Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

(917) 416-7433

NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Hillcrest vs Lower East Side

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

Queens|Manhattan

Hillcrest

Queens

Lower East Side

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Lower East Side has the lower median sale price at $983K vs $1.1M in Hillcrest.

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

Commuters have more transit options in Lower East Side, which is served by 6 subway lines compared to 0 in Hillcrest.

Median Sale Price
$1.1M
$983K
Median Rent
$2K
$5K
Active Listings
10
179
Avg Days on Market
0 days
113 days
YoY Price Change
+25.8%
+41.4%
Monthly Sales Volume
7
10

Detailed Comparison

MetricHillcrestLower East Side
Median Sale Price$1,150,000$982,500
Median Condo PriceN/A$1,100,000
Median Co-op PriceN/A$710,000
Median Rent$2,400$4,895
Active Listings10179
Rental Inventory4380
Days on Market0113
Price Cut Share23.1%15.1%
Monthly Sales Volume710
YoY Price Change+25.8%+41.4%
YoY Rent Change-5.9%+8.9%
YoY Inventory Change+400.0%+4.1%
Subway LinesN/AB D F J M Z

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Hillcrest moved +25.8% over the past year, compared to +41.4% in Lower East Side. The +41.4% gain in Lower East Side reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that market.

Neighborhood Profiles

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.

View Full Market Report

Lower East Side

The Lower East Side (LES) is a neighborhood where New York’s storied history meets its high-end future. Known for its legendary nightlife and deep historic roots, the area has seen a dramatic transformation with the arrival of luxury towers like Essex Crossing. The housing stock is a unique mix of historic walk-up cooperatives, value-driven HDFC units, and ultra-modern condominiums that offer some of the best views in Downtown Manhattan.

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Transit Access

Hillcrest

No subway data available

Lower East Side

BDFJMZ

East Broadway (F) — 0.3 mi

Delancey St-Essex St (F J M Z) — 0.3 mi

Grand St (B D) — 0.5 mi

Bowery (J Z) — 0.5 mi

Second Ave (F) — 0.6 mi

Active Listings

Hillcrest for sale

View all Hillcrest listings

Lower East Side for sale

View all Lower East Side 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 Hillcrest cheaper than Lower East Side?
Lower East Side is more affordable, with a median sale price of $982,500 vs $1,150,000 in Hillcrest. Pricing can vary widely by building, floor, and unit condition, so review current listings for accurate comparisons.
Which has better transit, Hillcrest or Lower East Side?
Hillcrest has access to 0 subway lines and Lower East Side has 6, making Lower East Side 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, Hillcrest or Lower East Side?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Hillcrest and Lower East Side 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 Hillcrest or Lower East Side?
The right neighborhood depends on your price range, commute needs, and preferred property type. A comparative market analysis (CMA) of recent sales in both Hillcrest and Lower East Side 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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