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Imagine a place where the world comes to mingle, where cultures collide and unite, creating a vibrant kaleidoscope of life. That’s Queens for you, the big shot of New York’s boroughs, right on Long Island! Here, more than 150 cultures call it home. Yes, you heard it right – 150! Can you feel the vibe?
The borough comprises dozens of neighborhoods, each with a unique character and identity. More than 2.3 million people of different descents, including White, African-American, Hispanic, Irish, and Italian, live in these neighborhoods.
Queens is considered relatively affordable compared to other areas in New York like Brooklyn and other cities in the US like San Francisco. The cost of living in Queens is 3% lower than the state average. However, it’s also 50% higher than the national average. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the real estate market dynamics of the area, you might find this NYC real estate investing market overview helpful.
There’s a perfect neighborhood for everyone, from cool areas like Astoria to Flushing. If you’re planning on moving to Queens, here are the best neighborhoods to live in Queens and attractions to see.
Astoria
If you want to live close to Manhattan, Astoria is one of the Queens neighborhoods close to Manhattan. Located in the northwest corner of Queens, Astoria is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood known for its strong sense of community.
Astoria’s mix of historical and modern architecture offers a unique blend of old-world charm and urban energy. The neighborhood’s main thoroughfare, 30th Avenue, is lined with a diverse array of restaurants and bars offering cuisine from around the world.
It has an abundance of amenities and is conveniently located and well-connected to the rest of the city, with multiple subway lines running through it. The neighborhood is also home to several parks, including Astoria Park, which offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River.
Popular attractions in Astoria include the Museum of the Moving Image, which celebrates the history of film and television, and the Socrates Sculpture Park, an outdoor museum featuring contemporary art. Enjoy jazz music, great cocktails, and beers at The Let Love Inn, visit Noguchi Museum, and whatever you do, don’t miss a laugh at Q.E.D.
Ridgewood
Ridgewood, in Queens, is known for its historic charm, tight-knit community, and proximity to the city. With tree-lined streets and charming pre-war architecture, Ridgewood offers a peaceful and suburban-like feel while still being easily accessible to Manhattan via the M train.
The neighborhood is home to a number of popular restaurants and bars, including a variety of German and Polish eateries, reflecting the community’s heritage. It offers a unique blend of Queens’s local vibes and diversity and Brooklyn’s hippy atmosphere, especially where it borders Bushwick. Grab fresh tamale on your way to the subway at the Myrtle-Wyckoff Tamale Food Truck.
It’s also one of the best neighborhoods in Queens to raise a family, thanks to several schools and libraries here. Additionally, you’ll enjoy relaxing and outdoor activities in green spaces such as Cooper Park and the Ridgewood Reservoir. Ridgewood is an excellent choice for those looking for a safe and friendly neighborhood with easy access to the city.
Sunnyside
Sunnyside is known for its friendly community and a blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Charming pre-war buildings, tree-lined streets, and a diverse population characterize the neighborhood.
Its main street, Queens Boulevard, offers a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s a diverse range of restaurants and bars, including popular spots like Queens Comfort and The Bonnie, a neighborhood bar with a great selection of craft beers.
Must-see attractions include the beautiful Sunnyside Gardens Park, the iconic Sunnyside Arch, and the LIC Flea & Food, a weekly market that features local artisans, food vendors, and live music.
Sunnyside is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Queens for those looking for a diverse, welcoming, and well-connected neighborhood in Queens.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills has tree-lined streets and lush gardens, giving it a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The neighborhood is known for its historic architecture, including the iconic Forest Hills Gardens, a planned community designed in the early 20th century.
The neighborhood is a great choice for a quiet, family-friendly community. Several local shops, restaurants, and cafes provide residents with a variety of dining and shopping options. Additionally, Forest Hills is home to the famous Forest Hills Stadium, which regularly hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
If you enjoy being outdoors, the neighborhood’s Forest Park offers a great place to hike, bike, or enjoy nature. Its convenient location—a quick subway ride away from Manhattan— is ideal for those who want to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Long Island City
Long Island City is one of the Queens neighborhoods close to Manhattan, and it’s no surprise it’s quickly becoming one of the most sought-after areas in the city. With its proximity to Manhattan, residents enjoy stunning skyline views of Manhattan and an urban vibe.
