Thinking about living in Queens with your family? This borough of NYC is great for homeowners and renters alike, offering plenty of transportation options, affordable housing, family-friendly activities, and more! If you’re moving to Queens, here are the five best neighborhoods for families!
Forest Hills
- Home Price: $444,362 median purchase price; $1,494 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of New York City neighborhoods
Not only is Forest Hills one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens—but it’s also rich in history and cultural significance as the home of icons like The Ramones, Simon & Garfunkel, and even the character Spider-Man. Residents love having access to the local shops, boutiques, and restaurants along Austin Street, and families have great education options nearby with schools like P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway, P.S. 101 the School in the Gardens, and J.H.S. 190 Russell Sage. And with the Long Island Expressway, Grand Central Parkway, and Jackie Robinson Parkway bordering the neighborhood and the Long Island Rail Road offering convenient public transportation, it’s easy for Forest Hills residents to reach the rest of NYC.
Things to Do in Forest Hills
Dance to Duran Duran, The Strokes, Sylvan Esso, and other iconic musical artists at Forest Hills Stadium, which historically hosted acts like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Head just outside the neighborhood to spend a day exploring Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home to the Queens Museum, New York Hall of Science, and Queens Zoo! Go for a swim, hang out in the clubhouse, or play a game of doubles when you become a West Side Tennis Club member. Snack on popcorn while catching movie premieres at Cinemart Cinemas. Sip mimosas and savor the Chicken & Waffles, Skillet French Toast, or a Brunch Burger while attending a weekend brunch at Queen’s Bully. Get your seafood fix with the New England Clam Chowder, Crab Meat Pasta, Seafood Risotto, or Salmon Fillet at Reef Restaurant & Bar. Order a Quesadilla, Guacamole Trip, La Isla Bonita, and other traditional Latin eats to share at Matiz Latin Cuisine. Or enjoy a Quinoa Falafel Wrap, Pork Kebob, Lemon Ouzo Chicken, and Chicken Fingers for the kids at Nick’s Bistro.
Kew Gardens
- Home Price: $376,981 median purchase price; $1,253 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of New York City neighborhoods
As one of the best Queens neighborhoods for families, Kew Gardens is safe, affordable, and diverse. If your family loves spending time outdoors, Kew Gardens provides the green space that many NYC neighborhoods lack. With tree-lined streets and many parks throughout the area, families can enjoy fresh air and an escape from the concrete jungle. There’s also the historic Maple Grove Cemetery, founded in 1875, which provides a quiet and tranquil park setting on the edge of the neighborhood. Residents will find a unique shopping and dining experience at the businesses lining the Lefferts Boulevard Bridge—often referred to as the Ponte Vecchio of Queens. And commuting parents can get to the city easily, while children can attend great area schools like P.S. 99 Kew Gardens, Yeshivat Ohr Haiim Elementary, P.S. 054 Hillside, and more!
Things to Do in Kew Gardens
Catch a blockbuster flick at a neighborhood favorite, Kew Gardens Cinemas. Peruse new releases and classic novels, join a book club, or attend an open mic night at Kew & Willow Books. Shop for bikes for you and your family or take one in for a tune-up at Gray’s Bicycles & Accessories. Play on the ball fields, pack a picnic, or take the family for a hike through Forest Park, which spans over 500 acres. Start your day with a Wild Mushroom Omelette, NY Strip Steak & Eggs, Nutella French Toast, or Brie Cheesecake Pancakes at Love’s Kitchen. Fill up on Empanadas, Tallarin Verde With Pesto Pasta, Pollo Saltado, Fried Calamari, and more for lunch at Tu Casa. Pick up Dani’s Meat Pie, Mozzarella Sticks, and Fresh Tomato and Mozzarella Salad for dinner from Dani’s House of Pizza. Or take the family out for a Tex Mex Burger, Kew Gardens Grilled Chicken Sandwich, or a Goat Cheese Salad at Austin’s Ale House.
Long Island City
- Home Price: $397,118 median purchase price; $1,339 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of New York City neighborhoods
Located in the far western tip of the borough, Long Island City is a great option for families moving to Queens! Often described as a less hectic Manhattan, residents can enjoy views of the East River, Newtown Creek, and the Manhattan skyline. Families appreciate the neighborhood’s easy access to great restaurants, vibrant activities, and great schools like Aviation High School and Queens Technical High School. Plus, college-aged children can stay close to home as they pursue higher education at LaGuardia Community College. This family-friendly neighborhood in Queens also provides plenty of arts and culture, fun activities, and an energetic, friendly community.
