If you’re done with the hustle and bustle of Manhattan or Midtown but not quite ready to give up on New York City life, Queens offers a great alternative. Choosing a neighborhood in Queens means more affordable housing options–without compromising on top-rated parks/eateries and excellent schools (For more information on the best public schools in Queens, check out this article).
But before you box up your house and move your family to Queens, you’ll want to gain an understanding of what life is like in each of these neighborhoods (and how much it’ll cost you to live here each month).
The best neighborhoods in Queens all offer a quick and easy commute back to Manhattan if that needs to remain a part of your routine.
| Neighborhood | Average Rent (1-Bedroom) | Average Sale Price | Pros | Con |
| Long Island City | $3,860 | $1,200,000 | Stunning skyline views, vibrant art scene | Expensive housing market |
| Forest Hills | $2,550 | $478,000 | Tranquil community, historic Tudor architecture | Limited nightlife options |
| Astoria | $2,900 | $615,000 | Cultural diversity, great food scene | Noise levels can be high |
| Kew Gardens | $2,270 | $348,000 | Beautiful Tudor-style homes close to Forest Park, lower pricing | Limited dining and shopping options |
| Jackson Heights | $2,286 | $410,000 | Cultural diversity, affordable housing | Busy and crowded streets |
| Sunnyside | $1,970 | $552,000 | Small-town charm, affordable housing options | Limited green spaces |
| Flushing | $1,870 | $665,000 | Cultural richness, lively business district | Traffic congestion and crowded areas |
Long Island City
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $3860 per month
- Average Home Price: $1.2 Million
Image courtesy of NYC.gov
Long Island City, a jewel among the neighborhoods of Queens, has a lot to offer its residents. It’s a neighborhood that beautifully marries the vibrancy of city life with the tranquility of suburban living. Long Island City is no secret; it’s been growing for the last decade.
From the stunning skyline views to the serene waterfront escape offered by Gantry Plaza State Park, Long Island City offers a taste of both worlds.
This neighborhood captivates most residents and visitors with its vibrant art galleries, world-class museums like MoMA PS1, trendy bars, and lounges.
Vernon Avenue is a great spot for entertainment, food, and drink. For high-end dining, head toward East River, and check out Center Boulevard at Hunter’s Point.
Housing in Long Island City presents an array of high-rise luxury condos for prospective residents to explore, especially near Queensborough Plaza and the waterfront. In addition, you will find charming brick-faced multi-family buildings further inland on residential streets.
The only problem is that this comes at a cost; Long Island City is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Queens.
Forest Hills
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $2550 per month
- Average Home Price: $478,000
Image courtesy of Compass Real Estate
Forest Hills is known for its tranquil and family-oriented community in Queens. Its charm lies in its mix of suburban and urban living perks.
Forest Hills is recognized for its historic Tudor architecture, which gives it a unique and charming character. The real estate market is mainly comprised of charming single-family homes and co-ops.
Middle Village, located inside the Forest Hills section, is known for coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and residents who own as opposed to renting their homes.
For those who love the outdoors, Forest Park offers a menu of outdoor activity options like hiking and biking. Nearby on Austin Street, you’ll find a vibrant commercial corridor with reasonably-priced apartments and houses.
Astoria
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $2900 per month
- Average Home Price: $615,000
Image courtesy of NYC Tourism
Astoria is a culturally rich neighborhood stocked with unique dining experiences. Renowned as the Greek capital of New York City, Astoria wears its rich cultural diversity and historical significance on its sleeve and is lauded as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Queens.
Astoria is home to the Museum of the Moving Image and the Socrates Sculpture Park. For food and cultural enthusiasts, it’s a great place to live.
Astoria is lined with multi-family buildings, which are complemented by new condos rising along the waterfront. Additionally, Astoria is well-connected to other parts of Queens, with Metropolitan Avenue running through the neighborhood.
Astoria Park, which is located underneath the RFK Bridge, and the Socrates Sculpture Park, located on the shores of the East River, are fantastic hang-out spots that offer stunning views.
Commuting anywhere from Astoria is easy, as you can jump right on the Grand Central Parkway and save some time.
Kew Gardens
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $2270 per month
- Average Home Price: $348,000
Image courtesy of Homes.com
Kew Gardens is known for its beautiful Tudor-style homes that mirror the traditional British architecture. Kew Gardens offers a serene and peaceful environment, a welcome change for many city residents.
