far rockaway, queens

Not sure if this applies to Far Rockaway, but I took a bike ride along the length of the Rockaways west of Cross Bay Bridge over the summer and was just amazed at the number of unoccupied new developments. Much of it was shockingly bleak. When planning the ride I came across an article talking about all the failed development out there. Two stories that stuck in my mind were the development that the sponsor leased to the city for use as public housing because no one else wanted it, and the waterfront development that was so botched in construction the terraces faced the street instead of the water (not a joke).

Have not lived there, but know folks who have -- basically they ended up feeling very isolated out there, took a long time to commute to midtown job, was a hike for friends to come visit. If you don't have a car and rely on public transportation and aren't a homebody you may not find it to your liking. That said, they really did enjoy being near a beach.

wow, a lot of negatives. do you think it'll be up and coming at all?

no...it's very isolated.

Try Rockaway Park or Belle Harbor, from Bch 108th Street to the Riis Park is a much better residential area, shopping is also better, the bars on Bch 116th Street are an adventure. Prices are a liitle higher but quailty of life is better