Things to Do in Long Island City
Spend a day exploring modern art installations like Malikah, Standing on the Corner, Artist Interventions, and more at MoMA PS1. Get your creative juices flowing by seeing Contemporary sculptures from emerging artists at the SculptureCenter. Test your strength on the rock climbing walls, join a yoga class, or hit the gym at Brooklyn Boulders Queensbridge. Develop your green thumb by volunteering at the community farm Smiling Hogshead Ranch. Dig into a Shrimp Roll, Skirt Steak, Keilbasa, or Bison Burger while enjoying waterfront views at Anable Basin Sailing Bar & Grill. Sample the Lime Crusted Atlantic Salmon, Lomo Saltado, Churrasco, or Poke Tacos at Blend on the Water. Eat a Chorizo Torta, Huevos Con Mole, Lengua Tacos, and other Michelin-rated Mexican cuisine for brunch at Casa Enrique. Or satisfy your sweet tooth with Carrot Cake, Blueberry Cobbler, Coconut Layer Cake, or a Salted Caramel Sundae from American Brass.
The Rockaways
- Home Price: $297,562 median purchase price; $774 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 27% of New York City neighborhoods
Looking to escape the crowds of New York City while still staying close to all the action? The Rockaways might be the best neighborhood in Queens for your family! Located in the southern peninsula of Queens, this coastal neighborhood feels like a small beach town. Residents are able to choose from affordable single-family homes, luxury high-rises, and beachfront bungalows. Kids can attend great schools in Queens like Rockaway Collegiate High School and Rockaway Park High School for Environmental Sustainability. This Queens neighborhood is also perfect for commuters, as the Marine Parkway Bridge, Cross Bay Veterans Memorial Bridge, and several great public transit options keep you connected to the rest of the city.
Things to Do in The Rockaways
Play a game of tennis or basketball while catching up with neighbors at Belle Harbor Yacht Club. Let your dog run and play off-leash at the Rockaway Freeway Dog Run. Practice your swing, sign the kids up for golf lessons, or join a league at the Rockaway Beach Golf Club. Take the kids swimming or surfing at Rockaway Beach and Boardwalk, the only legal surfing beach in NYC! Pair a Hibiscus Iced Tea or Cold Brew with a Meat and Cheese Quiche Slice or a Smoked Salmon Croissantwich from Rockaway Beach Bakery. Munch on Shrimp Rolls, Curry Puffs, Thai Rock Sausage, and Crab Fried Rice at Thai Rock. Order The Fatboy Pita, Falafel Mahshea, or Sambusa, plus some Baklava for dessert at Kimo’s Kitchen. Or savor Jerk Shrimp, Lobster Ravioli, French Dip, and Watermelon Salad at Bungalow Bar.
Sunnyside
- Home Price: $410,644 median purchase price; $1,466 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of New York City neighborhoods
If you’re moving to NYC but don’t want to lose sight of nature, consider the Sunnyside neighborhood in Queens! This quiet, welcoming community boasts an abundance of parks, tree-lined streets, bike routes, and lush green spaces. Choose from modern apartments, historic brick rowhouses, spacious co-ops in repurposed Tudors, and Victorian homes. Families living in this Queens neighborhood can enjoy private yards, family-friendly hangout spots, and great schools like P.S. 150 Queens, Little Friends School Sunnyside, and The Children’s Lab School!
Things to Do in Sunnyside
Play a game of tennis, shoot hoops on the basketball court, and test your skills on the skate ramp at members-only Sunnyside Gardens Park—or attend public events like Shakespeare in the Park and Oktoberfest. Let the kids run and play at Lawrence Virgilio Playground or cool off with a dip in Windmuller Pool. Take the whole family to a local performance at the Dramatic Adventure Theater. Sign the kids up for piano, violin, voice, cello, or guitar lessons at Music School of New York City. Pick up a Carnitas Jackfruit Vegan Bowl, Artichoke Queso Papitas, or Beef Saltena at Bolivian Llama Party. Snack on a Margherita Pizza, Diavola Pizza, or Prosciutto e Arugula Pizza from Sotto Le Stelle. Try Sopa Paraguay, Croquetas de Carne, Chipa Almidon, Mbeju, and other traditional dishes from I Love Paraguay Restaurant. Or spend a date night sharing Churros, Alcove Nachos, or Quesadillas at The Alcove.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes