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.

 

 

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.

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?

It’s that time of the year again when swimmers, sunbathers and surfers come out to play. NYC can feel like a concrete jungle in the warm summer months but luckily this is one northeastern city that knows how to hit the shore – and not necessarily the Jersey shore either. In a recent publication by TimeOut New York, “The 10 Best Beaches in New York City,” were featured, showing us all that there’s plenty to do in those sunny summer months without even leaving the city!

What beachfront property near NYC made TimeOut’s list? The top 10 were given as follows:

1. Fort Tilden Beach
2. Coney Island Beach
3. Brighton Beach
4. Jacob Riis Park Beach
5. Jones Beach
6. Orchard Beach
7. Rockaway Beach
8. Manhattan Beach
9. Midland Beach
10. South Beach

However, what many people don’t realize is that even in the winter months, these seaside havens are wonderful places for a stroll, a bike ride, or simply to enjoy the seaside atmosphere, albeit a little bit chillier than in July and August. That being said, what’s to keep New Yorkers from wandering off for permanent seaside holidays, snatching up beachfront property near NYC? The simple answer? Nothing!

Rockaway Beach is NYC’s Most Livable Beach

More and more people are making the move out to the shore, and while Fort Tilden Beach might be a lovely, quiet spot out at the end of Rockaway Peninsula, it’s certainly not the most livable beach (as in BYO refreshments and the easiest access is by foot or bike). As livability goes, Rockaway Beach is consistently at the top of the list. Additionally, with new luxury residential developments like Arverne By The Sea making the move convenient and financially viable for many New Yorkers, the reasons to love The Rockaways just keep piling up.

For starters, Rockaway Beach offers 170 acres of sand that squish between the toes of couples out for romantic strolls just as satisfyingly as they do families playing on Saturdays. As NYC’s only surf beach, those looking to catch some waves know this is the only beachfront property near NYC that matters. Families love the seven playgrounds, and everyone can get involved in activities from the obvious swimming and sunning, to fishing and volleyball. Oh yeah, and it’s just down the road from Fort Tilden Beach and Jacob Riis Park Beach; there’s nothing like checking off three of NYC’s best beaches in one trip!

Year-Round Enjoyment

 While some would-be buyers of beachfront property near NYC fear their beach haven will be booming in the summer and boring in the winter, Arverne By The Sea and The Rockaways offer a different take on the whole ‘beach scene’ vibe. With purpose-built retail, dining, grocery shopping, and recreation facilities right next to Arverne By The Sea, plus an ever-growing list of year-round Rockaways businesses to choose from, the community only grows more closely knit as things cool off.

Are you giving beachfront property near NYC some serious consideration? There’s no harm in stopping by Arverne By The Sea to check out the luxury lifestyle you could be enjoying – barbequing on your rooftop terrace to the soundtrack of gently crashing ocean waves – unless, of course, paradise just isn’t your style.

What is real luxury? When it comes to NYC real estate, it’s hard to beat waking every morning to the sound of ocean waves lapping against the sand, living in a brand-new spacious home, and not adding any time to your commute. If this sounds like your NYC real estate dream, pinch yourself (because this is real) and start exploring the world of Arverne By The Sea, Queens – where you’ll find NYC’s best luxury homes.

If this beautiful oceanfront neighborhood sounds familiar, you’ve probably read about it in the wake of Superstorm Sandy. While the storm hit the New York coastline hard, this new residential development stood its ground. This good fortune wasn’t a miracle or a happy accident, but rather the result of excellent planning and the execution of well laid-plans by joint-venture developers The Benjamin Companies and the Beechwood Organization. In fact, Bloomberg was so impressed that he immediately made the case part of his ‘required reading material’ for strengthening the coastline.

The Details

The development consists of several phases of newly built, two-family homes. Attractive incentives like the 20-year UDAPP property tax abatement secured for buyers of these plush homes are just as cushy as the grass in the pocket parks sprinkled around the grounds. All of the requisite features for luxury homes in NYC have been included, such as rooftop terraces, balconies, garages, professional landscaping, and boundless neighborhood attractions and amenities. All of this, plus the ability to earn rental income on the tenant unit, are excellent reasons to buy a slice of paradise.

Retail Convenience

Leaving city life behind can feel like a barrier to experiencing a seaside lifestyle for many, which is what takes the luxury quotient up a notch when it comes to Arverne By The Sea.

