Living in Queens: All of Your Questions Answered

Queens is the largest borough of New York City. People from all around the world live here making it the most ethnically and linguistically diverse area in the world. If you also want to be a part of this easternmost area of the Big Apple, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we will answer all of your questions about living in Queens.

Where Is Queens?

Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York City. It is located on Long Island to the east of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It borders the borough of Brooklyn to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the south, and Nassau County to the east.

How Many People Live in Queens?

As of 2024, Queens’ population is approximately 2,252,196 which makes it the second most populous borough of NYC.

Who Lives In Queens?

People around the world call Queens home. Here’s the racial makeup of the borough:

• Hispanic Residents: 667,861 (27.8%)
• Asian Residents: 656,583 (27.3%)
• White Residents: 549,358 (22.8%)
• Black Residents: 381,375 (15.9%)

This demographic breakdown shows Queens’ status as one of the most diverse urban areas in the world, with no single ethnic group forming a majority.

Pros and Cons of living in Queens

Pros

• A Family-Friendly Borough

Queens is a perfect combination of city amenities and small-town tranquility, which makes it ideal for families. With various parks, good schools, and relatively safe neighborhoods that are not as bad as in other parts of New York City, it is an ideal environment for children to grow up in.

• Diversity

Queens is often called the world’s most diverse urban area. With over 160 languages spoken and residents from countless cultural backgrounds, it’s a true melting pot.

• Plenty of Employment Opportunities

The borough boasts a robust job market across various sectors. Healthcare, education, retail, hospitality, and technology are major industries here. With several hospitals, educational institutions, and a growing tech scene, Queens provides ample employment options for professionals in different fields.

• Home to Top Schools & Colleges

Queens is home to several renowned educational institutions. Queens College, St. John’s University, and LaGuardia Community College are just a few examples.

• Lots of Outdoor Options

Despite being part of New York City, Queens offers numerous green spaces and outdoor recreational areas. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, Forest Park, and Rockaway Beach are popular spots for residents to relax, exercise, or enjoy nature, providing a welcome respite from urban life.

• Food Heaven

Queens is a paradise for food lovers. Its diverse population means you can find authentic cuisine from virtually every corner of the world. From Greek tavernas in Astoria to Indian restaurants in Jackson Heights, the borough offers an unparalleled culinary adventure.

• Hotspot for Museums

Art and culture enthusiasts will appreciate Queens’ impressive array of museums. MoMA PS1, Queens Museum, and the New York Hall of Science are just a few examples.

• Airport Access

With both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport located in Queens, residents enjoy convenient access to domestic and international travel.

Cons

• Subway Access

While Queens has subway coverage, it’s less extensive than in Manhattan or Brooklyn. Some neighborhoods, especially in eastern Queens, have limited subway access, which makes commuting to other parts of the city more challenging and time-consuming.

• Expensive to Live

While more affordable than other boroughs like Brooklyn and Manhattan, Queens is still an expensive place to live. Owning a house here will cost you more than the NY average and renting isn’t cheap as well.

• Traffic and Congestion

Queens faces significant challenges with traffic and congestion, a problem intensified by high car ownership rates. 62% of Queens residents own a car, which is way above the New York City average. This high rate of car ownership, combined with the borough’s role as a gateway to Long Island and its two major airports, leads to frequent traffic congestion on major thoroughfares.

Is Queens NY Safe?

Queens, NY is generally considered safe, with crime rates closely mirroring the New York state averages. The violent crime rate in Queens is 4.73 per 1,000 residents, only slightly higher than the state average of 4.29, giving residents a 1 in 211 chance of becoming a victim.

Property crime rates are similarly aligned, with Queens at 17.06 per 1,000 residents compared to the state’s 17.22, resulting in a 1 in 59 chance of experiencing property crime.

Notably, Queens is perceived as safer overall when compared to other New York City boroughs like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. While no urban area is entirely free of crime, these statistics suggest that Queens maintains a relatively safe environment for its residents and visitors.

Is Queens Safe for Tourists?

Queens is generally safe for tourists, especially in well-traveled areas. Visitors are advised to focus their explorations on public spaces and locations near subway stations, which tend to be busier and better monitored.

However, as with any large urban area, some neighborhoods require more caution. Travelers are recommended to exercise increased vigilance or avoid certain areas, particularly after dark. Neighborhoods such as Jamaica, Ozone Park, Corona, Ridgewood, and Rosedale have higher crime rates and may not be ideal for tourists unfamiliar with the area.

Can You Live in Queens Without a Car?

Yes, it is possible to live in Queens without a car. The borough is well-served by public transportation, including the New York City Subway, buses, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).

The subway system has multiple lines running through Queens, connecting it to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other parts of the city. Additionally, the MTA bus network covers a wide area, offering convenient options for getting around.

Are There Any Affordable Housing in Queens NY?

Yes, there are affordable housing options in Queens, NY. The area offers various affordable housing opportunities, including income-restricted apartments, subsidized housing, and public housing options.

For instance, some properties are available through affordable housing lotteries, such as the recently launched lottery for 160-14 Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, offering one- and two-bedroom apartments for residents with incomes ranging from approximately $102,858 to $198,250​.

Another example is the lottery for 18-26 Redfern Avenue in Far Rockaway, which offers studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms at significantly lower rents for eligible residents​​.

Additionally, Queens has various subsidized and income-based housing options, including properties that accept Section 8 vouchers and other rental assistance programs​. These housing options aim to provide affordable living solutions for residents with varying income levels.

What Is the Cost of Living Queens, NY?

Queens, NY has a high cost of living, with a cost of living index of 170. This is significantly above both the national average of 100 and the New York state average of 158.3. In practical terms, living in Queens is 70% more expensive than the national average and 12% pricier than the New York state average.

How Much Do You Need to Live in Queens?

Let’s break down the basic expenses for living in Queens: