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Forest Hills

New York, NY

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$445,000 (June 2025)
Median Home Price
88 (Very Walkable)
Walkability Score
Generally above average; PS 196 and Forest Hills HS are highly rated.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Grand Central Parkway (north), Union Turnpike (south), 108th Street (west), and Van Wyck Expressway (east). Includes Forest Hills Gardens, Cord Meyer, and areas around Queens Boulevard.

Zip Codes

11375

Market Data Summary

Price RangeCondos/co-ops: $300,000–$800,000; Single-family homes: $900,000–$2.5M+
Price per Sq Ft$485 (June 2025)
Inventory LevelsLimited—nearly 100% developed; inventory turnover slow, especially for homes over $2M.

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Co-opsCondosSingle-family homesTownhousesLuxury apartments

Architectural Styles

TudorColonial RevivalPre-warModern high-rise

Property Details

Typical Lot SizesSingle-family homes: 2,000–6,000 sq ft; Co-ops/condos: N/A (multi-unit buildings)
Home Age Range1920s–2020s; many pre-war buildings, some new luxury developments
Construction QualityGenerally high, especially in Forest Hills Gardens and Cord Meyer; mix of historic and modern construction.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with significant Jewish, Asian, Russian, and Bukharian communities; mix of families, retirees, and young professionals.

Community Vibe

Suburban feel with urban amenities; tree-lined streets, strong neighborhood identity, active civic associations.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Investors

Family Friendly

Very—good schools, parks, quiet streets, and community events.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Forest Park
  • • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • • Tennis Stadium

Dining Options

  • • Diverse international cuisine on Austin St.
  • • Upscale and casual eateries
  • • Coffee shops

Shopping Centers

  • • Queens Center Mall (nearby)
  • • Shops on Austin Street

Local Businesses

  • • Austin Street boutiques
  • • Independent grocers
  • • Cafés and bakeries

Education & Schools

Generally above average; PS 196 and Forest Hills HS are highly rated.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • PS 101 School in the Gardens
  • • PS 196 Grand Central Parkway

Middle Schools

  • • JHS 157 Stephen A. Halsey

High Schools

  • • Forest Hills High School

Private Schools

  • • Our Lady Queen of Martyrs
  • • The Kew-Forest School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • E/F/M/R subway lines
  • • LIRR Forest Hills station
  • • Multiple MTA bus routes

Major Roads

  • • Queens Boulevard
  • • Grand Central Parkway
  • • Van Wyck Expressway

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–35 minutes to Midtown Manhattan by subway or LIRR
WalkabilityVery walkable, especially near Austin Street and Queens Blvd.
ParkingChallenging near transit hubs and Austin St.; better in residential zones, some permit parking.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Investors

Key Selling Points

  • Suburban feel with city access
  • Excellent schools
  • Diverse housing stock
  • Vibrant dining/shopping scene

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively, especially under $1.5M; avoid overpricing luxury segment to prevent long DOM.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Longer days on market for some homes

Response Strategy:

Emphasize value, negotiate on price, and highlight unique features or upgrades.

Objection: High HOA/maintenance fees in co-ops

Response Strategy:

Compare to Manhattan/Brooklyn fees; highlight amenities and building services.

Objection: Parking challenges

Response Strategy:

Promote proximity to transit, walkability, and available permit parking in some areas.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate; steady growth with limited volatility, especially for well-maintained homes and co-ops.

Rental Demand

Strong, especially for 1–2 bedroom units and proximity to transit.

Buyer Competition

Moderate—multiple offers for well-priced homes under $1.5M; less competition in luxury segment.

Best For

  • Long-term investors
  • Families seeking stability
  • First-time buyers

Potential Concerns

  • Longer days on market for luxury homes
  • Limited new construction
  • Rising HOA/maintenance fees in co-ops

Professional Recommendations

1

Price homes realistically to avoid long DOM, especially in luxury segment.

2

Leverage virtual tours and digital marketing to reach remote buyers.

3

Highlight school quality, transit access, and community amenities in all marketing.

4

Stage homes to emphasize light, space, and flexible layouts.

5

Educate buyers on co-op/condo board processes and financial requirements.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Kew Gardens
  • Rego Park
  • Astoria

Market Positioning

Ideal for buyers seeking a balance of city access and suburban lifestyle.

Competitive Advantages

  • Better schools than Rego Park
  • More suburban feel than Astoria
  • Greater housing diversity than Kew Gardens

Price Comparison

Lower median prices than Manhattan/Brooklyn; slightly higher than Rego Park, similar to Kew Gardens.

Investment Metrics

3.5%–4.5% for rental condos/co-ops
Cap Rates
3%–4% gross annual yield
Rental Yields
19–22
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-priced units; best in smaller co-ops/condos near transit
Cash Flow
1%–3% annual appreciation expected in 2025
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Strong options in co-ops/condos; FHA/VA loans possible; competitive for units under $600K.

Move-Up Buyers

Good selection of single-family homes and townhouses; focus on school zones and lot size.

Downsizers

Appealing co-ops/condos with amenities and low-maintenance living; elevator buildings available.

Investors

Stable rental demand; focus on smaller units near transit for best returns.

Relocators

Attractive for those leaving Manhattan/Brooklyn for value and space; easy transit access.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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