Table of content:
What Makes Rego Park Special?
Location & Getting Around Rego Park
Housing Market: What You Can Afford in Rego Park
Schools & Family Life in Rego Park
Culture, Community & Things to Do
Pros & Cons of Living in Rego Park
Investment Potential & Market Trends
Working With a Rego Park Real Estate Specialist
Is Rego Park Right for You?
Thinking about moving to Rego Park? Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family, or Manhattan professional seeking more space, this insider's guide reveals why Rego Park has become one of Queens' most desirable neighborhoods.
As a local real estate expert with lots of sales in Rego Park under my belt, I’ve seen firsthand the demand for homes or co-ops in this charming, well-connected part of Queens. This guide will walk you through why Rego Park is a great choice for NYC buyers and what Rego park as a neighborhood is all about.
Located in the heart of central Queens, this mid-sized community of approximately 30,000 residents has quietly transformed into a sought-after destination for those who want city access without sacrificing quality of life.
With a population of around 30,000 people, Rego Park offers a comfortable, suburban feel while staying closely connected to the energy of New York City.
The neighborhood is known for its diverse communities, well-kept residential streets, and convenient access to shopping, dining, and public transit. Many homes here, ranging from classic pre-war buildings to modern high-rises and single-family houses, provide more space and comfort than what you’ll find in Manhattan. Its mix of quiet residential pockets, walkable commercial areas, and strong community atmosphere makes Rego Park an appealing choice for families, professionals, and long-time New Yorkers alike.
Rego Park Advantages:
20-minute subway commute to Midtown Manhattan (E, M, R trains)
Major shopping destinations including Rego Center and Queens Center Mall
Diverse, family-friendly community with excellent schools
Spacious housing stock including co-ops, condos, and rentals
Outstanding dining scene representing cultures from around the world
Green spaces and parks within easy reach
Competitive pricing compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn
Where Exactly Is Rego Park?
Rego Park sits in central Queens, roughly bounded by:
North: Queens Boulevard and the Long Island Expressway (LIE)
South: Union Turnpike
East: 108th Street (bordering Forest Hills)
West: Woodhaven Boulevard (bordering Elmhurst)
The neighborhood's name comes from the Real Good Construction Company, which developed much of the area in the 1920s. Today, it's known for its tree-lined streets, brick mid-rise apartment buildings, and convenient location.
Subway & Transit Access
Subway Lines:
63rd Drive–Rego Park Station (E, M, R lines) - The neighborhood's main transit hub
67th Avenue Station (E, M, R lines) - Serves the southern part of the neighborhood
Commute Times from Rego Park:
Midtown Manhattan (Rockefeller Center): 20-25 minutes
Lower Manhattan (World Trade Center): 35-40 minutes
Brooklyn (Downtown): 40-45 minutes
Long Island City: 15 minutes
Jamaica (transfer hub): 10 minutes
If you love shopping, Rego Park might be your dream neighborhood. Few areas in New York City can match its retail concentration.
Rego Center
Rego Center is directly across from Park Plaza, a building I’ve done a ton of business in. I’ve personally sold around 9 co-ops in that very building. Feel free to read our guide regarding that specific building.
Park Plaza Blog
Queens Center Mall
One of Rego Park's biggest draws is its housing value. You get significantly more space and amenities compared to Manhattan or trendier Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Typical Prices (2025)
Co-op Apartments:
Studio/1BR: $250,000–$400,000
2BR: $380,000–$550,000
3BR: $500,000–$750,000
Monthly maintenance: around $800–$1,500 (includes heat, hot water, property taxes)
Condos:
1BR: $400,000–$550,000
2BR: $550,000–$800,000
3BR: $750,000+
Monthly common charges: $400–$800 (utilities separate)
Rental Prices:
Studio: $1,600–$2,000/month
1BR: $1,900–$2,500/month
2BR: $2,400–$3,200/month
3BR: $3,000–$4,000/month
Popular Building in Rego Park - Park Plaza
Popular co-op and condo buildings include Park Plaza (61-15 97th Street) - Full-service co-op with 445 units, The Alexander - Luxury condo with rooftop deck, London Towers - Two distinctive circular towers, Rego Park Towers - Large complex with extensive amenities, and various buildings along Queens Boulevard with doormen and parking.
Check out our blog about this building!
Park Plaza Blog
Rego Park attracts many families thanks to its safe streets, community atmosphere, and educational options.
Public Schools
Elementary Schools: PS 139 Rego Park (highly rated neighborhood school), PS/IS 93 The Ridgewood School (serves students K-8), and PS 206 Joseph F Lamb School (in nearby Forest Hills).
Middle Schools: JHS 157 Stephen A. Halsey (well-regarded middle school) and IS 93 (combined intermediate school).
High Schools: Forest Hills High School (large, diverse school with strong academics) and various specialized high schools accessible via subway.
Private & Parochial Schools
Rego Park's diverse community supports numerous private educational options including yeshivas and Jewish day schools (significant Bukharian community), Catholic schools in neighboring areas, Montessori and progressive schools, and international schools.
Family-Friendly Features
Playgrounds & Parks: Rego Playground (local playground with modern equipment), Bukharian Jewish Community Center (activities and programs), and Forest Park (nearby, 538 acres with hiking, playgrounds, golf).
