East Rockaway: Buyers find waterfront homes, community activities, proximity to NYC
Atlantic Avenue is home to many of East Rockaway's businesses and eateries. Credit: Danielle Silverman
THE SCOOP With South Shore waterways and a centralized location offering easy access to New York City and eastern Long Island, Nassau County’s East Rockaway is cozy and convenient.
East Rockaway isn’t far — it’s actually closer by rail than Far Rockaway for a commute to Manhattan. The Long Island Rail Road gets riders into the city in just over an hour, as opposed to nearly two by subway from the town’s "Far" neighbor in Queens.
One thing both Rockaways have in common, however, is easy access to waterfront. The eastern border of the Village of East Rockaway hugs the Mill River. Near the town’s southern tip, backyard boats dock along the Thixton Creek that empties into Hewlett Bay. And on the eastern border, the village’s Edward A. Talfor Memorial Boat Basin offers permitted slips, mooring and dockage.
Old Grist Mill Historical Museum is a landmark with more than 300 years of history. Credit: Danielle Silverman
Boasting of its "harmonious blend of small-town charm and convenient access" to New York City, East Rockaway Mayor Gordon J. Fox said the village "fosters a tight-knit community atmosphere where residents form lasting bonds and support one another. Families are particularly drawn to East Rockaway for its highly regarded school districts, our village recreation department and our parks.”
These include the narrow McNulty Park, and north of that, East Rockaway Gazebo Park. Just across the northern border is Rockville Centre’s Mill River Complex Park and Barasch Field.
Local events and celebrations include the Huckleberry Frolic, Cultural Arts Festival, Memorial Day Parade, Fall Festival and Winter Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting at the Village Hall. The community is served by two LIRR stations on the Long Beach Branch: East Rockaway, which has direct connections to MTA Long Island Bus routes, and Centre Avenue. Each is wheelchair-accessible.
Bars and restaurants sit on and around a small boardwalk on Front Street. Credit: Danielle Silverman
While most of the current properties for sale are single-family homes, with a median value of $596,700 as of 2022, the town also has a handful of co-op apartments for less than $300,000. A current trio of condominium apartments are much more expensive, with two-bedroom units ranging from $649,000 to $760,000.
"Our vibrant waterfront and commercial corridors have an array of stellar restaurants, shops and services, creating a lively and inviting downtown area," Fox said. "This local dynamism, coupled with the scenic views and village recreational activities, enhance the quality of life for residents, making the village a draw for those who appreciate the balance of leisure and convenience."
Single-family homes along Denton Avenue, top, and Marina Pointe's waterfront apartments in East Rockaway. Credit: Danielle Silverman
CONDOS AND CO-OPS There is one condo, priced at $739,888, on the market.
SALE PRICES Between Feb. 1, 2023, and Jan. 31, 2024, there were 84 home sales with a median sale price of $587,000, according to OneKey MLS. During that period a year earlier, there were 86 home sales with a median sale price of $597,500.
OTHER STATS
Population 10,070
Median age 40.5
Median home value $590,000
Monthly LIRR ticket from East Rockaway $287
School districts, graduation rates East Rockaway (92.6%), Lynbrook (97%)
Library East Rockaway
Transit NICE Bus Routes 31, 32
Sources: 2021 American Community Survey; OneKey MLS via InfoSparks by ShowingTime; LIRR, data.nysed.gov
ON THE MARKET
$1.25 million
This $1.25 million East Rockaway home contains 3,000 square feet. Credit: Thundiyath Babukutty
This newly constructed two-family home offers a total of eight bedrooms and four full baths across 3,000 square feet. The 0.17-acre property includes two two-car garages — one attached and one detached. Taxes are not yet assessed. Thundiyathu Babukutty, Cross Island Realty One, 917-589-8391
$585,000
This $585,000 East Rockaway home contains three bedrooms. Credit: Jonathan Yunger
Offering three bedrooms, two updated bathrooms and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, this open-concept home built in 1927 features an enclosed sunroom and a new boiler using natural gas. Yearly taxes $12,114. Jonathan Yunger, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, 516-993-8556
$289,999
This $289,999 East Rockaway home sits on 0.04 acre. Credit: Courtesy of George Newell
Tucked away down a cozy path from the street, this one-bedroom, one-bath bungalow has low annual taxes of $7,200. It has a new kitchen with updated appliances and an island, as well as a laundry room with a washer and dryer. George C. Newell, Signature Premier Properties, 631-682-8745
RECENTLY SOLD
$1.265 million
Emmet Avenue
Style Split level
Bedrooms 4
Bathrooms 3½
Built 1954
Lot size 0.2 acre
Taxes $27,784
+/- List price +$15,000
Days on market 173
$839,000
Newkirk Avenue
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 3
Bathrooms 2½
Built 1938
Lot size 0.13 acre
Taxes $16,776
+/- List price -$60,999
Days on market 148
$490,000
Dart Street
Style Colonial
Bedrooms 2
Bathrooms 1½
Built 1929
Lot size 0.15 acre
Taxes $8,625
+/- List price -$21,000
Days on market 89
ON ONEKEY MLS
Number of listings 25
Price range $289,999 to $1.25 million
Tax range $7,203 to $27,260
