Milton Coste

Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker

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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Forest Hills vs Upper East Side

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

Queens|Manhattan

Forest Hills

Queens

Upper East Side

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Forest Hills has the lower median sale price at $615K vs $1.3M in Upper East Side.

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

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

Median Sale Price
$615K
$1.3M
Median Rent
$3K
$4K
Active Listings
348
1593
Avg Days on Market
69.5 days
59 days
YoY Price Change
+57.9%
+31.0%
Monthly Sales Volume
47
170

Detailed Comparison

MetricForest HillsUpper East Side
Median Sale Price$615,000$1,332,500
Median Condo Price$814,600$1,800,000
Median Co-op Price$400,000$1,167,500
Median Rent$2,977.5$4,270
Active Listings3481593
Rental Inventory2281686
Days on Market69.559
Price Cut Share12.4%13.1%
Monthly Sales Volume47170
YoY Price Change+57.9%+31.0%
YoY Rent Change+14.5%+6.9%
YoY Inventory Change+15.6%-3.7%
Subway LinesN/A4 5 6

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Forest Hills moved +57.9% over the past year, compared to +31.0% in Upper East Side. The +57.9% gain in Forest Hills reflects stronger buyer demand relative to available inventory in that 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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Upper East Side

The Upper East Side remains the gold standard for classic New York elegance. Known for 'Museum Mile' and its low-traffic, tree-lined streets, the neighborhood offers a refined lifestyle away from the midtown bustle. While famous for its historic cooperatives, the area has seen a recent surge in ultra-luxury new construction condos, particularly along the Second Avenue Subway corridor, making it a top choice for both traditionalists and modern buyers.

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Transit Access

Forest Hills

No subway data available

Upper East Side

456

77 St (6) — 0.2 mi

86 St (4 5 6) — 0.4 mi

68 St-Hunter College (6) — 0.5 mi

Active Listings

Forest Hills for sale

View all Forest Hills listings

Upper East Side for sale

View all Upper 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 Forest Hills cheaper than Upper East Side?
Yes, Forest Hills has a lower median sale price at $615,000 compared to $1,332,500 in Upper East Side 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, Forest Hills or Upper East Side?
Forest Hills has access to 0 subway lines and Upper East Side has 3, making Upper East Side 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 Upper East Side?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Forest Hills and Upper 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 Forest Hills or Upper 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 Forest Hills and Upper 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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