Moving to Queens? This NYC borough has tons of fun things to do, a wide variety of cuisine to enjoy, and is one of the most ethnically diverse urban areas in the world. Check out these five safe, affordable Queens neighborhoods!
Astoria
- Home Price: $397,118 median purchase price; $1,399 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 35% of Queens neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
If you’re looking for the best place to live in Queens, consider making Astoria your home! Nestled alongside the East River, Astoria is an international mixing pot of culture that offers something for everyone to enjoy. Local culture is a major draw to living in this NYC borough—Astoria’s arts culture supports all mediums, which you can enjoy at Socrates Sculpture Park or while contributing to the Welling Court Mural Project. Additionally, this area in Queens has more than 60 acres of green space—perfect for city-dwellers craving the great outdoors while living in the big city. To top it off, this safe Queens neighborhood offers a variety of affordable homes—including apartments, condos, and single and multi-family homes—with convenient access to several modes of public transportation, like the N Train and W Train, as well as the NYC Ferry to access Roosevelt Island and Manhattan.
Things to Do Astoria
Learn more about the art of film through live conversations with artists, film screenings, and exhibitions like The Jim Henson Exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image. Appreciate the organic abstract sculptures of Isamu Noguchi in various exhibitions at the Noguchi Museum. Take a dip in the largest pool in Queens, walk on multiple trails, or battle it out on the tennis court at Astoria Park. Tickle your funny bone, learn a new skill in a workshop, and engage in watch parties at Q.E.D. Head out for brunch in Queens to try the Loaded Tots, Hot Honey Fried Chicken Biscuit, and the Brunch Burger at The Bonnie. Munch on Grilled Octopus, Greek Salad, Red Snapper Whole, and more at Telly’s Taverna. Savor the Spicy Miso, Shoyu Ramen, the Gyoza, and more at HinoMaru Ramen. Or fill up on the Beet Salad, Grilled Steak, and Sliced Shank at Kabab Cafe.
Flushing
- Home Price: $423,546 median purchase price; $1,171 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 31% of Queens neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
Flushing is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens for its variety of nightlife activities and endless things to do! But singles and young professionals aren’t the only ones who can enjoy Flushing’s entertainment options—with green spaces like 39-acre Queens Botanical Garden, and retail outlets, unique boutiques, restaurants, and more, even families and retirees can find fun. Perhaps the crowning jewel of this historical neighborhood is the presence of NYC’s second largest Chinatown in Downtown Flushing. But at the end of the day, Queens residents are drawn to this affordable New York neighborhood for its variety of rental properties, townhomes, and single-family homes in styles like Tudor, Craftsman, Colonial, and more.
Things to Do in Flushing
Walk scenic trails, dip your toes in the pool, or play soccer with your friends at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Learn more about exotic animals like Andean bears, view sea lion feedings, and more at nearby Queens Zoo. Have fun with the entire family at interactive exhibits like Powering the City, Human Plus, and Design Lab at the New York Hall of Science. Reserve your own court or watch the pros duke it out at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center—the home of the U.S. Open. Sip delicious teas like Sun Moon Lake Black Tea, Lucky Bamboo Green Tea, and Taiwan Wilderness Oolong at Fang Gourmet Tea. Looking for some authentic Chinese food in Flushing? Head to Nan Xiang Xiao Long Bao for Jiangsu and Zhejiang cuisine and Northern Chinese food, like the Spicy Beef & Tripe, Sweet Soy Bean Milk, Braised Beef Noodle Soup, Pan Fried Pork Buns, and more. Enjoy the Vada, Yogurt Rice, and Chili Masala at Temple Canteen. Or go out for date night to eat the Birds Nest Soup with Crab Meat, Geoduck Clam Sashimi, and Stir Fried Satay Beef at Asian Jewels.
Forest Hills
- Home Price: $444,362 median purchase price; $1,494 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 79% of Queens neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Families, retirees
When you take a stroll in Forest Hills, you can rest assured knowing you’re in one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens! Residents love walking down the tree-lined streets and enjoy living in Tudor, Colonial, and Mediterranean-style homes. Top-ranked schools like The Grand Central Parkway School and Queens Metropolitan High School also make this area of Queens a great place to raise a family. For those who need access to the rest of NYC, Queens has several modes of public transportation, including train lines, subway routes, and busses that help make commuting easy. This family-friendly area is bordered by Flushing Meadows Corona Park and expansive Forest Park—which offers golf, a bandshell, and dog-friendly trails over 500 acres—meaning Forest Hills provides urban amenities as well as outdoor recreation.
