She Was Delighted in Her Queens Rental but Wanted a Slice of the Outdoors

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Kristina Hacker, a longtime renter in Astoria, Queens, purchased a one-bedroom condo near Astoria Park and the Astoria Boulevard subway station for $618,000 to secure private outdoor space and a stable home base. This purchase reflects a broader trend of pandemic-era buyers reselling properties at modest losses as they prioritize functional features like balconies and in-unit amenities for long-term living.

Kristina Hacker, a resident of Astoria, Queens, recently purchased a one-bedroom condominium to fulfill her desire for homeownership and private outdoor space, after renting for seven years in the neighborhood. With a budget of $650,000, Hacker sought to remain close to Astoria Park and convenient subway access, prioritizing a residence near the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard or Astoria Boulevard stations for her daily commute to Rockefeller Center, where she works in marketing.

Hacker had been renting the top floor of a rowhouse for $1,600 a month, a space she valued for its proximity to parks and transit but lacked certain features she wanted in a permanent home. She expressed concerns about the uncertainties of renting long-term, such as potential building sales that could force her to move. More importantly, she longed for private outdoor space, recalling her upbringing in Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she enjoyed spending time on her front porch and back deck.

Her search focused on units offering balconies or terraces, rather than shared outdoor areas. After exploring multiple options with real estate agent Ann Acquaviva of Real Broker NY, Hacker narrowed her choices. Listings ranged from a converted 1912 factory co-op featuring nearly 700 square feet with a balcony and shared amenities, priced at $545,000, to a boutique seven-unit condo from 2022 with a 60-square-foot balcony, washer-dryer, and fewer than $1,000 in monthly charges, listed at $618,000. Another option was a brand-new 24-unit condo building offering similar features, including a virtual doorman, gym, a landscaped yard, and a roof deck, listed at $615,000.

Hacker ultimately decided on the boutique condo located close to Astoria Park and near the Astoria Boulevard subway station, appreciating its thoughtful design and sturdiness despite some clutter during her initial viewing. The unit's price had dropped from $688,000 to $618,000, reflecting a local market trend where some pandemic-era buyers are now reselling at relatively modest losses.

Acquaviva noted that many buyers during the pandemic purchased homes driven by emotional factors, leading to some properties returning to the market at reduced prices. In Hacker’s case, the sellers had originally paid $636,000 three years ago.

Now settled in her new home, Hacker highlighted the impact of having an in-unit washer-dryer, especially for managing laundry related to her running routine. She also looks forward to fully utilizing her balcony, planning to furnish it for outdoor meals—an amenity she had long desired while renting. Hacker said the appeal of having effortless access to private outdoor space remains as strong as ever.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.