Thinking about living in Queens? This diverse borough has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a more urban, suburban, or beachy area to plant roots. Read on to learn about some of the best neighborhoods in Queens!
Astoria
- Home Price: $397,118 median purchase price; $1,339 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of New York City neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families
Young professionals flock to Astoria in Queens because it’s close to Manhattan for commuting, very walkable, and has excellent public transit, with multiple New York City Subway and NYC Bus stops. As one of the largest New York City neighborhoods, Astoria has many employment opportunities but still keeps its residential feel. In this popular neighborhood, you can choose from an array of houses, condos, co-ops, and apartments to call home. Catch screenings of modern and classic films like The Shop Around the Corner, exhibits such as Behind the Screen, and new and exciting events at the Museum of the Moving Image. View the artwork of Isamu Noguchi with drawings and portraits, exhibitions like A Glorious Bewilderment: Marie Menken’s ‘Visual Variations on Noguchi,’ and stroll through the Sculpture Garden at The Noguchi Museum. Swim in the largest pool in NYC, bring your pooch to the dog park, and play tennis at Astoria Park. Grab comfort food to-go such as the Dropkick Murphy Breakfast, Grandstand Burger, or The Freakin Vegan Sandwich from Comfortland. Discover one of the best Greek restaurants in New York with meals like Spanakopita, Chicken Souvlaki, and Branzini at Taverna Kyclades. Or snag a seat in the beer garden to enjoy a Czechvar light lager or Hofbrau Dunkel with Pork Schnitzel at Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden.
Forest Hills
- Home Price: $580,702 median purchase price; $1,764 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of New York City neighborhoods
- Best For: Students, singles, young professionals, families, retirees
As one of the best neighborhoods in NYC, Forest Hills is family-friendly, popular with commuters—thanks to its location in central Queens—and has high safety ratings. Residents enjoy the sense of community, quiet atmosphere, and high walkability and transportation scores. Forest Hills offers your choice of apartment complexes, condos, co-ops, and single-family homes to live in. If you’re looking to further your education, Touro University’s Graduate School of Education and Plaza College are located in this engaging Queens neighborhood. Score tickets to shows by well-known artists and bands like Hozier, Norah Jones, and Death Cab for Cutie at Forest Hills Stadium. See the latest movie releases, book private screenings, and relax by the fireplace in the cafe lounge while waitinng for your show to start at Cinemart Cinemas. Browse unique fine arts vendors and booths from local businesses and hop on carnival rides in both the spring and fall at the Forest Hills Street Fair. Uncover one of the best bagel shops in NYC to try 2 Eggs on a Bagel, a Bagel with Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese, or a Muenster Cheese Sandwich at Forest Hills Bagels. Fill up on BBQ Pulled Pork and Avocado Fries with a Frozen Painkiller cocktail at gastropub Queens Bully. And sit inside or out to sip a Stone IPA or Mango Margarita with Farmstyle Jumbo Wings at Forest Hills Station House.
Kew Gardens
- Home Price: $376,981 median purchase price; $1,253 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of New York City neighborhoods
- Best For: Families, retirees
Kew Gardens is a small but serene Queens neighborhood tucked into the city. Ideal for families, Kew Gardens has plenty of green space, tree-lined streets, and a lively restaurant scene. This neighborhood boasts top-notch schools including the diverse P.S. 99 Kew Gardens School and several great daycare centers. Check out books, enhance your child’s learning with events like Mother Goose Time, and join weekly activities like Lego Club at Queens Public Library at Kew Gardens Hills. Have a picnic under the beautiful oak trees, throw a frisbee, and kick a soccer ball around at the Eight Oaks Triangle. Take a walk, draw with sidewalk chalk, and jump rope at Maple Grove Park. Order a Vegan or Sicilian Pizza or Shrimp Parmigiana for takeout at Dani’s House of Pizza, a restaurant that’s been around for over 60 years. Try Peruvian dishes such as Pollo Al Ajillo, Tallarin Saltado With Steak, or Salmon A Lo Macho at Tu Casa. Or sample Latin recipes like an appetizer of Street Corn and a Chicken Cuban Sandwich or Cauliflower Tacos at Love’s Kitchen.
Middle Village
- Home Price: $725,579 median purchase price; $1,818 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 74% of New York City neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Middle Village, named for its characterization as a small village within the big city, is a great safe neighborhood in Queens. Residents say they enjoy the friendly neighbors, suburban vibe, and centralized location within the Queens borough. Considered one of NYC’s best-kept secrets, this neighborhood is serene and full of stylish row houses and apartment buildings. Bring your kids to the playground, play basketball, and go for a jog at Juniper Valley Park. Experience both original and popular productions like Kiss Me, Kate, find your acting chops, or work on costumes or set design at Maggie’s Little Theater. Peruse the books, check out movies, and take weekly classes like Chair Fitness at Queens Public Library at Middle Village. Indulge in homemade Mexican food with a Pollo Asado Burrito, Carnitas Bowl, or Camaron Nachos at Burrito Blvd. Dine on fresh seafood with a Down East Lobster Roll Sandwich or Linguine With Clam Sauce and Seasonal Vegetables on the side at London Lennie’s. Or celebrate Filipino culture with traditional dishes like a Chicken Ricebox or Lechon Paksiw Sandwich with a Calamansi Cupcake for dessert at Chick’n Rotonda.
The Rockaways
- Home Price: $297,562 median purchase price; $774 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of New York City neighborhoods
- Best For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for a more affordable option but still want to live in a good neighborhood in Queens, consider The Rockaways. With all kinds of parks, easy access to the Atlantic Ocean, and strong beach vibes, The Rockaways are for outdoor lovers. This coastal, scenic area is an oasis from busy city life, but it’s also a few miles from JFK Airport for traveling jobs and vacations. Go to NYC’s only surfing beach to catch a wave, play volleyball, and have a barbecue at Rockaway Beach. Rent a skiff, go fishing, and dock your boat at Marina 59. Pitch a tent for camping, go swimming, and bring your kids to the playground at the Jamaica Bay Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area. Chill out in the sunshine with a Hot Dog or Vegan Burger along with Cold Pressed Juice at the seasonal restaurant, Rippers. Enjoy live music on the weekends with Spinach & Artichoke Dip, Crab Cakes, and a Red Sin-Gria at Bungalow Bar. Or visit the taproom to savor a Rockaway IPA, What the Fuggle? English cream ale, or Fragile Italian Style Pilsner at Rockaway Brewing Company.
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This post was originally published 12/30/2019, and last revised on 02/09/2024 with updated information.
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
