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Top 50 public schools in NYC

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The NY Post ranked the Top 50 schools in New York City based on data for the 4-year graduation rate, which includes the percent of students scoring over an 85 on Regents Integrated Algebra and ELA exams, number of students taking AP exams, the percent scoring 3,4 or 5 on AP exams, the number taking the SAT and the average total AP scores.

Scholars’ Academy ranked number 12 of 50!  Scholars’ Academy is located at 320 Beach 104th St. in Queens. It’s a demanding grades 6 through 12 school. Most students complete Regents requirements in 10th grade, then take AP classes, which allows them to earn college credits at St Francis College. They also participate in internships. 

Here is their ranking information:

ADMISSION: Priority to continuing 8th graders

ENROLLMENT: 420

GRADUATION RATE: 98.9%

COLLEGE READY: 85.2%

COLLEGE ENROLLMENT: 97%

# TAKING SAT: 89

AVERAGE TOTAL SAT SCORE: 1532

# TAKING AP TESTS: 77

AP PASS RATE: 66.7%

http://nypost.com/2013/09/15/top-50-public-schools-in-nyc/

Two Of Our Happy Residents

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Victory (Left – Blue dress)

Question: What is your favorite thing to do living in our neighborhood at Arverne by the Sea”

Answer: “I like to walk on the boardwalk with my Daddy, Mommy and my little sister. We would walk to and buy fruit smoothies and french fries at the board walk stores. I also like going to the YMCA to play. I go there with my sister all the time because my mommy likes to work out.”

Veronica (Right – Pink dress)

Question: What is your favorite thing to do living in our neighborhood at Arverne by the Sea”

Answer: “I go to the beach every weekend and find lots of sea shells, that is the best thing to do. We also walk to Dunkin Donuts and eat baby hash browns. Then we would walk to the Stop and Shop supermarket to buy ice cream.”

Victory & Veronica

The W Union Square introduces a really cool Rockaway Beach surf package

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Ok, this is no Oahu, but New York is showing off its surfing chops for tourists (or staycationers?) at least a little bit this summer with the W Union Square’s new “Stay & Surf Package.”

“Being from Hawaii, I’ve been a long time visitor to the Rockaways since it gives off that same chill surfer vibe. I’ve been bringing friends with me to experience the beauty and atmosphere of this beach and always hear from them how different it is from a traditional New York getaway to the Hamptons, the Jersey Shore, or Fire Island,” says Tanya DeCosta, the property’s “W Insider” (their term for a concierge). “We wanted to provide our guests the opportunity to experience the Rockaways the way that locals do, and provide them with everything they need to have a perfect day out there.”

To that end, the package includes a room at the W, a car service to and from Rockaway Beach, a personal surf lesson from the esteemed Locals Surf School, post-surf lunch and cocktails at Rockaway Beach Surf Club—and a beach tote packed with Amazonia Coconut Water, a map of Rockaway Beach hotspots, and a summer playlist.

They’ve also partnered with Hurricane Sandy-recovery charity Graybeards, so that ten percent of each package booked—plus proceeds from the auction of a specially designed surfboard—will be donated towards Rockaways restoration. So even if you can’t stay afloat for more than 10 seconds, you can feel really good about your purchase (while sipping the aforementioned post-surf cocktails). —Lisa Elaine Held

http://wellandgood.com/2014/08/04/the-w-union-square-introduces-a-really-cool-rockaway-beach-surf-package/

Ten Reasons to Buy a Beachfront Home

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Arverne by the Sea, in Queens, offers exquisite beachfront homes in a resort like setting with many amenities. It is life by the sea at its best, giving homeowners the feeling of being on a perpetual vacation. But what is it that makes buying a home on the beach a great move? Here are 10 reasons why you should consider it.

1) The Panoramic Views -This is a prime reason why people want to buy a beachfront property. It is both relaxing and invigorating. Breathtaking sunrises and serenity may be followed by bright umbrellas in the sand and sails on the horizon. Each day brings a new ocean front scene for you and your family to enjoy.

2) Recreation – The beach and the surrounding areas, especially around Arverne by the Sea, offer all kinds of recreational activity from swimming and boating to jet skiing and fishing. There are also numerous parks and golf courses nearby.

3) Investment – Well constructed beachfront homes rise in value faster than those homes further inland. Because there is a high demand and low supply, beachfront properties like Arverne are sound investments. The 20 year tax abatement makes the beachfront homes at Arverne by the Sea virtually irresistible to savvy buyers.

4) Rental Income – Arverne by the Sea consists of both one and two family homes. The two family models offer the opportunity for buyers to create rental income. This rental income can be either seasonal or year round. Seasonal rentals command premium rates during the preferred months. Annual rentals create a steady stream of income to offset the costs of mortgage and maintenance.

