Bottom Line: What It Costs to Live in Forest Hills
Forest Hills sits in central Queens along Queens Boulevard, about 10 miles east of Midtown Manhattan. The neighborhood divides loosely into Forest Hills Gardens — a private planned community with Tudor-style homes and gated streets — and the broader area of apartment buildings and co-ops that surrounds it. Most renters land in the apartment corridor near the subway, where the housing stock ranges from prewar Art Deco walk-ups to modern mid-rise buildings.
The neighborhood has long attracted working professionals, families, and retirees who want a quieter pace without fully leaving city life. The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center's roots here (now moved to Flushing Meadows) still echo in the neighborhood's character — established, organized, proud of its history. Austin Street functions as the commercial heart, with coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and weekend foot traffic that feels more like a small town main street than a NYC block.
Rent & Housing Costs in Forest Hills
| Apartment Type | Monthly Rent Range | Median Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,400–$1,900 | $1,650 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,800–$2,500 | $2,150 |
| 2 Bedroom | $2,500–$3,400 | $2,950 |
| 3 Bedroom | $3,200–$4,500 | $3,850 |
Co-op apartments dominate much of Forest Hills, particularly in the Gardens and along residential side streets. Co-op purchases require board approval and can be competitive, but rental units remain plentiful throughout the wider neighborhood. Prewar buildings with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and generous closets are common finds. Unlike much of inner-city Queens, many Forest Hills units have in-building laundry and some even include outdoor space.
What Salary Do You Need to Live in Forest Hills?
The math: Median 1BR rent is approximately $2,150/month. Using the standard 30% guideline, you'd need monthly gross income of about $7,167 — or $86,000/year gross.
At $86,000 in NYC, your estimated take-home (after federal, NY State, and NYC local taxes) is approximately $61,750/year ($5,146/month). Your rent-to-take-home ratio sits around 42%, which is above the 30% ideal — but Forest Hills compensates with lower grocery, dining, and transportation costs compared to Manhattan neighborhoods at similar rent levels.
For a studio at $1,650/month, you can get by on closer to $68,000 gross, with take-home around $51,500/year ($4,292/month).
Monthly Budget Estimate for Forest Hills
| Expense | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent (1BR median) | $2,150 |
| Groceries | $400–$550 |
| Transit (MetroCard/OMNY) | $132 |
| Utilities (electric, gas) | $80–$140 |
| Dining out | $300–$500 |
| Health & fitness | $80–$160 |
| Personal & misc. | $200–$350 |
| Total Estimate | $3,342–$3,982 |
Transit & Commute from Forest Hills
- E train (express): Forest Hills–71st Ave station reaches Midtown (53rd/Lex) in roughly 25–28 minutes — one of the fastest Queens-to-Manhattan subway rides.
- F train (express): Runs parallel to the E; slightly different Midtown stops (47th–50th/Rock Center area). Same travel time.
- M and R trains (local): Slower option, stopping at all stations. Useful for mid-Queens destinations but adds 10–15 minutes to Manhattan trips.
- LIRR Forest Hills Station: Located right on the elevated tracks at Austin Street. Reaches Penn Station in about 17 minutes — faster than the subway, but requires a separate LIRR ticket (~$5–$8 peak).
- Queens Boulevard buses: Q23, Q60, and other surface routes cover gaps in subway coverage within Queens.
- Parking: More available than Manhattan or inner Brooklyn, and some apartment buildings include parking — a notable perk for car owners.
Who Lives in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills has historically attracted a mix of Jewish, Greek, South Asian, and Latin American communities, and that cultural diversity persists today alongside an influx of younger remote workers priced out of Manhattan and western Queens. The neighborhood skews toward working professionals, dual-income couples, and small families who want good schools, safe streets, and a reasonable mortgage or rent.
You'll also find a significant retiree population, particularly in co-op buildings along Queens Boulevard where long-term residents have lived for decades. This stability gives the neighborhood a settled, community-oriented feel that's harder to find in trendier, faster-changing areas of the city. Austin Street on a Saturday feels genuinely local — people know each other, frequent the same coffee shops, and linger.
Pros & Cons of Living in Forest Hills
Pros
- Express E/F subway to Midtown in under 30 minutes
- LIRR option for even faster Penn Station access
- Quieter, cleaner streets than inner-city neighborhoods
- Strong local shopping and dining on Austin Street
- More space per dollar than Manhattan or Astoria
- Good public schools and family infrastructure
- Some apartments include parking
Cons
- Rents have risen significantly in recent years
- Co-op board approval process can slow housing search
- Less nightlife and fewer trendy venues than western Queens
- Queens Boulevard can feel chaotic and pedestrian-unfriendly
- Farther from Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan destinations
- Feels suburban — may not suit everyone's NYC expectations
Frequently Asked Questions
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