Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rockaway Park, NY
Considering a move to Rockaway Park, NY? This vibrant coastal neighborhood offers a population of around 20,000 with a seaside charm and close-knit community feel. Housing is on the pricier side with a median home value of $621,000 and average rents around $2,200, reflecting its sought-after location. Residents enjoy mild summers, 56% sunny days, and easy access to both beaches and public transit, though average commute times are lengthy at nearly 50 minutes. The area features a mix of public and private schools, moderate crime rates, and convenient healthcare options—making it an appealing spot for those seeking a laid-back yet connected New York lifestyle.
Demographics - Rockaway Park, NY
Demographics - Rockaway Park, NY
Rockaway Park is home to about 20,000 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and diverse community where 25% speak a language other than English at home. The area is predominantly White, but also includes Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, contributing to its cultural vibrancy. A balanced gender ratio and a high population density create a lively, urban neighborhood atmosphere.
Population:
20,000
Density:
12,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
25.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
73.0%
Black:
7.5%
Asian:
4.5%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rockaway Park, NY?
Living in Rockaway Park comes with a higher-than-average cost of living, with a median home value of $621,000 and average rents around $2,200 per month. The cost of living index stands at 146, indicating expenses are significantly above the national average, especially for housing and transportation. Residents should also anticipate higher utility and insurance costs typical of New York State.
Median House Value:
$621,000
Gross Rent:
$2,200
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$2,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,950
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$950
State Taxes:
Low:
4.0%
|
High:
10.9%
Cost Of Living Index:
146.0
Grocery:
138.0
Housing:
172.0
Utilities:
124.0
Transportation:
142.0
Health Care:
122.0
Miscellaneous:
118.0
Crime
Is Rockaway Park, NY a safe place to live?
Rockaway Park experiences moderate crime rates, with a violent crime rate of 260 per 100,000 residents and a property crime rate of 1,350 per 100,000. The overall crime index suggests a chance of experiencing property crime is about 1 in 74, making it important for residents to stay aware and take basic precautions. Overall, the area is relatively safe compared to urban centers but does have some risk.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
260
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,610
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 385
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Rockaway Park, NY year-round?
Residents enjoy a coastal climate with mild summers peaking at 85°F and chilly winters that can dip to 28°F. The area receives an average of 43.4 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 56% sunny days, providing a pleasant balance for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering comfortable weather year-round for beach and city living.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community in Rockaway Park has a median household income of $78,400 and a poverty rate of 11.1%, reflecting a stable economic base. About 90% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 40% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, contributing to a well-educated population. Public transport is commonly used, with commute times averaging nearly 50 minutes, underscoring the neighborhood’s connection to greater New York City.
Median Income:
$46,500
Household Income:
$78,400
Family Income:
$97,000
Per Capita Income:
$39,000
Income Male:
$52,000
Income Female:
$41,700
Poverty Rate:
11.1%
Non English Speakers:
25.0%
Rent:
$2,200
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
27.0%
Commute Time:
49.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.7%
Bachelors or More:
37.2%
Education
How are the schools in Rockaway Park, NY?
Rockaway Park offers a mix of public and private schools, including P.S. 114 Belle Harbor and St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy, with reasonable student-teacher ratios. Higher education is accessible nearby, with Kingsborough Community College just 8 miles away and CUNY Queens College within a 15-mile radius. The community values education, as reflected in its high rates of high school and college attainment.
Public Schools
Name:
P.S. 114 Belle Harbor
Street:
400 Beach 135th St
Phone:
718-634-3382
Students:
540
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.0
Name:
P.S./M.S. 105 The Bay School
Street:
420 Beach 51st St
Phone:
718-474-8615
Students:
840
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Private Schools
Name:
St. Francis de Sales Catholic Academy
Street:
219 Beach 129th St
Phone:
718-634-2775
Students:
325
Colleges
Name:
Kingsborough Community College
City:
Brooklyn
State:
NY
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
13,000
Name:
CUNY Queens College
City:
Queens
State:
NY
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
18,500
Healthcare
Rockaway Park residents benefit from nearby hospitals like St. John's Episcopal Hospital and Mount Sinai South Nassau, both providing emergency and general care. With 2.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 92% health insurance coverage, access to medical services is solid. The area’s healthcare index indicates reliable care for most needs.
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
Name:
Mount Sinai South Nassau
Address:
One Healthy Way, Oceanside, NY 11572
Phone:
(516) 632-3000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.0%
Health Care Index:
79.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rockaway Park, NY?
The local housing market is competitive, with a median home price of $621,000 and average two-bedroom rents at $2,200. Owner occupancy is lower than average at 42.5%, and the area has a low foreclosure rate, suggesting stable property values. Home appreciation has been healthy over the past year, reflecting ongoing demand for this coastal neighborhood.
Median Home Price:
$621,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$2,200
Owner Occupied Rate:
42.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Residents can manage vehicle registrations and licensing through the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, conveniently located on Rockaway Blvd in Jamaica. The DMV provides comprehensive services for all state driving and identification needs. Scheduling appointments or accessing information online is straightforward via the official DMV website.
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.