Nature lovers will be delighted to know that Forest Park is located just west of Kew Gardens. The park offers nature trails for those seeking outdoor activities.
Kew Gardens isn’t only prided on its breathtaking natural scenery and British architecture. It’s also home to a wonderful array of eateries and pubs.
When it comes to transportation, Kew Gardens offers excellent access, with the LIRR station and the E train stop nearby at the intersection of Metropolitan and Jamaica Avenues.
Jackson Heights
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $2286 per month
- Average Home Price: $410,000
Image courtesy of New Women New Yorkers
Jackson Heights is known for hosting the Queens Pride Parade and Festival and housing cultural institutions like the Jackson Heights Art Club and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group,
Food enthusiasts will love the exciting array of international cuisine that Jackson Heights has to offer. The neighborhood also features green spaces, such as Travers Park.
Jackson Heights is a vibrant neighborhood with entertainment options like Terraza 7, which hosts jam sessions and other events. Because the nightlife in Jackson Heights is more subdued, the area caters well to families, looking for a cozy and welcoming atmosphere to raise their families.
For professionals, the commute from Jackson Heights to midtown Manhattan is convenient, taking only about 25 minutes. For this reason, this neighborhood is an excellent option for professionals who are still working in the city.
Sunnyside
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $1970 per month
- Average Home Price: $552,000
Image courtesy of NYC Tourism
Sunnyside offers a blend of small-town charm with urban conveniences. Its friendly community truly makes it one of the most welcoming and nicest neighborhoods in Queens.
Sunnyside is home to charming pre-war walk-ups in co-op buildings and lovely two-story, multi-family homes, particularly in the historic Sunnyside Gardens area.
The commute is just a 25-minute subway ride to Midtown Manhattan, adding to the neighborhood’s appeal for those working in the city.
Despite rising prices in neighboring areas, Sunnyside provides great value for its residents with more affordable rent prices.
Flushing
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $1870 per month
- Average Home Price: $665,000
Image courtesy of TripSavvy
Flushing is a neighborhood with a lively business district and expansive Chinese immigrant communities. The area has been greatly enriched by its Chinese and Korean culture, with Chinatown in Flushing becoming the largest community of Chinese immigrants in the Eastern United States.
Flushing is also home to several exciting famous landmarks, including Citi Field, USTA National Tennis Center, and the Unisphere. Historic buildings like Kingsland House and Bowne House offer insight into the rich history and vibrancy of Flushing’s business district.
You’ll find plenty to do in and around Flushing, including visiting Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. The site of two 20th-century World’s Fairs offers an ample green space with amenities for sports, picnics, and cultural events.
Bayside
- Average 1 Bedroom Rent: $3860 per month
- Average Home Price: $655,000
Image courtesy of Untapped Cities
Bayside is a scenic waterfront neighborhood offering picturesque views of the Long Island Sound. In addition to these expansive views, expect bike trails, running, paths, beautiful parks, and plenty of shopping options.
Properties in Bayside tend to be a little larger, making it a good spot for expanding families.
Bayside’s picturesque tree-lined streets, attractive homes, and welcoming community all contribute to its status as a desirable, family-friendly neighborhood.
Summary
If you are thinking of moving to one of the best neighborhoods in Queens, you may need to move out of your current home before the new one is ready for occupancy. While more affordable than other areas of New York, you’ll still be paying a considerable amount per square foot in the Queens area.
If you plan on downsizing, rent a storage unit for your extra belongings through Neighbor, a self-storage marketplace that provides safe, nearby, and budget-friendly storage units in all 50 states (and thousands of cities—like Queens).
You can keep your belongings safe, organized, and clean until it’s time to move to your new Queens home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Safest Part of Queens?
Auburndale is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens.
What Is the Richest Area in Queens?
The richest area in Queens is zip code 11375, encompassing Forest Hills, known for its upscale housing and proximity to various amenities. Long Island City also is known for higher home prices.
What Is the Greenest Neighborhood in Queens?
Forest Hills Gardens is considered the greenest neighborhood in Queens due to its easy access to public transportation.
Is Living in Queens Worth It?
For young professionals and families, there is plenty to do in Queens. Quick commutes to Midtown, Brooklyn, or out to Long Island make Queens a particularly appealing place to live.
