Best Places to Live in Queens, NY

If you are moving to Queens, NY, you need to consider moving to one of these five great neighborhoods in Queens!

Queens is a great place to live in New York City. This borough has the convenience of living only a train ride away from Manhattan and other boroughs with fun things to do, but the convenience of living in a very safe and family-friendly area. Although Manhattan gets thousands of tourists a year, Queens also has a wide array of stunning views and fun attractions to enjoy, whether you live there or visit.

Whether you are looking to live outside of the city life and commute in, or want to live in Queens and raise a family, there is the perfect neighborhood for you and what you are looking for. This borough is home to many parks, the stadium of the New York Mets, excellent museums, famous attractions such as the World's Fair globe, and some of the best ethnic food in the country.

The current population of Queens, NY, is 2.271 million people, with no significant ethnic group holding a 50% majority, making it one of the most diverse places in the world. Not only does Queens have a very diverse population but also a population of many different ages. This borough is known for young professionals wanting to save money on rent and commute into Manhattan or other boroughs, but also for families to raise children and have access to good schooling and safe neighborhoods.

No matter what lifestyle you are looking for, there is a neighborhood for you in Queens, NY. Read on to learn more about where you should live in Queens!

Check out these top places to live in Queens!

Astoria

Astoria is a laid-back neighborhood full of small businesses and trendy spots. With its high Greek population, some mouth-watering tavernas and cafes also serve traditional greek dishes. Located on the northwest corner of Queens, this neighborhood is considered the best option for young Manhattan professionals looking for a more affordable place to live but only a 20-minute subway ride to get into the city.

Check out some of Astoria's local favorites!

Local Favorites:

• Museum of Moving Image- This media museum is located in the former historical building of Astoria Studios and is filled with 130,000 objects. From film screenings and digital media displays to meet-and-greets with live artists, this museum has a spectacular collection to look through.
• Astoria Park- Known as the oldest and largest park in the city, this is a beautiful area to take a dip in the pool, play some tennis, run on the outdoor track, and enjoy the stunning views of the waterfront.
• Bohemian Hall- In the mood for a Czech beer and bratwurst? Enjoy both at this huge beer garden full of picnic tables and trees to enjoy your time outdoors with some friends or family.
• La Guli Pastry Shop- This pastry shop first opened in 1937 and remains open today in its original location. The pastry shop still prides itself on offering local businesses and families delicious, homemade baked goods at affordable prices.

Long Island City

This industrial area along the East River is known for its towering high-rises and Manhattan skyline views. The individuals enjoy trendy bars, restaurants, performance spaces, and art galleries. Because of this, Long Island City is home to many artists or anyone who wants an affordable urban lifestyle. It is also hard not to enjoy a beautiful weekend with many fantastic attractions such as the MoMA PS1 or spend time walking the Queensboro Bridge looking over the water. Being only a 30-minute train ride into Manhattan, commuting is also accessible here if you need to go into the city for work or want to enjoy a nice getaway once in a while. If you are wondering what things to enjoy in Long Island City, look at the local favorites list below.

Local Favorites:

• MoMA PS1- This is one of the largest art institutions in the United States and is dedicated solely to contemporary art. Entry is accessible to all New Yorkers or for only $10 to out-of-state visitors. Spend time viewing the fantastic installations and artwork covering the walls, and even grab something from the cafe for a snack afterward.
• Gantry Plaza State Park- This 12-acre state park on the East River was a former dockyard and manufacturing district. It is a beautiful area to enjoy breathtaking views of Manhattan across the water while enjoying a nice walk or picnic.
• SculptureCenter- This is a non-profit contemporary art museum founded in 1928 and located in a beautiful brick and metal building. During your visit, you will see extraordinary sculptures and short films, enjoy some outdoor seating areas, and read the art books from the small store.
• Queensboro Bridge- Officially named the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, this cantilever bridge connects Queens to Manhattan over the East River, passing over beautiful Roosevelt Island. This bridge has a walkway and bike path on the side if you want a workout with spectacular views or nine lines of car traffic. Once you cross the bridge back into Queens, stop at the waterfront park to enjoy baseball fields, picnic tables, and playgrounds.

Flushing

Flushing Queens is known to be a multicultural area, home to the largest Chinatown in the city. With heavily trafficked sidewalks and an abundance of shops, eateries, and several historic homes, it is hard to be bored in this beautiful part of Queens. Not only is Chinese culture well-represented here, but Korean and Indian have diverse food cultures and many locally owned shops. Many tourists and locals flock to this neighborhood during the US Open held here every year from late August to early September or to enjoy the New York Mets play at their home field, Citi Field. Whether you want to enjoy the outdoors and visit attractions like the Queens Zoo or Botanical Garden or head over to the Town Hall to enjoy a live jazz concert, there is something that will satisfy anyone in this neighborhood. Check out Flushing's local favorites below!

