best neighborhoods to raise a family in New York City.
Far Rockaway is ranked #181 of 227 best neighborhoods to raise a family in New York City.
Far Rockaway is located in Queens Community District 14.
Far Rockaway is located in Queens Community District 14.
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The Atlantic Ocean at Rockaway Beach

A few pocket parks can be found inland, but the main draw of Far Rockaway is the Atlantic Ocean, which is skirted by a boardwalk that runs almost the length of the peninsula all the way west to 125th Street. In Far Rockaway, Rockaway Beach Boardwalk is augmented by greenspace bookended west and east by the Beach 30th Street and Beach 9th Street Playgrounds with O'Donohue Park in the middle.

Stroll along miles of oceanfront walkway along the Atlantic Ocean in Far Rockaway.
Stroll along miles of oceanfront walkway along the Atlantic Ocean in Far Rockaway.
Far Rockaway Beach is enjoyed by many residents year round.
Far Rockaway Beach is enjoyed by many residents year round.
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A few gems peppered throughout, including DredSurfer Grill

While there aren't many restaurants here, there are a few local gems. Caribbean restaurant DredSurfer Grill is right on the boardwalk and was featured in the New York Times "Grub Street" column as one of the best in all the Rockaways. Edgemere Farm, a volunteer-run half-acre urban farm a few blocks west of Far Rockaway on 45th Street, was established in the wake of Hurricane Sandy and, on a seasonal basis, sells produce and eggs every weekend. Chains like McDonald's and Taco Bell are sporadically located along the outskirts of the neighborhood. For groceries, there are many options, including Key Foods, Shop Fair and City Market.

Shop Fair of Beach Channel features fresh produce and a one stop shop for groceries.
Shop Fair of Beach Channel features fresh produce and a one stop shop for groceries.
The Dredsurfer Grill is a West Indian restaurant with outdoor seating in Far Rockaway, NY.
The Dredsurfer Grill is a West Indian restaurant with outdoor seating in Far Rockaway, NY.
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Private yeshivas and B-rated public schools, including Academy of Medical Technology

Far Rockaway is home to a diverse range of public, private and secular schools. P.S. 197 The Ocean School educates grades pre-K through 5 and has a B rating on Niche for its above-average academics. Combined middle and high school, the Academy of Medical Technology offers a curriculum that prepares students for careers in healthcare and has a B rating on Niche.

The Academy of Medical Technology serves students in grades 6-12 in Far Rockaway, NY.
The Academy of Medical Technology serves students in grades 6-12 in Far Rockaway, NY.
The school is in session and the educational canvas beacons with pastel colors.
The school is in session and the educational canvas beacons with pastel colors.
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Two public transit options: the LIRR to Penn Station

Far Rockaway has two reliable public transit options: the A train at Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue station and the LIRR at Far Rockaway station to Penn Station. Either way, both take about an hour and 20 minutes from start to end. Give or take, JFK airport is approximately a 6-and-a-half-mile drive away.

Far Rockaway residents can hop on the A Train to get to points in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Far Rockaway residents can hop on the A Train to get to points in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Some Far Rockaway residents find it easier to take public transportation to get to JFK Airport.
Some Far Rockaway residents find it easier to take public transportation to get to JFK Airport.
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Gabrielle Golenda
Written By
Gabrielle Golenda
Perez Folds
Photography Contributed By
Perez Folds
Zoe Sarris
Video By
Zoe Sarris

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

20 min drive

Subway

Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue

Subway

Beach 25 Street

Train

Far Rockaway Station

Bus

Seagirt Blvd & Crest Rd

Bus

Cornaga Av & B 19

Bus

Seagirt Blvd & Beach 14 St

Bus

Seagirt Bl & Beach 31 St

Bus

Central Av & Virginia St

Bus

Beach 19 St & Seagirt Blvd

Bus

Beach Channel Dr & Nameoke St

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 65 Reviews
2.0 Current Resident
7/31/2025 Niche Review
The area is 50/50. The houses and apartments are nice, the beach is nearby, good schools and shops. The area could be a bit dangerous, it's messy, and sometimes underdeveloped.
5.0 Current Resident
11/6/2018 Niche Review
The Jewish community here is utopian. Everybody is so friendly, warm, and welcoming, and family oriented. Its the kind of place that your kids can play in the street and you don't need to worry. Never had a problem with parking, and my location in Far Rockaway has minimal crime.
3.0 Current Resident
5/23/2017 Niche Review
It is challenging to grow in a town that everyone is either mad, upset, or depressed. In a cycle of a working class society, but it is also a great experience but you see the heart and dedication coming out the hardest tribulations.
3.0 Current Resident
5/22/2020 Niche Review
I've lived in Far Rockaway for all my life. My community is very small and quiet, along with many outdoor sights to enjoy such as a bay where people go fishing, the beach, a long beautiful boardwalk, and many parks. However, with the vast amount of young people in Far Rockaway, there is no nightly entertainment.
Are you familiar with the Far Rockaway neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
575
Number of Homes for Sale
36
Median Year Built
1950
Months of Supply
12.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,884
On par with the national average
1,933
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,017
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
997
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
817
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
685
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

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 Renters

Rental Home Trends

Number of Homes for Rent
11
Median Rent
$3,000
Median Single Family Home Rent
$2,637
Median 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Rent
$3,373
Median Townhouse Rent
$3,000
Median 3 Bedroom Townhouse Rent
$3,000
Median Condo Rent
$3,300
Median 2 Bedroom Condo Rent
$2,900

Demographics

Total Population
47,613
Median Age
37
Population Density
46 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
19.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$48,475
Significantly below the national average
$79,597
Average Household Income
$73,759

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
78.9%
Below the national average
89%
College Graduates
27.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
12%
% Population in Labor Force
59.8%

Weather

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

Area Factors

Moderately bikeable

Bikeability®

60 / 100

Exceptionally walkable

Walkability®

90 / 100

Good public transit

Transit®

70 / 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
Far Rockaway