Forest Hills isn’t just a market—it’s a lifestyle built on the love of Queens culture, and for many, a lifelong love story. Few understand that better than Linda Weiss, Associate Broker at Terrace Sotheby’s International Realty, to some, a pillar and powerhouse of Forest Hills Gardens. With decades of experience and deep personal roots in the neighborhood, Weiss has become not just a real estate expert, but a trusted voice in one of New York City’s most distinctive communities. Here, she gives us an overview of the state of Selling Forest Hills, and what makes living in the Gardens enclave special. But first, we explore her intuitive understanding of people and place, and the legendary real estate career she’s built over the past 40 years.
Linda Weiss’s relationship with Forest Hills began not as a broker, but as a resident finding her way through life, as a single mother raising a son in New York. Living in the Kennedy House as a renter, she had the rare opportunity to purchase her unit as the building converted to co-op ownership. But she had always long-admired Forest Hills Gardens, often walking its quiet streets and taking in the charm of its architecture. When the opportunity came, she sold her co-op and purchased her first home in the Gardens on Greenway Terrace in 1983.
Her entry into real estate industry was almost accidental. A neighbor in the Kennedy House asked her to handle a sale, recognizing her natural ability. Though she wasn’t yet licensed—and couldn’t collect a commission—the experience sparked something. Instead of pursuing law school, she pivoted. (Though having graduated with high honors from Marymount College with a degree in political science would come in handy, especially when it came time for deploying analytical and negotiation skills).
That instinct paid off quickly. Within her first weeks as an agent, she sold two homes—an almost unheard-of feat at the time. From there, her career snowballed, built on relationships and reputation.
The Enduring Appeal of Forest Hills
For Weiss, the magic of Forest Hills Gardens has always been rooted in its design and atmosphere. “The quaintness, the architecture—you feel it the moment you walk through,” she says.
Over the years, the neighborhood has evolved, but its essence remains intact. A dedicated security patrol has helped preserve a sense of safety, while a steady influx of young families keeps the community vibrant.
“It stays young,” Weiss notes. “There’s a new energy, new families—but the character never disappears.”
Raising a Family, Building a Community
Weiss raised her son, Michael, in Forest Hills, where he attended P.S. 101, Russell Sage, and later Townsend Harris before heading to Dartmouth. For her, the neighborhood offered not just excellent schools, but something harder to replicate: connection.
From the Community House to the West Side Tennis Club pools, from Children’s Day celebrations each summer, to sledding traditions with Santa Claus, Forest Hills offers a rhythm of life that feels almost small-town.
“Families become friends here,” she says.
Inside One of NYC’s Most Unique Markets
As a broker for Terrace Sotheby’s for more than 25 years, Weiss has had a front seat to the dynamics of the Forest Hills real estate market.
Susanna Hof and her husband Rob are owners and lead brokers of Terrace Sotheby’s, and are also long-standing pillars of the community. With two offices in Station Square, one as an office and the other as a gallery, many turn to the firm’s team for local resources and guidance, especially when acclimating to the neighborhood.
Weiss says Forest Hills Gardens itself is unlike anywhere else in New York City—and its housing market reflects that.
“There are only about 900 homes,” Weiss explains. “In a typical year, fewer than 20 sell.”
That scarcity drives demand. Even in a record-breaking year with 30 sales, inventory remains tight—especially in the $1.8 to $2.5 million range, where most buyers are focused.
Today’s buyers are particularly drawn to attached and semi-attached townhouses, which tend to fall within that price band. But with limited listings at any given time, competition is a constant.
“Buyers need to be prepared,” Weiss says. “You have to understand the inventory—and move when the right home appears.”
Stories That Define a Career
Over 35 years, Weiss has built more than a résumé—she’s built a legacy of stories.
One standout: the sale of 72 Tennis Place, which set a record at $4.3 million after a complete rebuild. To this day, it remains among the highest sales in the Gardens.
Then there are the rare feats—like orchestrating multiple three-way and even a four-way transaction, where several home sales are interconnected. “It’s incredibly complex,” she says. “And something very few brokers have ever done.”
But for Weiss, the most meaningful moments are often quieter. Like helping a Manhattan family find their perfect fit—a home that simply felt meant to be for their next chapter.
Her career has also been defined by loyalty. One client alone has completed more than 20 transactions with her, a testament to the trust she builds.
What sets Weiss apart isn’t just market knowledge—it’s community connection.
Her relationships run deep, spanning decades and generations. Those connections don’t just help close deals—they help guide people home.
“Real estate here is personal,” she says. “You’re not just buying a house—you’re becoming part of something.”
Linda’s Forest Hills
When she’s not working, Weiss still finds joy in the neighborhood she’s spent a lifetime serving. Whether it’s a walk along Greenway South or dinner at a favorite local spot, her connection to Forest Hills remains as strong as ever.
Tips for Buyers & Sellers
Weiss’s advice is grounded in experience:
For buyers: understand your price range, see everything available within it, and work with a broker who truly knows the area.
For sellers: trust your agent. Pricing strategy and preparation are critical—and success often comes down to listening to expert guidance.
A Lasting Meaning
After decades in Forest Hills, Weiss’s answer to what the neighborhood means to her is simple—but telling: “It’s everything.” In this lightning round, Weiss delves into the details that make Forest Hills a truly magical place to live.
One word to describe Forest Hills?
Timeless
Best advice for first-time buyers here?
Be ready—inventory is limited and opportunities move fast
Most iconic home style in the Gardens?
Stone townhouses on Greenway Terrace
What keeps you passionate after all these years?
The people—and the relationships
Sidebar: Linda’s Local Favorites
- Coffee: Paris Baguette
- Dinner: Nick’s Bistro on Metropolitan
- Hidden Gem: Dirty Pierre’s
- Best Fall Foliage: Greenway South
- Signature Homes: Greenway Terrace stone townhouses
Micro Market Snapshot
- Buyer Demand: Strong up to $2.5M, especially for townhouses
- Inventory: Exceptionally limited
- Trends: Investor activity is rare; most buyers are end-users
- What Makes It Unique: A finite number of homes in a highly sought-after historic enclave
