Why Live in Bayswater
Bayswater, Queens, is a quiet, waterfront enclave on the northeastern edge of the Rockaway Peninsula, offering a rare suburban lifestyle within New York City. Set along the calm waters of Jamaica Bay, the neighborhood is known for salt‑air breezes, tree‑lined streets and an eclectic mix of Victorian estates, mid‑century colonials and detached prewar homes on unusually large lots for Queens. With few commercial corridors and minimal foot traffic, Bayswater feels intentionally tucked away, appealing to residents who value privacy, space and a strong sense of community. The housing market is dominated by single-family and small multi-family homes, with ownership far outweighing rentals, making it especially attractive to long-term homeowners, families and retirees. Typical single-family homes range from roughly $600,000 to $900,000, while renovated or waterfront properties often exceed $1 million; limited condos and co-ops along Beach Channel Drive provide more affordable entry points when available. While dining and shopping options within the neighborhood are modest, residents enjoy local favorites like Bayhouse Waterfront Bar & Grille and rely on nearby Far Rockaway and Nassau County’s Five Towns for broader retail access. Outdoor recreation is a defining feature of life in Bayswater, with Bayswater Point State Park offering peaceful trails, birdwatching, fishing and bayfront sunsets, while nearby Bayswater Park provides sports fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and kayak launches. Rockaway Beach’s boardwalk and oceanfront amenities are just minutes away. Commuting typically involves buses connecting to the A train, resulting in longer travel times to Manhattan, though the Long Island Rail Road offers a faster alternative for some residents. While coastal flood risk is an important consideration, Bayswater remains one of Queens’ most distinctive neighborhoods for those seeking waterfront tranquility, space and a slower pace of city living.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bayswater a good place to live?
Bayswater is a good place to live. Bayswater is considered car-dependent and bikeable with good transit options. Bayswater has 6 parks for recreational activities. It is very dense in population with 15.3 people per acre and a median age of 34. The average household income is $137,628 which is above the national average. College graduates make up 42.1% of residents. A majority of residents in Bayswater are home owners, with 41.4% of residents renting and 58.6% of residents owning their home. A
local real estate agent serving Bayswater can help you decide if this neighborhood is the right one for you. Learn more on our
Bayswater neighborhood guide.
Is Bayswater, NY a safe neighborhood?
Bayswater, NY is safer than the average neighborhood in the United States. It received a crime score of 3 out of 10.
How much do you need to make to afford a house in Bayswater?
The median home price in Bayswater is $695,000. If you put a 20% down payment of $139,000 and had a 30-year fixed mortgage with an interest rate of 6.11%, your estimated principal and interest payment would be $3,370 a month plus property taxes, HOA fees, home insurance, PMI, and utilities. Using the 28% rule, you would need to make at least $144K a year to afford the median home price in Bayswater. Learn how much home you can afford with our
Home Affordability Calculator. The average household income in Bayswater is $138K.
What are the best public schools in Bayswater?
The best public schools that serve Bayswater are:
What are the best private schools in Bayswater?
The best private schools that serve Bayswater are:
What are the most popular zip codes in Bayswater, Queens, NY?
What are the most popular neighborhoods near Bayswater, Queens, NY?
Are home prices dropping in Bayswater?
Yes, home prices in Bayswater are down 12% in the last 12 months.
Home Trends in Bayswater, NY
On average, homes in Bayswater, Queens sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Bayswater, Queens over the last 12 months is $660,000, down 14% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Median Sale Price
$660,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$662,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$458
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$695,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-14%