Milton Coste

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Forest Hills vs Washington Heights

Side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Queens|Manhattan

Forest Hills

Queens

Washington Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Washington Heights has the lower median sale price at $518K vs $615K in Forest Hills.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Washington Heights offers a stronger rent-to-price ratio based on current market data.

Commuters have more transit options in Washington Heights, which is served by 3 subway lines compared to 0 in Forest Hills.

Median Sale Price
$615K
$518K
Median Rent
$3K
$3K
Active Listings
348
174
Avg Days on Market
69.5 days
48 days
YoY Price Change
+57.9%
-5.3%
Monthly Sales Volume
47
18

Detailed Comparison

MetricForest HillsWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$615,000$517,500
Median Condo Price$814,600$400,000
Median Co-op Price$400,000$517,500
Median Rent$2,977.5$2,963.5
Active Listings348174
Rental Inventory228412
Days on Market69.548
Price Cut Share12.4%13.2%
Monthly Sales Volume4718
YoY Price Change+57.9%-5.3%
YoY Rent Change+14.5%+11.6%
YoY Inventory Change+15.6%-1.7%
Subway LinesN/A1 A C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Forest Hills moved +57.9% over the past year, compared to -5.3% in Washington Heights. Forest Hills is seeing price appreciation while Washington Heights has softened, pointing to different supply-demand dynamics in each market.

Neighborhood Profiles

Forest Hills

Forest Hills is a sought-after and architecturally distinctive Queens neighborhood known for its lush greenery and exceptional architecture. The area is famous for Forest Hills Gardens, a private community featuring stunning Tudor-style homes and winding streets. The broader neighborhood offers a mix of grand pre-war cooperatives, modern luxury condominiums, and the popular shopping and dining destination of Austin Street, providing a suburban feel within the city limits.

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Washington Heights

Washington Heights is a well-connected neighborhood known for its dramatic topography and stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. Home to the Cloisters and Fort Tryon Park, the area offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty. The real estate market is characterized by large, pre-war cooperatives that offer significant space for the price, making it a popular choice for those seeking value and community.

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Transit Access

Forest Hills

No subway data available

Washington Heights

1AC

181 St (1 A) — 0.4 mi

175 St (A) — 0.4 mi

168 St (1 A C) — 0.5 mi

163 St-Amsterdam Av (C) — 0.7 mi

Active Listings

Forest Hills for sale

View all Forest Hills listings

Washington Heights for sale

View all Washington Heights listings

Listing data is derived in whole or in part from the RLS at REBNY (Real Estate Board of New York) Internet Data Exchange (IDX) database. Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Milton Coste | Keller Williams NYC are marked with the RLS logo. The information provided is for consumers' personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Data last updated: 1/1/1970.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Forest Hills cheaper than Washington Heights?
Washington Heights is more affordable, with a median sale price of $517,500 vs $615,000 in Forest Hills. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Forest Hills or Washington Heights?
Forest Hills has access to 0 subway lines and Washington Heights has 3, making Washington Heights the stronger option for transit access. Forest Hills has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Forest Hills or Washington Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Forest Hills and Washington Heights both offer a mix of apartment and multi-room units in co-ops, condos, and townhouses. Larger 3- and 4-bedroom units, including townhouses and multi-family properties, tend to be more available in lower-density areas. Reviewing active listings filtered by bedroom count is the most reliable way to see what each neighborhood currently offers for larger households. A licensed broker can pull current inventory by bedroom count across both areas for a direct comparison.
Should I buy in Forest Hills or Washington Heights?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Forest Hills and Washington Heights gives you the clearest picture of what your budget gets in each location. Request a free CMA from Milton Coste to get a side-by-side breakdown of current opportunities.

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Need Help Choosing?

With 25+ years of experience across all five boroughs, I can help you find the right neighborhood for your lifestyle and budget.

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