The development has its very own retail plaza with everything you could possibly need – from dry cleaning and a beauty salon to excellent restaurants. There is also a purpose-built Super Stop & Shop within walking distance and the newly opened Rockaway YMCA at Arverne By The Sea for fitness and community involvement.

Arverne By The Sea for Families

Playgrounds and parks scattered throughout the grounds are perfect for children, and while the area pertains to District #27 schools, an agreement with independent college preparatory school Lawrence Woodmere Academy (located less than 10 miles away at 336 Woodmere Boulevard in Woodmere, NY) brings a private bus to Arverne By The Sea daily to transport Pre-School through Grade 12 students.

At just 13 miles from Manhattan, with easy access to the NYC Subway (A Train), the QM17 Express Bus to Manhattan, and the Long Island Rail Road to Far Rockaway, whether driving or using public transport, this Queens move might actually shave a few minutes off your commute. If you’re the aquatic type, you might also enjoy taking the ferry from Far Rockaway, which cruises into Wall St. in under an hour.

However you get here, do it fast. Secrets don’t stay secrets for long in the New York real estate market. Arverne By The Sea is easy to find, it’s the place right in front of the Atlantic Ocean with opulent, luxury homes in NYC.

“Rockaway is the new Brooklyn” overheard in a crowded restaurant in SoHo last week. “My friend just bought a new two-family home at Arverne By The Sea. It’s awesome – right on the beach, you can watch the surfers from her terrace. She rents the apartment out to her cousin and her mortgage is less than what she used to pay for rent.”

The Rockaways, once thought of as mainly a day-trip destination, is the latest hot spot more and more people want to call home. Luckily, the two-family homes of Arverne By The Sea offer income-producing rental units, private roof terraces, luxurious master suites, garages and private yards. Barbara Vollrath, an Arverne By The Sea homeowner says, “My two years here have been the best ever- Arverne by the Sea is a friendly, vibrant, diverse community. Where everyone is welcomed and made to feel at home. Each season brings its own special beauty- the ocean, dunes, sky, with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. It is wonderful to be part of the continuing growth of this neighborhood, Arverne & the Rockaways.”

Surrounded by fab world-renowned beaches, trendy restaurants, shopping and pocket parks, Arverne By The Sea is an active, thriving community that just may define the term “stay-cation”… “It’s like a vacation every time we come home”, says Dr. Jody Blanco, another Arverne By The Sea resident.

DISCOVER ARVERNE BY THE SEA

The ultimate lifestyle destination, Arverne By The Sea offers the rare mix of affordability, beachfront living and convenient access to Manhattan. The final two-family home neighborhood, The Dunes, is 80% sold out. Homes start at $630,000, with income-producing rental apartments and a 20-year tax abatement. Select homes are still available for summer occupancy. Individuals interested in scheduling a tour of the community should contact (800) 999-5761. Models are open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Visit www.ArverneByTheSea.com.

‘Tis the season to spend your weekends in Rockaway – Click the image below to visit This Gothamist Article   for a guide to 2014’s Rockaway!

Summer Water Sports at Arverne By The Sea, Queens

Everyone loves to be outside in the summer. The beach is the perfect place to enjoy the intense New York City summer sun, while still being able to cool off in the water. Whether you are lucky enough to live in Arverne By The Sea, or just passing through for a visit, these amazing summer water sports will have you wishing for summer all year round!

Rockaway Jet Ski

375 Beach 92^nd Street, Rockaway Beach

Jet Skis – Choose to rent a Jet Ski for an hourly rate, or sign up for one of the fun and exciting tours offered by Rockaway Jet Ski. The NYC Harbor Jet Ski Tour will take you around landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, not to mention get you up-close and personal with one of the best cityscape views money can buy. Other popular tours are the Ocean Fun Jet Ski Tour, meant for real thrill seekers, or the Jamaica Bay Sunset Tour for leisurely touring.

Kayaks – Similar to their Jet Skis, kayaks can be rented here by the hour. If you prefer the group dynamic, choose a tour of Jamaica Bay. This summer activity is a great upper body workout, and the tour is informative and fun. Kayaking is also a great way to experience the unique flora and fauna of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. If you want to combine fitness, fun, and education this summer, kayaking is the activity for you!

Breakwater Surf Co.

