Best Neighborhoods to live in Queens (2025)

Queens is the largest borough by area in New York City and boasts remarkable diversity. Some of the best neighborhoods to consider in Queens include Long Island City, Forest Hills, and Middle Village. Here are the top places to live in the borough.

1. Forest Hills

Forest Hills is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens. It offers a unique blend for its residents. Living in Forest Hills means enjoying a tranquil suburban atmosphere while still having easy access to the vibrant urban lifestyle of New York City.

This combination makes Forest Hills especially desirable for families and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life while remaining just a short subway ride from the city center.

In recent years, several new condominiums and apartment complexes have appeared in the neighborhood. However, the real estate market is primarily comprised of single-family homes and co-ops. Many of the larger homes in the area feature stunning Tudor architecture, giving it an elegant and aristocratic feel.

Although real estate prices in Forest Hills have been rising, apartments and houses still remain relatively well-priced compared to other popular neighborhoods in NYC. Forest Hills is one of the best places to live in Queens, boasting excellent public schools, low crime rates, and convenient public transportation, thanks to its central location in the borough.

2. Astoria

Astoria is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens due to its affordable real estate prices and close proximity to Manhattan. This appealing combination has made Astoria one of the most sought-after areas in Queens, attracting a wave of new residents who appreciate its residential atmosphere and excellent location. They offer convenient commutes and easy access to all parts of the city.

Named after John Jacob Astor, the neighborhood has a rich history and was one of America’s earliest filmmaking centers during much of the early 20th century. It is hosting film industry legends like the Marx Brothers, who filmed multiple movies in the area.

Astoria is also the Greek capital of New York City, yet it boasts an incredibly diverse population, making it a haven for food enthusiasts who appreciate the wide variety of ethnic restaurants the neighborhood has to offer.

Astoria Park, a scenic riverfront area, along with cultural institutions like the Noguchi Museum and Socrates Sculpture Park, are popular destinations in this thriving New York City neighborhood.

3. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens for commuters. It borders Forest Hills and shares a similar, tranquil vibe while providing access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the E subway line.

Kew Gardens is an excellent destination for families and nature enthusiasts, thanks to its extensive green spaces. Forest Park, with its many hiking trails, is just to the west of the neighborhood. Additionally, real estate prices in Kew Gardens are more affordable compared to other parts of Queens, and the area is famous for its beautiful Tudor homes featuring distinctive British architecture.

Although Kew Gardens is quieter than other sections of Queens, it offers a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, with plenty of options for a cocktail or a meal along Metropolitan Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard.

4. Rego Park

Rego Park is a notable neighborhood in Queens, located in Central Queens between Forest Hills, Middle Village, and Corona. This middle-class, family-oriented community features busy shops and a variety of detached homes. While it may not be the most thrilling neighborhood in the borough, it is one of the safest areas in Queens. Rego Park offers affordable housing and convenient access to essential amenities, including grocery stores, banks, coffee shops, pharmacies, and dry cleaners.

The area features a mix of high-rise apartment buildings and Colonial and Tudor-style single-family homes. Additionally, it is near Flushing Meadows Corona Park, which is home to attractions such as the Queens Museum and the New York Hall of Science. While younger residents may find it less suited to their lifestyle, families and older individuals seeking a quiet community with easy access to essential services will appreciate Rego Park.

5. Ridgewood

Ridgewood is a wonderful place to live in Queens. Situated along the Brooklyn border in southwest Queens, it is surrounded by Bushwick, Maspeth, Glendale, and Middle Village. Its proximity to the border gives Ridgewood a unique vibe that draws inspiration from both boroughs. The neighborhood is diverse and primarily consists of multi-family row houses.

Ridgewood appeals to families and young people looking for more affordable rents compared to Bushwick and other parts of Brooklyn. The area is vibrant, featuring trendy bars, authentic restaurants, and green spaces such as Grover Cleveland Playground. Additionally, it is centrally located, providing easy access to other neighborhoods in both Brooklyn and Queens.