5) Fitness – Running, walking and swimming are three excellent fitness methods. Running or walking on sand burns more calories and strengthens muscles better than performing the same tasks on flat pavement. Swimming in the surf where there are waves and currents increases strength and stamina.

6) Healthfulness – Just being near the ocean lowers stress levels and reduces blood pressure. Soaking in sea water soothes muscles and joints and clears up acne in teens and adults.  Smelling the salt in the air and listening to the breakers keeping rhythm while the rest of nature sings, is a form of meditation that sooths the mind and soul. People living along the shore enjoy an inherent healthy lifestyle.

7) Inspiration and Art – The shore draws creative people and inspires them to paint, sculpt, draw, carve and photograph. That is why every shore town has shops featuring the works of local artists.

8) Culture – Music and the Performing Arts are also at home along the shore of New York. Nearby to Arverne is the well-known Rockaway Theater where Broadway actors keep their skills sharpened. The annual Rockaway’s Music and Arts Council’s Fall Festival features hundreds of artists and draws a crowd in excess of 20,000 from all over the world.

9) Entertaining – There is no better place to invite friends and family for a day or a weekend than your home on the beach. From your roof top terrace you and your company can enjoy the relaxed vibe of the shore and the scenic views with the beach just steps from your door.

10) Dining – The shore communities attract many chefs and restaurateurs that open diverse eateries of all ethnic origins. The Rockaway Beach area, where Arverne by the Sea is located, has a myriad of restaurants, many of which are highly acclaimed.

Arverne by the Sea is the perfect place to take advantage of all the attributes of beachfront living. Call for an appointment and take a tour today to see what beachfront living is all about.

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Arverne–Helping Kids Create Seaside Memories

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Ask anyone who grew up on the East Coast about their favorite childhood memories and you can be sure that the majority of answers would have something to do with the beach. Imagine growing up living on the beach. As a resident of one of the beachfront homes at Arverne by the Sea, in Rockaway Beach, Queens, your children can create their own seaside memories just steps from your door. Whether it is digging for sand crabs or boogie boarding in the wash, there is a memory for all children who visit the ocean’s edge. Some may remember their first time getting beyond the breakers and riding over the swells, until the perfect wave came to carry them onto the beach. Others may remember looking for shells and discovering all of the diverse life that dwells near the beach. A seaside education can shape the future of a child by developing their awareness of the eco-system while providing a fun learning environment. Some may even become beach front developers of sandcondos. The beachfront homes at Arverne by the Sea, in Queens, offer year round opportunities for children of all ages to create special memories. Summer brings the joys of swimming, surfing and sandcastle building; while autumn and winter create beachcombing opportunities that rarely exist during the summer season. Walking the beach with your children and enjoying the sand and surf can be a true bonding experience that brings your family closer together. Nearby to Arverne in Rockaway Beach is the New York Beach Ferry which offers whale and dolphin watching tours from June to August. Also offered is a Fourth of July Macy’s Fireworks excursion. Both of these will create lasting memories for reminiscing through adulthood. The Rockaway Beach Ferry departs for Manhattan daily providing family excursions to visit the Planetarium and other museums, sporting events and the theaters, including the unforgettable Christmas Show at Radio City. Also offered in the Arverne area are activities for families and kids such as kayaking, picnicking, bike trails and beach bike riding, the Jamaica Bay Junior Ranger program, fishing, nature studies and rock wall climbing. In September there is the festive and colorful annual bike parade on the Rockaway boardwalk and in October is the Hip Hop Halloween Festival with pumpkin painting, face painting and festive foods. Each summer is the Water Festival which is exclusively for kids featuring rides, games and other fun activities. Creating pleasant childhood memories is important in developing a child’s total awareness and a positive perspective of life. This perspective will continue to empower and guide them throughout their entire life. What better place for a child to create their own memories than growing up in close proximity to the beach and the sea, only minutes from the culture of New York. That is what makes living in one of the beachfront homes in Arverne by the Sea, in Queens, different than any other place in the world. Arverne has it all.

 

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Enjoy the Sand and Surf Outside Your Door at Arverne by the Sea

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At Arverne by the Sea, in Queens, you can enjoy life in one of the exquisite new beachfront homes all year round and save that vacation time for a winter getaway. The sand and surf are only steps from your door. There is no dealing with crowds, parking the car, beach fees or the risk of Mother Nature keeping you indoors with your bored family. You can plan your beach time on a moment’s notice, only when the weather is perfect.

What is Seaside Living?

