Would you rent this two bedroom in a quieter corner of Forest Hills?
The apartment seems to be confined to the ground floor, but has private backyard access.
This two bedroom, one bath apartment in a Forest Hills townhouse is just far enough from the subway to offer a taste of the quasi-suburban residential feel that Queens is known for, while also being close enough to the train and other transit that the trip into Manhattan isn't an hour and a half schlep. The apartment offers 1,000 square feet of floor space, and is listed for $2,400 a month. So is it worth it?
As always when weighing New York City apartment listings, we turn to our Take It Or Leave It experts—myself , Constantine Valhouli, founder of real estate research and analytics firm NeighborhoodX, and freelance writer Lambeth Hochwald.
First, here are the basics:
Location: 72-32 Yellowstone Blvd. #1, Forest Hills
Price: $2,400 a month
Days on the market: 21
Flexible layout: No
Transit: E, F, M, and R at 67th Av, Forest Hills-71st Av, Forest Hills LIRR, BM5 express bus at Woodhaven Boulevard and Metropolitan Avenue
Pros and cons
"$2,400 is right at the median asking rent for the neighborhood, according to StreetEasy, so it doesn't seem to be a ripoff. It's not particularly spacious, but it's also not tiny, and although we don't get a photo of the backyard, the listing says the apartment has private yard access, so barbecues and outdoor functions could be in the renter's future. A big downside is that it's a solid 10-15-minute walk to any of the nearby transit options. That said, the transit choices are plentiful, and all get you into Manhattan within 35-50 minutes. Plus, the place has a dishwasher."—Nathan
In addition to the transit options, the apartment is "close to the shopping and restaurants of Austin Street, the main drag for Forest Hills. This part of Queens can feel a bit like suburbia in the city, which can be a pro or con depending on what someone is looking for. But it has proximity to significant parks to the south and east."—Constantine
"The level of detail throughout this Forest Hills two bed adds up to an impressive reno. On the flip side, the bedrooms look snug and there's only one bathroom (though am I seeing double or are there two shower heads?) making this a tough share for anyone besides a couple or small family."—Lambeth
Who it's perfect for
"A couple or young family who works in Queens or is willing to trade a bit of a walk for yard access and relative quietude."—Nathan
"Given the relatively long commute to Midtown, it might be better suited to someone who works in Queens."—Constantine
"A priced-out-of-Manhattan couple who don't mind being a half-mile from the nearest subway and a bunch of blocks to stores and a Dunkin' Donuts."—Lambeth
The verdict
TAKE IT. "If you're looking for something basic in the outer boroughs with outdoor space."—Nathan
TAKE IT. "$2,400 a month for a newly-renovated two-bedroom is not a bad deal at all. Take it."—Constantine
LEAVE IT. "Unless you're looking forward to starting '18 in a more city-suburban setting."—Lambeth