4. Flushing, Queens

Flushing is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens, boasting a rich history that dates back to the 1640s. It is among the oldest communities in the area and was one of the original five towns that formed Queens County in the 17th century.

Today, Flushing is celebrated as a melting pot of cultures, particularly famous for its large Chinese and immigrant communities, with approximately two-thirds of its residents being foreign-born. Flushing Chinatown is one of the largest and fastest-growing Chinatowns in the world, rivaling Manhattan’s Chinatown in size, significance, and cultural influence.

Due to its vibrant diversity, Flushing has become a haven for food lovers, attracting visitors from across the city. In terms of real estate, housing prices in Flushing are relatively affordable compared to other neighborhoods, making it an appealing option for those seeking good value. However, the tradeoff for this affordability is a longer commute; it typically takes 45 minutes to an hour by train to reach Midtown Manhattan, and even longer to get to Downtown Brooklyn.

5. Sunnyside

Sunnyside is one of the best places to live in Queens, thanks to its affordable real estate prices, low crime rate, and excellent location. This primarily residential neighborhood, located in western Queens, is just a short subway ride away from Midtown Manhattan, accessible via the 7 train.

Despite being close to the heart of New York City, Sunnyside offers a more relaxed, suburban vibe, making it a popular choice for families. Residents in Sunnyside tend to be friendly and take the time to get to know each other, fostering a tight-knit community atmosphere.

Additionally, Sunnyside boasts a vibrant and culturally diverse food and bar scene. Another significant advantage of living in this neighborhood is that apartment prices are generally much lower than those in nearby Long Island City and Astoria.

While Sunnyside may not have a bustling nightlife, its central location means you can reach Midtown Manhattan in just 25 minutes via subway.

6. Middle Village

Middle Village is one of the best places to live in Queens if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of New York City. The neighborhood is a village within a city with tree-lined streets. While it is close to the geographic center of Queens, Middle Village feels quite isolated due to its limited public transportation, which lends it a suburban atmosphere.

Most residents rely on cars for transportation, and many New Yorkers would struggle to locate the neighborhood on a map. However, to those who know it, Middle Village is one of the city’s best-kept secrets—a lush residential area that is only a 30-minute drive from Manhattan.

This appeal has made it particularly popular with families. In the real estate market, you can expect to find moderately priced properties, with most of the inventory consisting of single-family homes. There are also some multi-family properties and condos available, but they tend to be less common.

Located at the westernmost end of Queens, just across from Midtown Manhattan and Roosevelt Island, Long Island City (often abbreviated as LIC) has long been regarded as one of New York City’s most exciting up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Those days are now behind us, as we can confidently assert that Long Island City has fully arrived and is now one of NYC’s most desirable residential areas.LIC offers residents easy access to Manhattan, making for a convenient commute, while also boasting a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene.

The neighborhood features a fantastic array of locally owned boutiques, art galleries, and shops, alongside many trendy bars, lounges, and restaurants.

The incredible riverfront location, combined with stunning views of the Midtown skyline and attractive real estate prices for its many luxurious, newly developed apartment buildings and condos, has contributed to Long Island City’s growth. Today, the neighborhood’s hip and artistic vibe continues to charm both residents and visitors alike.

8. Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens, thanks to its attractive real estate prices and central location, which allows residents to commute to Midtown Manhattan in just 25 minutes.

Many newcomers to the area have been priced out of Brooklyn; those who once turned to Brooklyn for affordable housing can no longer afford to do so. They are now drawn to Jackson Heights’ unique housing options, which feature Tudor architecture and pre-war co-ops, many of which come with private gardens.

While real estate prices have risen in recent years, Jackson Heights continues to offer great value and has retained its welcoming atmosphere, unlike some other parts of Queens and Brooklyn that have undergone large-scale development.

Additionally, Jackson Heights is appealing to those who wish to live in one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods. Over 50% of residents are foreigners, and more than 150 languages are spoken here. This diversity contributes to a vibrant food scene, featuring some of the city’s best ethnic restaurants. However, the nightlife is more subdued, making Jackson Heights an ideal place for families.

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