Local Favorites:

• Queens Botanical Garden- Enjoy beautiful flowers, herbs, live performances, and an art gallery at a 39-acre botanical garden. Located at 43-50 Main Street in Flushing, this attraction is a must-see and a wonderful getaway from the city's buzz.
• Queens Zoo- An excellent place for the whole family! This 18-acre zoo is home to many animals and has educational programs and shows to enjoy.
• Citi Field- Popcorn and hotdogs for everyone! This baseball stadium opened in 2009 and is home to the New York Mets. The stadium was built to replace Shea Stadium and is the only ballpark with orange foul poles instead of yellow, a characteristic of Shea Stadium that was carried over. A great activity to enjoy for the whole family, and tickets are typically reasonably priced.
• US Open - This hardcourt tennis championship is held yearly in Queens at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Watch some of the best tennis players in the world compete against each other head-to-head at this special event.

Bayside

This neighborhood of an urban-suburban mix is known for its sense of community and plenty of green spaces to spend some time outdoors. Located in northeastern Queens bordering Little Neck Bay, this neighborhood is home to many restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and parks. Bayside also has an excellent school system and is located near easily accessible public transportation, making it a great area to raise a family. Learn how to spend your day in Bayside below!

Local Favorites:

• Fort Totten Park- This park provides a beautiful place to escape the city and a glimpse into New York's past. The park surrounds a Civil War Fortress with many historic buildings and spectacular views. Visitors travel year-round to explore the fortress, swim in the pool, canoe in the Long Island Sound, or look for birds during migration. Park Rangers also lead tours of the fort and rumors of underground tunnels to find and explore.
• Crocheron Park- Located on the shores of Little Neck Bay, this beautiful dog-friendly park has facilities for baseball, basketball, tennis, and even a playground for children to enjoy. The park also offers tons of lawn space and paved pathways, including a pedestrian bridge giving access to the bay.
• Bayside Historical Society- Built in the 1870s, this historic clubhouse now offers an array of different public programs, exhibits, collections, and events. The building is nicknamed the Castle and is a sight in this neighborhood.
• Oakland Lake- This unique glacial kettle pond is one of the only natural bodies of water in the five boroughs of New York City. Although not very deep and not for swimming, you can enjoy fishing for Bass, Black Crappie, Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, and more.

Ridgewood

Ridgewood Queens is a neighborhood that you do not want to leave. The streets are lined with many single-family homes with a 20th-century feel, having front porches and backyards but maintaining the architecture. Located right on the border of Queens and Brooklyn, those that live here are proud to say they are from Queens. In the 1920s, many German immigrants flocked here due to the convenience of nearby churches and easy transportation into the city. Now, you still see glimpses of the past with German bars and restaurants nestled between some of the newer shops and eateries. Find out where you should visit while in this charming neighborhood below!

Local Favorites:

• Ridgewood Reservoir- This decommissioned reservoir has a swamp-land feel and sits on the Brooklyn-Queens border. There is a wonderfully paved 1.8-mile path circling the wetlands where you can enjoy walking or running around while viewing wildlife and trees. The trail also connects to the greenway, where you can continue your path amongst the trees.
• Onderdonk House- Get a great feel of what historic Ridgewood was like by visiting this 1820s house that is still standing. The Onderdonk house is the oldest Dutch colonial stone house in New York City and now serves as a museum and home base for the Greater Ridgewood Historical Society.
• Nowadays Bar- This is the place to be in Ridgewood! This trendy bar has local beers on tap and bar bites to snack on. Enjoy the chill indoors or venture to the large backyard with tons of seating and a late-night DJ.
• Topos Bookstore- Feeling hipster? This used book store with an espresso bar has a laid back cozy feel with tons of plants and room to work from. Enjoy a cheap read, or bring your work to do in this lovely space.
• Foret Wines- Wanting some all-natural wine but don't want to take a flight to Napa? This bottle shop has strong relationships with all-natural winemakers and importers, providing elegant wines with no pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, and only natural yeasts. Unfortunately, there is no space to enjoy a glass inside, but you can browse the shelves and learn about grapes and wines worldwide. You can also have your favorite wines delivered to your door!

Best Neighborhoods in Queens, NY - Final Thoughts

Queens has wonderful neighborhoods that showcase the ethnic culture and family-friendly spaces of New York. Each area in Queens is unique, with local favorites that give you a taste of its history. Before buying your own home in this beautiful New York City borough, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Realty Specialists to aid and guide you through the home buying process. Whether you are searching for single-family homes for sale in Queens, luxury homes for sale in Queens, or townhomes for sale in Queens, our team is here to help, no matter your budget. Contact us today to find a home for you in Queens, New York!