Imagine rising on a Saturday morning and taking your sand chair to your favorite spot directly in front of your beachfront home. Enjoy your coffee and read the paper while the best morning rays gradually give you that glow you desire. During the week you rise early and walk, or run, on the beach before getting ready for work. You return home and unwind by taking a quick dip in the refreshing surf.  The fresh sea air is what you breathe each day. Such is the beauty of beachfront living at Arverne.

Whether you are a sand sitter, a beachcomber, a wash wader or a surf plunger, there is nothing like having the ocean in your back yard. Evening strolls on the wet sand are the best way to end the perfect day. Bike rides along the ocean’s edge are healthy and always filled with surprises. For the surfer in your family there is easy access to one of the only two surfing beaches in New York.

Why use your limited vacation time and all the money in your budget, fighting traffic and dealing with crowds only to have your beach vacation ruined by bad weather. With one of the lavish beachfront homes at Arverne by the Sea, you can avoid all that hassle and headache while enjoying the countless benefits of seaside living.  The best part is that you never have to leave the beach and face that long drive back.

Arverne Has It All

Arverne by the Sea is located on Rockaway Beach, Queens and offers beachfront homes that are convenient to shopping, dining, schools and public transit. The New York Beach Ferry in Rockaway takes commuters to Manhattan on a regular daily schedule. It also offers dolphin and whale watching cruises. There is also nearby fishing, golf, hiking, the Rockaway Boardwalk and many other recreational activities. Anything you can find at a seaside vacation resort is waiting for you at home at Arverne by the Sea.

Five Great Dining Spots Around Your Queens Neighborhood

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Life at any resort community would not be complete without a great selection of conveniently located dining experiences. Arverne by the Sea, in Rockaway Beach, Queens exemplifies that notion. Even the most adventuresome diner will be satisfied with the diverse culinary choices that exist only minutes away. Most of these establishments are family friendly and welcome the young foodies too.

The Rockaway Beach area has such a great selection of different eateries that one could dine out every week of the year and never eat at the same place twice.  Here are five excellent examples of the best places to eat in the Rockaway area of Queens.

  • The Rock NYC – A relative newcomer to the area, the Rock NYC has already left a great impression with both the local and not so local clientele. It has a NYC upscale look but a more laid back attitude to fit the local beach scene.  The menu is eclectic, featuring a tapas bar along with dishes like kale and quinoa salad, empanadas, and Greek lamb meatballs.  Beer and wine are also available.
  • Whit’s End – Named after its quirky owner Whitney, this eatery is said by many to serve the best artisan pizza in New York, which is a tough reputation to live up to. Diners make the trip from Long Island and Manhattan to savor handmade pizza such as artichoke and lemon ricotta, pistachio pesto and, of course, the traditional pizza margherita from a wood fired brick oven.
  • Uma’s – This Eurasian influenced dining spot offers such fair as bichakis, chewy crusted pastry filled with different ingredients such as squash and greens, stuffed cabbage, kabobs and borscht. The atmosphere is urban chic with an industrial feel, featuring exposed brick, tin ceilings and fixtures with bare light bulbs. It is a great place for kids to experience different tastes.
  • Caracas Arepa Bar – This Venezuelan Restaurant is located right on the Boardwalk in Rockaway Beach. They offer the traditional Arepa which is shredded beef, sweet plantains, black beans and crumbled cheese. Also on the menu are several different empanadas, taro fries and plantains with cheese. Kids will love the selection of tropical smoothies and chocolate covered bananas.
  • Bungalow Bar and Restaurant – Located at the end of the Cross Bay Bridge this hideaway offers panoramic views from its outdoor deck on the water. The food is straightforward seafood, steaks and burgers prepared simply and honestly. There is a full bar that offers cold pitchers of mixed drinks al fresco. A great place to relax and enjoy a view, day or night.

Life at Arverne by the Sea leaves nothing to be desired for the individual, couple or family that lives to eat. Aside from the small cross section mentioned above, there are countless other choices just minutes from your beachfront home. 301 Chinese offers some of the best Chinese food anywhere, Rippers is well known for its burgers, Thai Kitchen By The Sea offers delicious, authentic Thai food. The choices are virtually unlimited.

To really experience all of the culinary adventures that await you, right near your Arverne by the Sea beachfront home, get out and explore the neighborhood. You will be amazed at what you find right here in Queens.

Keeping Fit with Ocean Living at Arverne

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Arverne by the Sea, in Queens, offers beachfront homes with beautiful panoramic ocean views, easy access to the beaches, and plenty of nearby shopping and dining. Every summer people travel long distances, and pay a great deal of money, just to spend one week near the shore. You can live here in one of the exquisite beachfront homes and claim one more added benefit of beach life, which is total fitness.