Things to Do in Forest Hills
Enroll in physical, emotional, and speech therapy sessions through horsemanship and interacting with ponies at GallopNYC. Grab tickets for a show at iconic Forest Hills Stadium, which has hosted renowned musicians like The Rolling Stones, Barbra Streisand, and Frank Sinatra. Compete in the Laser Tag Arena, play classic arcade games, and experience Hologate VR at Laser Bounce Family Fun Center. Buy fresh produce and support local farmers when you visit the Forest Hills Greenmarket. Start off the day with fresh bagels like the Bagel with Jelly, Bacon Cheddar Bagel, and Bagel with Tofu at Forest Hills Bagels. Munch on some of the best sandwiches in Queens like the Stacked OG, The Angel, Cheesy Crunch, and more at Stacked Sandwich Shop. Grab a slice of NYC pizza classics like Margherita, 4 Cheese, and Upside-Down at Austin Street Pizza. Or enjoy Chicken Noodle Soup, Greek Style Mussels, and the Filet Mignon Press Sandwich at Nick’s Bistro.
Jackson Heights
- Home Price: $394,683 median purchase price; $1,379 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 29% of Queens neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees
You won’t find a more diverse area of Queens than Jackson Heights—which boasts a hearty population of immigrants, over 160 different languages spoken, and one of the largest LGBTQ communities in NYC! In addition to the diverse and tight-knit nature of this Queens neighborhood, residents of Jackson Heights can benefit from budget-friendly housing options, with apartments and condos in attractive Tudor, Colonial, and Georgian styles. With the presence of global cuisines, dense marketplaces, and more on Roosevelt Ave, you’ll notice this street is the heart of Jackson Heights. While this main street is heavily populated with residents and tourists alike supporting the local businesses, it’s also a central host space for neighborhood events like the New Queens Pride Parade.
Things to Do in Jackson Heights
Purchase fresh fruit, honey, and specialty Mexican produce at the Jackson Heights Greenmarket, the largest market of its kind in Queens. Unleash your inner foodie, celebrate cultural diversity, and support local businesses on a Queens Food Tour. Get some fresh air, compete in handball, and enjoy free live performances in the summer at Travers Park. Learn how to dance the night away, enjoy live music, and grab a drink at Terraza 7. Fill up on the Chocolate Croissant, Egg and Cheese Croissant, or Danish at Cannelle Patisserie. Devour the Pasta Salamanca, Pork Chops, and Broiled Lobster Tails at Café Salamanca. Eat the Consome, Tostadas, and MULITA Cheese Quesadilla at Birria-Landia. Or satisfy your hunger with Mozzarella Sticks, Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls, and the Philly Steak Pizza at Pizza Sam.
Sunnyside
- Home Price: $410,644 median purchase price; $1,466 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 49% of Queens neighborhoods
- Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families
Looking for a secluded place to live in Queens that’s still near the city? Sunnyside is one of the safest areas in Queens, while providing affordable single-family Colonial and Modern-style homes, apartments, and condos. The area is also poised to become even more affordable as more than 12,000 new homes will be developed as part of the Sunnyside Yard development project. But this development doesn’t change the foundation of the neighborhood—the people! With a large Irish influence in addition to several other cultures from around the world, Sunnyside residents get to enjoy diverse neighbors, stores, and more. And as a bonus for those with a commute, the MTA train line goes through 46 St-Bliss St Station, conveniently located in the middle of the neighborhood.
Things to Do in Sunnyside
Ride your bike, play baseball, and eat a picnic at Sunnyside Gardens Park. Take part in community-oriented events like the annual Sunnyside Restaurant Week, planned by the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District. Buy locally-sourced vegetables, fruit, herbs, baked goods, and more at the Sunnyside Greenmarket. Attend live musical productions, dance numbers, and informative workshops at Thalia Spanish Theatre. Start your day off right with a fresh cup of coffee like the Nutella Latte or Turkish Coffee, and pair it with a Butter & Jelly Bagel at Chakra Cafe. Feast on Traditional Guacamole, Carne Asada, and a Vegetable Burrito at de Mole. Go out for lunch in Queens to try the Poached Egg Hemingway, Lasagna Bolognese, and Insalata Luna at SoleLuna. Or consume the Edamame, Miso Soup, and Sushi & Sashimi at Takesushi.
***
Moving to Queens? Extra Space Storage has storage facilities located throughout the New York City area, so we can help with your transition. Find cheap Queens storage near you!
Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
