Howard Beach, Queens: A Timeless Community on the Bay

Situated on the shores of Jamaica Bay, Howard Beach is a distinguished and well-established neighborhood that offers a picturesque suburban retreat within the urban landscape of Queens. Known for its quiet, residential streets, a strong sense of community, and a peaceful atmosphere, Howard Beach provides a high quality of life that is highly sought after by families and long-term residents.

A Legacy of Land and Seaside Living

From a Goat Farm to a Gilded Age Vision

The history of Howard Beach is a story of ambitious development and community resilience. The neighborhood was established in 1897 by William J. Howard, a Brooklyn glove manufacturer who purchased land near Aqueduct Racetrack to operate a goat farm. Howard later expanded his holdings, dredging and filling land in Jamaica Bay with the vision of creating a waterfront resort with a pier, hotel, and cottages. The neighborhood’s development took off in the post-World War II era with the building of many classic Cape Cod and high-ranch style homes. This history of thoughtful development has resulted in the quiet, residential feel that makes Howard Beach so unique today.

A Community that Cultivates and Connects

Howard Beach is a neighborhood with a strong, close-knit community feel. It's a place where residents of Italian and Jewish heritage have lived for generations, contributing to a sense of stability and neighborliness that is rare in a major city. The community is known for its peaceful, safe atmosphere, and its distinct character sets it apart from more bustling parts of the city. Residents here take great pride in their homes and are actively involved in civic life, contributing to a sense of shared purpose and pride.

Architectural Consistency and Suburban Greenery

The visual appeal of Howard Beach is a harmonious mix of its classic housing styles and a well-planned urban landscape. The neighborhood features a variety of well-kept homes, with classic Cape Cod and high-ranch styles being particularly prominent, many with manicured lawns and private driveways. Its leafy streets and proximity to Jamaica Bay contribute to a relaxing and picturesque environment.

Real Estate in Howard Beach: A Stable and Desirable Market

The real estate market in Howard Beach offers a wide variety of options, from classic single-family homes to co-ops and condos. The market is competitive, with properties often holding their value due to high demand and low turnover.

Character-Filled and Accessible Properties

Homes in Howard Beach offer comfortable living spaces and a distinct architectural charm. As of mid-2025, the median sale price for a home in the neighborhood is approximately $565,000, but this figure is a broad average; single-family homes in the area can sell for well over $1 million. The market for single-family homes is a buyer's market, with properties selling in an average of 62 days. For those seeking a more accessible entry point, co-op apartments are also available, often in brick buildings in the Lindenwood section of the neighborhood.

Properties for Families and Long-Term Residents

The residences in Howard Beach cater to those seeking a secure, stable, and family-oriented environment. Its reputation for safety and its variety of housing options make it a prime location for a wide range of buyers and renters.

Amenities and Connectivity

Experience City Life with Central Access

Howard Beach's strategic location provides convenient access to a variety of local commercial hubs and a solid transportation network, placing residents within easy reach of all they need.

A Thriving Local Scene and Nearby Hotspots

The neighborhood’s commercial life is centered on Cross Bay Boulevard, a bustling thoroughfare with a mix of local shops, delis, and a variety of authentic restaurants. Residents can enjoy everything from classic Italian and seafood cuisine at local staples like Lenny's Clam Bar and New Park Pizza. The neighborhood's greatest amenity is its proximity to Jamaica Bay, a massive natural preserve that provides a much-needed urban oasis for residents to enjoy.

Proximity to Green Spaces and Community Hubs

While the neighborhood is primarily residential, its greatest natural asset is its well-maintained streetscape and its proximity to Jamaica Bay. The area is also close to the Aqueduct Racetrack, which provides major entertainment and event venues.

Exceptional Accessibility

Howard Beach is incredibly well-connected by public transportation. The neighborhood is served by the A subway line at the Howard Beach-JFK Airport station, which provides a direct and efficient commute to Manhattan. This station is also a major hub for the AirTrain JFK, making travel to and from the airport effortless. Numerous MTA bus routes also crisscross the area, and its convenient location near major thoroughfares like the Belt Parkway makes driving to other parts of the city and Long Island a viable option for commuters.

Howard Beach, Queens, offers a truly special opportunity to experience a classic, stable, and welcoming urban lifestyle. It's a place where a rich sense of community, a variety of housing options, and convenient access to both local amenities and the wider city converge, creating an exceptionally desirable and engaging environment to call home.

HOA: No (There is no neighborhood-wide HOA. However, specific co-op and private residential developments have their own separate associations.)

55+ Community: No