What you can buy for $1 million in Forest Hills
- Housing includes prewar co-ops, post-war condos, new developments, and single-family houses
- The median sale price is around $400,000, with hundreds of listings for less than $1 million
A two-bedroom, one-bath co-op with a private balcony in The Cromwell is on the market for $429,000.
Exp Realty NYC
Have you always wanted to live in Forest Hills but assumed you were priced out? In this new series, Brick looks at listings in New York City’s most in-demand neighborhoods for under $1 million—roughly the median sales price for Manhattan co-ops and condos—as well as higher-priced options below $2.5 million.
If your goal is to live large, think small: Buying a studio or one bedroom is a way to net the nabe of your dreams. New to buying NYC real estate? Be sure to wrap your head around the difference between co-ops and condos. Co-ops are generally less expensive but also are older and have fewer bells and whistles than condos—plus more rules. With that in mind—happy hunting!
In this week’s Your Next Move, Alexander Pereira, a broker at Modern Spaces, and Kayla Lee, a broker at SERHANT, give us the inside story on Forest Hills, a Queens transit hub with historic architecture and a lively cultural scene.
What draws buyers to the neighborhood?
Noting that Forest Hills is a “haven for those seeking a peaceful yet convenient urban lifestyle,” Pereira says that its “excellent schools, lush green spaces like Forest Park, and public transportation” are huge attractions for buyers.
It is the juxtaposition of traditional architecture and new development that attracts homebuyers, Lee says. “It’s a dense New York City enclave with tons of transportation, cafes, restaurants, and stunning Tudor-style homes and tree-lined streets.”
New buyers, Lee adds, are coming from other boroughs. “The increased interest in Forest Hills will only be boosted by Trader Joe’s opening a new location this year.”
What are housing and pricing like?
Housing options include prewar co-ops, new-construction condos, and single-family houses. The neighborhood, known for its 1920s architecture, includes Forest Hills Gardens, one of the first planned communities in the United States.
“While prices vary,” Pereira says, “Forest Hills offers competitive affordability compared to Manhattan, making it attractive to a wide range of budgets.”
Lee concurs, adding that Forest Hills has properties at different price points. “There are sections of Forest Hills that are incredibly exclusive and expensive, and there are also new condo buildings sprouting up near single-family homes,” she says.
The median sale price across all types of properties is between $360,000 and $480,000 (depending on the source).
What type of property can I get for under or around $1 million?
At this price point, you can buy a “spacious” condo or co-op or a single-family house, Pereira says, adding that the properties often come with “desirable amenities and excellent resale potential.”
You have ample options: There are 260 properties for sale in the price range according to StreetEasy.
I can stretch my budget. What can I get for $2.5 million?
With this higher budget, you can “explore stunning, larger single-family homes, possibly with features like backyard oases, renovated interiors, and upscale finishes,” Pereira says. There is a “world of possibilities, including luxurious condos and even penthouses.”
Are there any newer condo developments I should check out?
Newer condos typically offer the most luxurious amenities and finishes, features that attract many buyers.
Noting that “Forest Hills is seeing a surge in new developments,” Pereira says that “this is an exciting time to invest in this evolving condo market.”
Opened in 2021, BLVD has 74 luxury units and 10 stories. Amenities include a virtual doorman, roof deck, recreation center, bike room, playroom, and media room. The least expensive unit, a 1,003-square-foot two bedroom, is listed for $988,000, reduced from $1.099 million.
Which attractions do you show buyers who have never been to the area?
Pereira always points out Forest Hills Stadium, the former U.S. Open tennis tournament site that now hosts outdoor concerts and events, and the restaurants and boutiques along Austin Street.
That’s also one of the prime stops for Lee because “it hosts a plethora of events, such as the food and music festival EEEEEATSCON by The Infatuation and the 88rising's Head in the Clouds festival that highlights popular Asian performers.”
Other stops for Lee are the shops on Austin Street (site of the annual Forest Hills Festival of the Arts) and Forest Park, which at 500 acres is the 10th largest green space in New York City and the third largest in Queens, complete with a carousel, horse stables, sports fields, tennis courts, and a full golf course. “It is a captivating attraction for buyers to experience,” she says.
What are the nearby neighborhoods, and are they less expensive?
Kew Gardens and Rego Park offer “excellent alternatives for budget-conscious buyers,” Pereira says.
Check out these listings that are around $1 million in Forest Hills.
69-60 108th St., #501
Listed for $429,000, this two-bedroom, one-bath co-op in circa-1951 The Cromwell has an enclosed terrace, refinished oak floors, moldings, and over 1,000 square feet of living space. The pet-friendly, six-story building has 124 units, new intercom and security cameras and a part-time doorman, live-in super, bike room, laundry room, and waitlist for indoor parking.
68-47 Juno St.
This two-story Tudor-style attached brick rowhouse, built in 1934, has original details such as French doors, plaster walls, hardwood floors, and a fireplace. Other features of the 1,456-square-foot, three-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath residence include an eat-in kitchen with an extended breakfast nook, upstairs sunroom, a partially finished basement, new washer/dryer, and one-car garage. It is asking $1.189 million.
76-66 Austin St., #4B
This one-bedroom, one-bath co-op, listed for $320,000, has exposed brick, 10-foot ceilings, and new windows. It’s in the 98-unit, six-story Thomas Edison, which dates to 1931 and has a laundry room, bike storage, personal storage units, a gym, live-in super, common area cameras, and new windows. Cats are allowed.
112-01 Queens Blvd., #8A
Originally listed for $795,000, this 908-square-foot one-bedroom condo with one and a half baths is on the market for $749,000. It features a renovated kitchen, covered balcony, washer/dryer, and hardwood floors. The 219-unit, 27-story Pinnacle is a full-service building that dates to 1991. Amenities include 24-hour concierge and doorman service, a live-in super, children’s playroom, billiards room, game room, conference room, media room, landscaped gardens, and a health club with a swimming pool, sauna and steam room, and fitness classes. Indoor valet parking is also available.
69-09 108th St., #609
This 1,029-square-foot two-bedroom, one-bath co-op is asking $429,000, reduced from $450,000. The corner unit has a dining room, renovated eat-in kitchen with a dishwasher, an updated bath, and hardwood floors. It’s on the top floor of six-story The Bradlee, which dates to 1939 and has 73 units, a live-in super, doorman, laundry room, package room, and bike room.
Nancy A. Ruhling is a freelance writer based in New York City.
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