Activities for Kids: Library programs at Queens Public Library branches, sports leagues and youth programs, music and arts classes, and summer camps.
Safety: Rego Park is considered one of Queens' safer neighborhoods, with low crime rates and an active community watch presence.
Rego Park's population is remarkably diverse with a large Bukharian Jewish community (Central Asian Jews), Asian communities (Chinese, Korean, Indian), Latino residents, European immigrants (Russian, Polish, Georgian), and American-born families and young professionals.
This diversity creates a genuinely multicultural environment where you'll hear multiple languages on any street corner and find authentic cuisines from around the world.
Fitness & Wellness
Multiple gyms (LA Fitness, Blink, local fitness centers), yoga studios and boutique fitness classes, medical facilities (nearby hospitals and numerous doctors' offices), and pharmacies on every corner.
Family-Friendly Features
Forest Park (15-minute walk): 538 acres of natural woodland, running and cycling paths, George Seuffert Sr. Bandshell for concerts, Forest Park Carousel (historic landmark), golf course and tennis courts, and cross-country skiing in winter.
Local Green Spaces: Small neighborhood parks and playgrounds, tree-lined residential streets perfect for walking, and easy access to Flushing Meadows Corona Park (15 minutes by car).
Forest Park, Myrtle Ave, Union Tpke, Park Lane S
The Advantages
Outstanding value: More space and amenities at 30-40% lower cost
Exceptional shopping: Costco, Target, and 200+ stores within walking distance
Reliable transit: E, M, R trains provide consistent service to Manhattan
Family-friendly: Safe streets, good schools, genuine community
Cultural diversity: Authentic cuisines and cultures from around the world
Practical amenities: Most buildings offer doormen, parking, full-service features
The Challenges
Fewer trendy restaurants: Great food, but not cutting-edge dining scene
Parking competition: Still challenging in peak hours
Some older buildings: Many co-ops from 1950s-60s may need updates
Co-op restrictions: Board approval, sublet limitations, maintenance fees
Not pedestrian-centric: Queens Blvd is wide and car-oriented
Distance from water: No waterfront access or harbor views
Why Rego Park Is a Smart Investment
Growing demand: Buyers seeking value are discovering Queens
Infrastructure improvements: Ongoing subway and neighborhood enhancements
Rental market strength: Strong tenant demand from commuters and families
Stable property values: Less volatility than trendier neighborhoods
Development pipeline: New constructions happening consistently
Market Predictions for 2025-2030
Based on current trends, expect steady appreciation of 3-5% annually (moderate, sustainable growth), continued interest from buyers priced out of Brooklyn/Manhattan, rental demand growth as remote work makes Queens more attractive, possible rezoning along Queens Boulevard for denser development, and improving amenities as the neighborhood attracts more businesses.
Best Investment Strategy
For buyers: Look for well-maintained co-ops with strong financials, parking, and doorman service. Corner units with multiple exposures sell fastest.
For investors: Two-bedroom units offer best rental yields. Verify sublet policies carefully, some co-ops restrict rentals.
For families: Prioritize proximity to the subway and good school zones. These factors preserve value long-term.
Whether you're buying, selling, or renting in Rego Park, working with an agent who knows the neighborhood intimately makes all the difference.
What a Local Specialist Offers
Market expertise: Building-specific knowledge (which co-ops have the best financials), pricing strategies based on recent comparable sales, understanding of board approval processes, and relationships with building management.
Access to opportunities: Off-market listings before they go public, pocket listings from agent networks, early notification of new inventory, and insight into upcoming developments.
Neighborhood guidance: Best blocks for families vs. singles vs. commuters, school zone boundaries, future development plans, and community resources and hidden gems.
Transaction support: Co-op board application preparation, negotiation strategies, attorney and mortgage broker referrals, and closing coordination.Whether you're buying, selling, or renting in Rego Park, working with an agent who knows the neighborhood intimately makes all the difference.
One of Rego Park's biggest draws is its housing value. You get significantly more space and amenities compared to Manhattan or trendier Brooklyn neighborhoods.
Rego Park is ideal if you:
Want significantly more space than Manhattan/Brooklyn budgets allow
Value convenience and practical amenities over trendy scenes
Need reliable subway access to Manhattan
Love shopping and having everything within reach
Want a true neighborhood feel with long-term residents
Prefer stability over cutting-edge trendiness
Consider other neighborhoods if you:
Prioritize nightlife and bar scenes
Want to live in the "coolest" area (Rego Park is practical, not flashy)
Need to be in Manhattan constantly
Prefer walking everywhere (Rego Park is walkable but car-oriented)
Want waterfront living or harbor views
Seek brand-new luxury construction primarily
Rego Park represents one of New York City's best-kept secrets, a neighborhood where you can actually afford space, enjoy genuine community, and still reach Midtown in 20 minutes. As more people discover Queens' value proposition, smart buyers are securing their place in this practical, diverse, and increasingly desirable neighborhood.
Whether you're a first-time buyer stretching your budget, a growing family needing more room, or a Manhattan professional seeking a better quality of life, Rego Park offers a compelling alternative to overpriced alternatives.
Contact a Rego Park specialist today to start your journey to finding the perfect home in one of Queens' most livable neighborhoods!
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