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NYC Neighborhood Comparison

Elmhurst vs Washington Heights

Washington Heights vs Elmhurst: side-by-side market data, transit, and neighborhood profiles to help you decide.

Queens|Manhattan

Elmhurst

Queens

Washington Heights

Manhattan

How They Compare

For buyers focused on affordability, Elmhurst has the lower median sale price at $310K vs $450K in Washington Heights.

Investors analyzing rental yield will find Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst.

Median Sale Price
$310K
$450K
Median Rent
$3K
$3K
Active Listings
95
225
Avg Days on Market
46 days
64.5 days
YoY Price Change
-48.3%
-16.7%
Monthly Sales Volume
10
16

Detailed Comparison

MetricElmhurstWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$310,081$450,000
Median Condo Price$670,000$625,000
Median Co-op Price$300,000$450,000
Median Rent$2,500$3,000
Active Listings95225
Rental Inventory95416
Days on Market4664.5
Price Cut Share9.5%17.3%
Monthly Sales Volume1016
YoY Price Change-48.3%-16.7%
YoY Rent Change-7.2%+1.7%
YoY Inventory Change+4.4%+5.6%
Subway LinesN/A1 A C

Year-Over-Year Price Movement

Prices in Elmhurst moved -48.3% over the past year, compared to -16.7% in Washington Heights. Both markets have seen price softening, with Elmhurst declining more sharply over the measured period.

Neighborhood Profiles

Elmhurst

Elmhurst is a dynamic and bustling neighborhood in central Queens. Known for its incredible culinary scene and bustling commercial corridors, the area offers a high-energy urban lifestyle. The real estate market is characterized by a wide range of housing options, from spacious pre-war cooperatives and traditional multi-family houses to sleek new construction condominiums that provide excellent value and a quick commute to Manhattan and Long Island City.

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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

Elmhurst

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

Elmhurst for sale

View all Elmhurst 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 is refreshed every 15 minutes per REBNY IDX requirements.

Elmhurst vs Washington Heights: Home Price Resilience 2008-2020

From the 2008 financial crisis through the 2020 pandemic, the NYC metro Case-Shiller composite fell about 25% peak-to-trough between 2007 and 2012, then fully recovered by 2017 and gained another 15% through Q1 2020. Elmhurst and Washington Heights both tracked this broader NYC arc, with annual closing volume contracting sharply in 2009 and again in Q2 2020 before normalizing.

Washington Heights tracked the more resilient Manhattan price path with a 10% to 15% peak-to-trough decline, while Elmhurst moved closer to the broader NYC metro pattern of a 20% to 25% retracement before recovering through 2017.

Source: Per Case-Shiller Home Price Index, NYC metro subset, 2008-2020, cross-referenced with StreetEasy historical price data series.

Metric (2026)ElmhurstWashington Heights
Median Sale Price$310,081$450,000
Median Rent$2,500/mo$3,000/mo
Year-over-Year Price Change-48.3%-16.7%
Average Days on Market46 days64.5 days
Distance to Nearest SubwayN/A0.36 mi

Table values reflect current 2026 market conditions. Historical 2008-2020 commentary is sourced from Case-Shiller NYC metro composite and StreetEasy historical series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Elmhurst cheaper than Washington Heights?
Yes, Elmhurst has a lower median sale price at $310,081 compared to $450,000 in Washington Heights 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, Elmhurst or Washington Heights?
Elmhurst has access to 0 subway lines and Washington Heights has 3, making Washington Heights the stronger option for transit access. Elmhurst has 0 lines, which may still cover your commute depending on your destination.
Which is better for families, Elmhurst or Washington Heights?
This depends on what type of home fits your household. Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst 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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Data updated:

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