The neighborhood has undergone a significant transformation in recent years. It is now home to luxury high-rise buildings, several art galleries—including MoMA PS1—museums, and cultural centers, making it a popular destination for art lovers.
Additionally, Long Island City is home to several parks and green spaces, including Gantry Plaza State Park, offering a great place to relax and enjoy the waterfront. Take an evening walk across the Queensboro Bridge and enjoy stunning views of the East River or go indoor climbing at The Cliff at LIC
Bay Side
People looking for quiet neighborhoods in Queens to call home will love Bay Side. With its peaceful and serene atmosphere, it is a great choice to not only escape the hustle and bustle of the city but also raise a family.
The neighborhood is known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, picturesque homes, and friendly community. If you’re looking to spend time outdoors, the charming Crocheron Park on the shores of Little Neck Bay is a great place with plenty of lawn space and a beautiful waterfront.
For all your shopping needs, the Bay Terrace Shopping Center features eateries and popular retailers and offers free parking. Besides the Bay Terrace, there are several excellent restaurants, cafes, and shops, providing residents with a variety of dining and shopping options.
Additionally, Bay Side has several excellent schools, making it a great choice for families. Rent a boat and enjoy the scenic views at the Bayside Marina, and for an extraordinary collection of cigars, Harry’s Habana Hut is the local go-to cigar lounge.
Flushing
Flushing is one of the best Queen neighborhoods for young professionals and singles, thanks to its diversity.
It’s a bustling and diverse area with a unique blend of cultures, cuisines, and attractions. Known for its large Asian-American population, Flushing boasts a wide range of restaurants and markets, making it a foodie’s paradise.
The neighborhood is also home to the spectacular Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, which offers a variety of recreational activities, such as the Unisphere—a 12-story high steel globe—the Queens Museum, a zoo, a lake, and several sports facilities.
Meet baseball fans and enjoy a game at Citi Field, and if you’re in NYC in the summer, USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center hosts the US Open. Check out The Attic and Moon Bar Rooftop for drinks and elevated views.
Jackson Heights
Jackson Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens for those looking for a diverse and vibrant community. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, historic architecture, diverse population, and delicious international cuisine options.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with a mix of locals, immigrants, and young professionals. You’ll find a variety of shops, bars, and restaurants on its bustling main street, Roosevelt Avenue.
Many cultural institutions exist here, including the Jackson Heights Art Club and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group. You can never run out of green spaces, with spots like Travers Park bringing the community together with beautiful lawns, performance areas, and stadium seating.
You’ll also find easy access to transportation, with the 7 train, E, F, M, and R subway lines and several bus routes—with proximity to Manhattan—making it an attractive option for those looking for an urban lifestyle. Make memories to last a lifetime with jam sessions and endless entertainment at Terraza 7. Don’t miss the tasty steamed pork momos at Lali Guras and cheese arepas at Arepa Lady.
Rosedale
Rosedale is the Queens neighborhood with a floral name. The neighborhood is characterized by its tree-lined streets, well-manicured lawns, and many beautiful flowers, which gives it its floral name.
The neighborhood has beautiful parks, including Brookville Park, and several golf courses, such as Rosedale Golf Course and Clearview Golf Course. It’s easy to get around the city as the LIRR Rosedale station, and several bus routes serve the area.
With its peaceful atmosphere, Rosedale is perfect for people looking for a neighborhood with a quiet, laid-back vibe.
Find Apartments for Rent in Queens With June
The above areas are arguably some of the nicest neighborhoods in Queens, with an abundance of amenities, plenty of dining options, and a cool, inviting atmosphere.
However, finding apartments and rooms for rent in Queens can be daunting, especially if you don’t know where to look. But with a reliable partner, it’s easy to find a perfect place in the haystack that is Queens housing rentals.
June Homes helps people like you find ideal apartments in good neighborhoods in Queens. Just find a home on our site, take a tour, and sign the lease in as little as 3 hours.
Contact us today, and let us find you a home away from home.