No gym or spa membership is required and no special trainers are necessary. All you need is a pair of running shoes, sunscreen and possibly a yoga mat.

  • Walking Barefoot – Walking in the sand in your bare feet strengthens foot, ankle and calf muscles with natural resistance. Choose the firmer surface of the wet sand for a faster walk or the softer drier sand for increased resistance and muscle toning. The naturally uneven terrain of the beach makes you work your core muscles by constantly shifting your center of gravity, trimming that waistline effortlessly. In a few weeks your feet will change from tenderfoot to beachcomber and nothing underfoot will impede you.
  • Beach Running – Running on sand burns 30 percent more calories than running on flat pavement. Wear your running shoes for a while and then try it barefoot. The different surface densities allow you to tailor your workout to your fitness level and desired degree of difficulty.
  • Dive In – Everyone knows that swimming is great exercise but ocean swimming offers more. From muscle relaxing bobbing in the waves to strenuous swimming parallel to shore, the ocean offers great fitness opportunities. Make your own mini-ironman course and try running and swimming and walking all in one session.
  • Slap Some Sand – Get the entire family involved in building large sandcastles. If you have never done it, you may not realize the full body workout you get from bending, filling a pail with heavy wet sand, carrying it up the beach and packing it on the project. Repeat this many times and you will sleep quite well that night. Sandcastle building is a total body workout.
  • Yoga or Tai Chi on the Beach – What can be more soothing than to practice yoga or tai chi while the first rays of sun make the ocean bedazzling. The only sound is the waves breaking and the gulls laughing, while breathing the briny air provides a feeling of wellness that is like nothing else.
  • Catch a Wave – If surfing is your sport, or if you would like it to be, just steps from our beachfront homes, Arverne by the Sea in Queens, offers one of only two New York surfing beaches. Surfing takes swimming and balance, combining them into a total workout while being exhilarating at the same time.
  • Beach Biking – Get a beach bike and cruise the water’s edge. Alone, or with family and friends, the natural firmness of the sand adds resistance for better cardio. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for that perfect piece of driftwood, sea glass or shell to toss into your basket.

Living in one of the beachfront homes at Arverne by the Sea, Queens, is like being on vacation every day in a free, natural fitness spa. The sun provides essential vitamin D, the salt water provides natural detoxification leading to clearer skin and the sand is an unparalleled exfoliation agent providing a free pedicure. After a few short weeks of living at Arverne by the Sea, people will take notice and ask what you are doing to look so vibrant. Just say — life is a beach.

For Luxury Homes in NYC, Look to Queens

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The Queens real estate market is heating up, and it’s no wonder why. This booming borough offers everything New Yorkers want in their real estate, and let’s face it, those standards are high. People are coming from all over the world to snatch up the finest luxury homes Queens has to offer.

Don’t believe that Queens is the new place to be? The numbers don’t lie; in the first quarter of 2014 the average home price leaped an impressive 10.3% to $429,544, while luxury home prices soared to an average of $1.03 million, a 19.5% increase over the prior year quarter. Demand for luxury homes in Queens is high and real estate in changing hands amongst a flurry of cash deals, bidding wars, and foreign buyers.

People are ready to get out of the rental game, and with prices in Brooklyn soaring, Queens is the logical move. It’s a short commute to Manhattan, it is home to some of NYC’s top schools, and there are plenty of parks, beaches, and nature preserves to visit on your days off. Really, there’s no downside to moving to Queens.

 Is It Too Late to Buy a Luxury Home in Queens on My Budget?

 Of course not! It’s never too late to make things happen in the NYC real estate market, you just have to know where to look. Many people don’t realize they can afford a spacious brand new luxury home in one of NYC’s fastest growing communities. Developments like Arverne By The Sea offer idyllic beachfront homes at truly affordable prices.

These two-family homes are an excellent investment for anyone looking to buy in Queens. With a 20-year UDAPP property tax abatement established for new buyers, real estate taxes are extremely low. Owners also enjoy the financial benefits of an income-producing rental unit. Located in an area experiencing rapid growth, a purchase here guarantees excellent resale value and provides owners with an unparalleled luxury living experience.

With several phases of brand-new two-family homes available right on the ocean, there’s simply no beating the pricing – especially considering similar stand-alone homes are going for more than a million dollars. Just 13 miles from Manhattan, the location is ideal for a quick commute by car, subway, ferry or by express bus service. Imagine after a long day of work, you drop off your briefcase and walk straight out to the sand of Rockaway Beach: how many luxury homes in Queens offer that amenity?