11 Best Neighborhoods in Queens

By: ROS Team

Queens is the second-largest borough in New York City, and it’s also one of the most diverse. With a population of over 2.3 million people, Queens is home to people from all over the world, speaking over 138 languages.

This diversity is reflected in the borough’s many neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and charm.

If you’re thinking about moving to Queens, or if you’re just curious to learn more about this fascinating borough, here are 11 of the best Queens neighborhoods to check out:

Best Neighborhoods in Queens

1. Astoria

Astoria is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Queens, and for good reason. It’s a vibrant and diverse community with something to offer everyone. From its lively nightlife scene to its eclectic mix of restaurants and shops, Astoria has something to keep everyone entertained.

Astoria is also a great place to live if you’re looking for a relatively affordable neighborhood in Queens. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Astoria is around $2,000, which is significantly lower than the median rent in Manhattan.

Here are a few things to do in Astoria:

Visit the Museum of the Moving Image
Take a walk through Astoria Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Astoria’s many Greek restaurants
Catch a show at the Bohemian Beer Garden
Explore the shops and restaurants on Ditmars Boulevard

2. Ridgewood

Ridgewood, another popular neighborhood in Queens, is renowned for its vibrant social scene comprising trendy bars and restaurants. Moreover, it is recognized for its diverse population comprised of individuals hailing from various corners of the world including Poland, Germany, and Mexico.

In Ridgewood, you can find a neighborhood that is both affordable and appealing. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $1,800, making it relatively budget-friendly.

Here are a few things to do in Ridgewood:

Visit the Forest Park Carousel
Have a drink at one of Ridgewood’s many craft beer bars
Enjoy a meal at one of Ridgewood’s many ethnic restaurants
Shop for vintage clothing and thrift store treasures
Catch a show at the Knockdown Center

3. Sunnyside

Sunnyside is a charming neighborhood renowned for its tranquil ambiance and picturesque tree-lined streets, creating a perfect setting for families. Notably, Sunnyside proudly embraces its vibrant Irish community and hosts spirited festivities during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Sunnyside is considered to be slightly more expensive than certain other neighborhoods in Queens. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment here typically comes to around $2,200. However, when compared to Manhattan, Sunnyside still remains relatively affordable.

Here are a few things to do in Sunnyside:

Visit Sunnyside Gardens, a historic neighborhood with well-preserved Tudor-style homes
Take a walk through Sunnyside Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Sunnyside’s many Irish pubs
Shop for fresh produce at the Sunnyside Greenmarket
Catch a show at the Sunnyside Players Theatre

4. Forest Hills

Forest Hills is a peaceful and upscale neighborhood boasting exceptional schools while exuding a family-friendly ambiance. Additionally, it stands out as a vibrant hub of the Jewish community with numerous synagogues and kosher eateries to explore.

Forest Hills is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Queens, with a median rent for a one-bedroom apartment of around $2,500. However, the neighborhood offers a lot of value for your money, with excellent schools, safe streets, and a variety of amenities.

Here are a few things to do in Forest Hills:

Visit the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, home to the US Open Tennis Championships
Take a walk through Forest Hills Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Forest Hills’ many kosher restaurants
Shop for high-end fashion at Queens Center Mall
Catch a show at the Forest Hills Stadium

5. Long Island City

Long Island City is undergoing rapid development. This vibrant neighborhood offers breathtaking views of the iconic Manhattan skyline and boasts a plethora of modern high-rise buildings.

Additionally, it is a hub for cultural enthusiasts, housing attractions such as the Museum of the Moving Image and the Noguchi Museum.

Long Island City tends to be slightly pricier compared to some other neighborhoods. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,300.

Here are a few things to do in Long Island City:

Visit the Museum of the Moving Image
Take a walk along the East River waterfront
Enjoy a meal at one of Long Island City’s many Michelin-starred restaurants

6. Flushing

Flushing is a remarkably diverse neighborhood that attracts residents from around the world. With over 160 languages spoken here, it truly embodies multiculturalism. Alongside its vibrant community, Flushing boasts an array of Asian businesses and restaurants that add to its unique charm.

Notably, the neighborhood also hosts the renowned Queens Botanical Garden and Flushing Meadows Corona Park. These iconic landmarks played a significant role in history as they were chosen venues for both the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs.

Here are a few things to do in Flushing:

Visit the Queens Botanical Garden
Take a walk through Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Explore the Asian shops and restaurants on Main Street
Visit the Flushing Art Museum
Catch a show at the Queens Theatre

7. Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is another diverse neighborhood in Queens, known for its large Colombian population and its many ethnic restaurants. The neighborhood is also home to the Museum of the Moving Image and the Socrates Sculpture Park.

Here are a few things to do in Jackson Heights:

Take a walk through Socrates Sculpture Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Jackson Heights’ many Colombian restaurants
Shop for ethnic goods on Roosevelt Avenue
Visit the Diversity Plaza

8. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a quiet and upscale neighborhood in Queens, known for its excellent schools and its family-friendly atmosphere. The neighborhood is also home to a large Jewish population, and it’s known for its many synagogues and kosher restaurants.

Here are a few things to do in Kew Gardens:

Visit the Queens Museum
Take a walk through Forest Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Kew Gardens’ many kosher restaurants
Shop for high-end fashion at Austin Street
Visit the Kew Gardens Hills Library

9. Bayside

Bayside, located in Queens, is a serene and suburban neighborhood that boasts exceptional schools and safe streets. Its charm extends beyond academics and safety as it embraces a vibrant Irish community, celebrated for its abundance of traditional Irish pubs.

Here are a few things to do in Bayside:

Visit Alley Pond Park
Enjoy a meal at one of Bayside’s many Irish pubs
Shop for fresh produce at the Bayside Greenmarket
Visit the Bayside Historical Society
Catch a show at the Bayside Little Neck Theatre

10. Bellerose

Bellerose is another quiet and suburban neighborhood in Queens, known for its excellent schools and its safe streets. The neighborhood is also home to a large Italian population, and it’s known for its many Italian restaurants.

Here are a few things to do in Bellerose:

Visit the Bellerose Playground
Enjoy a meal at one of Bellerose’s many Italian restaurants
Shop for fresh produce at the Bellerose Greenmarket
Visit the Bellerose Historical Society
Play a round of golf at the Bellerose Golf Course

11. The Rockaways

The Rockaways, located in Queens, is widely renowned for its stunning beaches and relaxed ambiance. Moreover, this charming peninsula boasts a vibrant surf culture with multiple surf schools and an array of delightful seafood restaurants to satiate your cravings.

Here are a few things to do in the Rockaways:

Relax on one of the Rockaways’ many beaches
Take a surf lesson at one of the Rockaways’ many surf schools
Enjoy a meal at one of the Rockaways’ many seafood restaurants
Visit the Rockaways Museum
Catch a show at the Jamaica Bay Performing Arts Center

Best Queens Neighborhoods: Final Thoughts

Queens is a borough with a diverse range of neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you’re seeking cultural experiences, a family-friendly environment, or a taste of suburban living, Queens has something to offer.