Broad Channel - a hidden gem

Broad Channel is a hidden gem in Queens that boasts a close-knit community and homes just a short distance from or right on Jamaica Bay.
Located in between Howard Beach and the Rockaways, this small island is only 21 blocks long with one major street, Cross Bay Boulevard, which is rarely congested. Although many Broad Channel residents spend time on the water fishing or boating, it’s only located 45 minutes outside of the city by car or a ride on the A train. It’s also only ten minutes away from John F. Kennedy airport.
Broad Channel is surrounded by nature. The Gateway National Park is a two-mile expanse coming into the town and there is a Wildlife Refuge at its northern end.
Most of the commerce in Broad Channel is comprised of local businesses. The town has one school, an athletic club, a volunteer firehouse, yacht clubs, four parks and it recently added a new pharmacy, built by lifelong resident Charles Howard. Howard is currently working on a new medical building and a Victorian caf/.
Howard’s sister, Margaret Wagner, is also a lifelong resident of Broad Channel as well as an Associate Broker at Century 21 on the Bay in Howard Beach.
“Living in Broad Channel is like living in a town with an extended family,” said Wagner, whose great grandfather built his house in Broad Channel in 1910. “New homeowners coming to the island fall in love with its charm.”
The real estate in Broad Channel is made up of one- and two-family homes whose prices range between $300,000 and $600,000. Most residents own their property while apartments for rent go for $1,000 to $1,500 a month. According to Wagner, that all depends on size, location and condition. There are not any sales in co-ops or condos.
“If people knew more of Broad Channel, I think the prices would go up,” said John Savoretti of John Savoretti Realty. There are two new properties being built on 100th place that Savoretti is selling. They are legal two family homes; one will cost $519,000 and the other will go for $569,000.
Savoretti said that the most expensive houses are located on the water but that most of the properties in Broad Channel actually enjoy a water view.
Robin Shapiro of Robin Shapiro Realty, is currently selling a house facing the water for $890,000. Even so, Shapiro believes that Broad Channel is great for starter houses but that the town is still underrated.
“It’s like one of these secret places which are nice for the people there,” said Shapiro. “I think it’ll stay a small town, it’s only got one main road. You need a huge infrastructure for things to get bigger and it’s very nice the way it is now.”
Wagner believes that people might not take notice of Broad Channel because you are in and out of it so quickly. “As real estate prices were increasing, Broad Channel still had a few homes that were affordable to young people in other neighborhoods,” said Wagner. “They decided ‘why not take a look at Broad Channel.’ I don’t think we will be underrated for too much longer.”