Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

East Harlem vs Hillcrest

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

Manhattan|Queens

East Harlem

Manhattan

Hillcrest

Queens

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, East Harlem has the lower median sale price at $689K vs $1.1M in Hillcrest.

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

Commuters have more transit options in East Harlem, which is served by 3 subway lines compared to 0 in Hillcrest.

Median Sale Price
$689K
$1.1M
Median Rent
$3K
$2K
Active Listings
65
10
Avg Days on Market
73 days
0 days
YoY Price Change
-2.1%
+25.8%
Monthly Sales Volume
4
7

Detailed Comparison

MetricEast HarlemHillcrest
Median Sale Price$688,500$1,150,000
Median Condo Price$663,250N/A
Median Co-op Price$499,911N/A
Median Rent$2,950$2,400
Active Listings6510
Rental Inventory3514
Days on Market730
Price Cut Share21.5%23.1%
Monthly Sales Volume47
YoY Price Change-2.1%+25.8%
YoY Rent Change+1.9%-5.9%
YoY Inventory Change+8.3%+400.0%
Subway Lines4 5 6N/A

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in East Harlem moved -2.1% over the past year, compared to +25.8% in Hillcrest. Hillcrest is seeing price appreciation while East Harlem has softened, pointing to different supply-demand dynamics in each market.

Neighborhood Profiles

East Harlem

East Harlem, also known as El Barrio, is a neighborhood rich in culture, art, and history. Known for its colorful murals and the historic La Marqueta, the area features a growing number of new residential developments alongside historic buildings. The real estate market offers some of Manhattan's most accessible price points, featuring a mix of historic walk-up cooperatives, value-driven HDFC units, and a surge of new luxury condominium developments that offer modern amenities and easy access to the Upper East Side.

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Hillcrest

Hillcrest is a hilly residential Queens neighborhood of brick Tudor and Colonial homes, garden-apartment cooperatives, and mid-rise condominium buildings along the spine of the Jamaica Hills ridge. The F train at Parsons Boulevard and 169th Street stations provides subway access, and local buses connect to Jamaica Center. St. John's University campus borders the neighborhood to the north.

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Transit Access

East Harlem

456

125 St (4 5 6) — 0.6 mi

Hillcrest

No subway data available

Active Listings

East Harlem for sale

View all East Harlem listings

Hillcrest for sale

View all Hillcrest 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 East Harlem cheaper than Hillcrest?
Yes, East Harlem has a lower median sale price at $688,500 compared to $1,150,000 in Hillcrest as of the most recent market data. Co-op and condo prices within each neighborhood can vary significantly, so the right fit depends on property type and building.
Which has better transit, East Harlem or Hillcrest?
East Harlem has access to 3 subway lines and Hillcrest has 0, making East Harlem the stronger option for transit access. Hillcrest has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, East Harlem or Hillcrest?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. East Harlem and Hillcrest 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 East Harlem or Hillcrest?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both East Harlem and Hillcrest 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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