Why Live in Rockaway Beach
Rockaway Beach in Queens, New York City, is a lively waterfront neighborhood between Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It features five miles of sandy coastline, attracting sunbathers and surfers year-round. The community blends long-standing multicultural residents with young creative professionals. Homes often provide quick access to both ocean and bay beaches, with the neighborhood spanning just four blocks wide, making most amenities and attractions easily walkable. The recently reconstructed boardwalk is a hub for cyclists, joggers, and pedestrians, featuring designated areas for swimming and surfing. Key attractions include Rockaway Skate Park, Rockaway Beach Amphitheater, and Shore Front Parkway Adventure Course, which host events throughout the year. Pier 8 fishing dock, Rockaway Freeway Dog Run, and Hammels Playground are also popular spots.
Rockaway Beach Boulevard, known as Restaurant Row, offers diverse dining options such as Uma’s and Smoke & Barrel, while seasonal spots like Rippers and La Cevicheria cater to beachgoers. Housing styles vary from detached Saltbox-style homes to semi-detached postwar properties and condos in high-rises with water-facing balconies. Recent townhome developments near the beach are also available.
The area has been fortified against storm surges following Superstorm Sandy, with many homes elevated on pylons. Education options include the highly rated Waterside Children's Studio School and Channel View School for Research. The neighborhood is well-connected, with the Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge linking to the Belt Parkway and the A Subway providing access to Lower Manhattan. In the summer, a free shuttle connects the beach to the 108th Street Ferry dock for direct service to Wall Street.