67-20 Rockaway Beach Blvd., Arverne

If you’ve always dreamed of taking surf lessons, are looking for a place to rent a board, or are ready to buy a board of your own, this Arverne By The Sea local business is calling your name. One of the most extreme, awesome, and in fact economical outdoor activities around, surfboard rentals are right around $10 per hour, which is a serious bargain for NYC. Seekers of calmer adventures can try renting a body board or a stand up paddle board instead of a surf board. If interested in lessons, Breakwater Surf Co. can sign you up for a private lesson, or recommend a great local surf school to try out!

Ready to try surfing on your own? Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk surf beaches are listed by NYC Parks as falling between 67-69 Street, and 87-92 Street. Updates, info, and seasonal opening dates can be found in the Rockaway Beach section of the NYC Parks website.

NYC Parks

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge & Jacob Riis Park

The NYC Parks department offers some great activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages to try in the Arverne By The Sea area.

Gateway Visitor Programs and Events – Program guides are released seasonally, and list a number of interesting programs –both aquatic and on dry land– that anyone can participate in. Some such programs include ranger-led hike and bike combinations, yoga classes, and even beach bonfires, held in nearby Jacob Riis Park and the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, both part of the Gateway National Recreation Area.

Fishing – Fishing is allowed in certain areas near Arverne By The Sea, and detailed fishing maps are available on the Gateway National Recreation Area website. Two of the best local fishing spots are the Jamaica Bay side of Jacob Riis Park, and the road out to Breezy Point. The Atlantic side of Jacob Riis Park also permits fishing, though it’s only allowed outside of swimming hours (which generally fall between 10am and 6pm). There’s nothing like ending a beautiful summer day on the water with a cook-out of self-caught fish accompanied by some delicious sides picked up at the new local Stop & Shop.

Keep in mind that in order to fish in NYC a fishing permit is required. Currently permits are $50 per season and can be obtained at the Ryan Visitor Center.

Ready to enjoy a sporty summer? Head to Arverne By The Sea to find some of the City’s best watersports all in one place!

A large part of the draw of seaside life at Arverne By The Sea is the opportunity to enjoy the best of two worlds right in your backyard: the natural environment and the city. With Manhattan just a short drive away, and a number of NYC Parks, National Parks, and protected areas just a stone’s throw from home, it’s really the ideal blend. There are so many great activities for outdoorsy types of every age! Many people enjoy popular Rockaways outdoor activities like surfing at Rockaway Beach or biking around Jacob Riis Park, but there really are infinite ways to enjoy the local area.

Where to Start?

Many people who move to Arverne By The Sea, or even just visit the area, know the area is a natural playground. They want to tap into local resources to find enjoyment, recreation, and family fun, but aren’t quite sure where to start. Luckily, the National Park Service knows that people need a little help to enjoy the complex natural landscape to its fullest, and organize seasonal series of events known as the Gateway Visitor Programs and Events series.

What Kinds of Programs and Events Will I Find?

Each season, a new publication comes out with a complete listing of all upcoming Gateway programs and events. You can find the list on the Gateway National Recreation Area website. All programs are designed to help visitors relate to the history of the park through interpretive themes like:

• The Natural Wonders, Dynamics, and Challenges of an Urban Estuary
• Two Centuries of National Defense
• Maritime Heritage
• Recreation and Education: Quality of Life for All Visitors

Other topics take in-depth looks at the flora and fauna of the local area, or take participants deeper into topics like meteorology, cartography, geography, and photography, just to name a few.

Sample Programs

Here are just a few examples of programs offered by Gateway, to give an idea of what you might find on this season.

• Star Gazing – Led by the Amateur Astronomers Association, with telescopes provided.
• Spring Tide at Jacob Riis Park – Walk the beach with an American Littoral Society Naturalist and learn the dynamics of this ecosystem.
• Yoga in the Park – Held at various locations, such as the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
• Junior Ranger Day: Nature Hike – Young explorers are led through wildlife areas like the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, and earn a Junior Ranger badge. Junior Ranger Days are held throughout the Gateway parks system.
• Walk-up and Paddle – Try out kayaking! No booking is required, and equipment is provided.
• Sizzling Summer Crops – Learn about what kinds of crops to grow right at home in Arverne By The Sea from Gateway’s expert gardeners.
• World War II Harbor Defense Lantern Tour and Battery Gunnison/New Peck – This example of a historic Ranger and Army Ground Forces Association-led tour through Fort Hancock takes participants back in time on a walk through history.

These and more are great examples of events and programs run by the Gateway National Recreation Area organization. To learn more, check out the website, or simply visit one of your local National Recreation Areas, just a short drive from Arverne By The Sea, like Jacob Riis Park, or the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.