Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Far Rockaway, NY
Considering Far Rockaway, NY as your new home? This vibrant coastal neighborhood of about 69,000 residents offers moderate housing costs (median home price of $559,000, rents averaging $1,720), easy access to public transit, and a lively, diverse community. While crime rates are above national averages, the area features a strong local hospital, ample sunny days (59% per year), and access to both public and private schools. Expect longer commutes (average 52 minutes), but enjoy the benefits of a seaside lifestyle and rich cultural mix.
Demographics - Far Rockaway, NY
Demographics - Far Rockaway, NY
Far Rockaway is home to approximately 69,000 residents, with a median age of 34 and a population density of 14,000 people per square mile. The community is notably diverse, with 42% identifying as Black, 25% as White, and nearly 30% speaking a language other than English at home. This mix contributes to the neighborhood's vibrant and multicultural atmosphere.
Population:
69,000
Density:
14,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
34.2
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
29.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
25.0%
Black:
42.0%
Asian:
5.5%
Others:
27.5%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Far Rockaway, NY?
Living in Far Rockaway comes with a cost of living index of 146, indicating expenses are higher than the national average. The median home value is $559,000, and typical rent for a two-bedroom apartment is around $1,720, making housing the largest contributor to local costs. Utilities, groceries, and transportation are also above average, reflecting the area's New York City location.
Median House Value:
$559,000
Gross Rent:
$1,720
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$140
Auto Insurance:
$2,100
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,510
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$870
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
133.7
Housing:
169.0
Utilities:
118.9
Transportation:
138.2
Health Care:
126.1
Miscellaneous:
121.5
Crime
Is Far Rockaway, NY a safe place to live?
Far Rockaway experiences crime rates somewhat above national averages, with a violent crime rate of 419 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,870 per 100,000. Residents face a 1 in 238 chance of being a victim of violent crime, which is higher than many suburban areas. Awareness and preventive measures are important for those considering a move to the neighborhood.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
419
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,870
Crime Index:
2,289
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 238
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 53
Weather
What is the weather like in Far Rockaway, NY year-round?
Far Rockaway enjoys mild summers with highs around 82°F and cool winters with average lows near 27°F. The area receives about 43.6 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunny weather 59% of the year. These coastal conditions provide a pleasant climate for outdoor activities much of the year.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
44°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.6 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
The neighborhood's median household income stands at $57,200, with about 20.7% of residents living below the poverty line. A significant portion of the community uses public transportation, and the average commute time is over 52 minutes, reflecting its urban setting. Educational attainment is moderate, with 80.5% having a high school diploma or higher.
Median Income:
$39,500
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$62,700
Per Capita Income:
$24,900
Income Male:
$41,000
Income Female:
$34,500
Poverty Rate:
20.7%
Non English Speakers:
29.0%
Rent:
$1,720
Unemployment Rate:
7.8%
Public Transport Usage:
38.6%
Commute Time:
52.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
80.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.7%
Education
How are the schools in Far Rockaway, NY?
Far Rockaway offers a range of educational options, including public schools like P.S. 197 and Frederick Douglass Academy VI, as well as private institutions such as Yeshiva Darchei Torah. Higher education is accessible through local branches like Touro College and nearby Queens College. Student-teacher ratios in public schools are favorable, supporting a focused learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
P.S. 197 The Ocean School
Street:
825 Hicksville Rd
Phone:
718-327-1083
Students:
495
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.6
Name:
Frederick Douglass Academy VI High School
Street:
8-21 Bay 25th St
Phone:
718-327-5820
Students:
334
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8
Private Schools
Name:
Yeshiva Darchei Torah
Street:
257 Beach 17th St
Phone:
718-471-8000
Students:
2,000
Colleges
Name:
Touro College - Far Rockaway
City:
Far Rockaway
State:
NY
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Name:
Queens College, CUNY
City:
Flushing
State:
NY
Distance:
13 miles
Students:
19,700
Healthcare
Far Rockaway is served by St. John's Episcopal Hospital, a general and surgical facility offering emergency services. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, access to healthcare is solid for most locals. The area's healthcare index suggests services are accessible and reliable.
Major Hospitals
Name:
St. John's Episcopal Hospital
Address:
327 Beach 19th St, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
Phone:
(718) 869-7000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
71.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Far Rockaway, NY?
Far Rockaway's median home price is $559,000, while the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,720. Homeownership is less common here, with only about 26% of residences being owner-occupied. The housing market remains stable, showing a 3.8% appreciation over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$559,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,720
Owner Occupied Rate:
25.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.8%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Far Rockaway can access DMV services through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles located on Rockaway Blvd in nearby Jamaica. The office provides standard licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with additional resources available online. This ensures local drivers have convenient access to essential transportation services.
State:
New York
Department:
New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
Address:
168-35 Rockaway Blvd, Jamaica, NY 11434
Phone:
1-718-966-6155
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.