The largest of NYC’s five boroughs by land area, Queens is also its own county and a universe unto itself. If you’re set on moving to New York and land in Queens, you’ll find Greek bakeries down the block from Korean barbecue, and neighborhoods that feel like entirely different cities.
An estimated 800 languages are spoken here, making it among the most linguistically diverse places on earth. The neighborhoods are almost as varied: You’ll find detached homes in leafy neighborhoods like Douglaston, rows of brick townhouses in Jackson Heights, high-rises with skyline views in Long Island City, and modest co-ops near Jamaica Avenue.
The best neighborhoods in Queens truly offer something for everyone, and it’s this mix of cultures, lifestyles, and price points that makes the borough a magnet for new residents. Want waterfront high-rises? Try Hunters Point. Big yards (by New York City standards) and good schools? Look at Forest Hills. Looking to rent on a budget? You’ll find options in Ridgewood or Jackson Heights.
With so many options to choose from, it’s almost harder to choose a neighborhood, but trust us, there’s a spot in this borough calling your name. Keep on reading for the best neighborhoods in Queens according to locals.
How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Queens
We picked these neighborhoods based on what real people care about: home prices, rent, commute times, safety, schools, walkability, and local character.
Each spot on this list stands out for something specific. Some are best for families. Others are known for nightlife, affordability, or peace and quiet. For each neighborhood, we’ll cover the essential info, like housing prices, commute time to Manhattan, and a few local highlights worth knowing about.
This is a guide for people who want facts, not hype, so they can accurately plan their move — all the more important if you’ll be moving across the country or moving long-distance.
Before you start the moving process, read our room-by-room guide on how to pack for a move. |
8 Best Neighborhoods in Queens
Queens is full of standout neighborhoods, and no two fit the same criteria. Whether you're moving to NYC looking for a quiet place to raise kids, a nightlife hub close to Manhattan, or a walkable pocket with serious food cred, there's a spot that fits.
On average, Queens homes sell for around $720,000, and one-bedroom apartments rent for about $3,100, but those numbers swing wildly depending on the ZIP code. Prices vary block by block. Some pockets are climbing fast. Others are holding steady.
Here's our curated list of the best neighborhoods in Queens — each one chosen for what it does best.
1. Forest Hills: Best for families
Median home sale price: $496,413
Average rent: $3,640
Commute to Manhattan: 20 minutes via subway
Don’t miss: Forest Hills Stadium for concerts, Forest Park for outdoor activities, and Queens Bully for diverse dining experiences.
Forest Hills is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens for families. It offers quiet streets, high-quality schools, and a mix of Tudor-style homes, co-ops, and prewar apartment buildings. The area has a suburban feel with wide sidewalks, mature trees, and a pace that feels relaxed without being sleepy. Families also like the quick access to Manhattan, with multiple subway lines and a fast Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) connection from Forest Hills Station.
You’ll find parks, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a strong sense of community here. Forest Hills Stadium draws big-name concerts during the summer, and Forest Park gives locals over 500 acres of green space to explore, including woodlands, ball fields, and other amenities.
2. Astoria: Best for young professionals
Median home sale price: $734,370
Average rent: $3,393
Commute to Manhattan: 7 minutes by subway to Midtown
Don’t miss: Bohemian Hall & Beer Garden for outdoor drinks, Astoria Park for river views and recreation, Taverna Kyclades for acclaimed Greek cuisine
Astoria is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens for young professionals, offering a blend of affordability, culture, and convenience. Located in northwestern Queens, Astoria provides quick subway access to Midtown Manhattan, making it ideal for commuters.
The neighborhood features a mix of housing options, including prewar apartments, modern condos, and single-family homes. Its vibrant streets are lined with diverse restaurants, cafes, and shops, reflecting the area's multicultural heritage. The hood’s dynamic atmosphere — combined with its relatively affordable housing and proximity to Manhattan — makes Astoria a top choice for young professionals seeking a balanced urban lifestyle.
3. Bayside: Safest neighborhood in Queens
Median home sale price: $883,679
Average rent: $2,311
Commute to Manhattan: 22 minutes by car, 30 minutes by train
Don’t miss: Crocheron Park for its arboretum and waterfront views, Bell Boulevard for dining and shopping, Bayside Historical Society for local history
Bayside, located in northeastern Queens, is renowned for its safety and suburban charm. The neighborhood features tree-lined streets, detached single-family homes, and a strong sense of community. Its low crime rates make it one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens, which attracts families and professionals seeking a peaceful environment.
Residents appreciate the quiet streets, strong schools, and community feel that make Bayside stand out. On weekends, locals walk along the waterfront, shop along Bell Boulevard, or visit one of several neighborhood parks. The LIRR (locals call it the “el-eye-double-arr”) runs straight into Manhattan, giving commuters a direct route that skips the stress of subway transfers.
4. Long Island City: Best for commuters
Median home sale price: $920,000
Average rent: $4,575
Commute to Manhattan: ~10 minutes by subway, ~15 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Gantry Plaza State Park, MoMA PS1, Levante
Long Island City is where glass towers meet graffiti murals. It’s fast-paced, full of energy, and close enough to Manhattan to see your office from your window. That’s exactly why LIC tops the list for commuters; you can be in Midtown in under 15 minutes, but still have room to breathe once you’re home.
LIC has transformed over the past decade, shifting from industrial sprawl to a high-rise haven. Today, it’s a polished mix of new luxury buildings, warehouse lofts, cocktail bars, and boutique fitness studios. The waterfront is lined with parks and bike paths, and the streets are filled with young professionals who want Manhattan access without actually living there. If your commute matters, LIC is hard to beat.
5. Jackson Heights: Best for culture and affordability
Median home sale price: $463,411
Average rent: $2,741
Commute to Manhattan: ~12 minutes by subway, ~14 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Terraza 7 for live music and community events, Queens Zoo, and Vallecito Bakery and Taco Veloz for authentic Latin American cuisine
Jackson Heights feels like the whole world has been packed into 300 city blocks. It’s a neighborhood where Tibetan momo trucks sit next to Colombian bakeries, and every stroll turns into a food tour. The energy is nonstop, but the vibe is friendly, with tree-lined side streets and prewar apartment buildings that still manage to feel cozy.
The area draws artists, immigrants, and longtime New Yorkers alike. It’s walkable, well-connected, and full of character. Weekend nights come alive on Roosevelt Avenue, where you’ll find salsa music, street vendors, and late-night eats that don’t miss. Many people think you’ll find New York City in the heart of Manhattan, but it doesn’t really get more real New York than Jackson Heights.
6. Douglaston: Best suburban feel in Queens
Median home sale price: $1.1 million
Average rent: $2,633
Commute to Manhattan: 30 minutes by LIRR, 25 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Alley Pond Environmental Center for nature trails and wildlife, Il Toscano for authentic Italian cuisine, Douglaston Golf Course for a relaxing round of golf
Douglaston doesn’t feel like Queens. It barely feels like New York City. This quiet corner of the borough, where kids ride bikes, neighbors chat over hedges, and the noise of the city fades behind thick tree canopies, feels more like a village. Streets wind past single-family homes with driveways and porches. There are no high-rises in sight.
What makes Douglaston special is its blend of stillness and access. It’s calm without being cut off. The LIRR runs straight through, giving residents a smooth ride into the city when they need it, and a full exhale when they return.
7. Maspeth: Best hidden gem
Median home sale price: $861,750
Average rent: $2,350
Commute to Manhattan: ~25 minutes by car, ~40 minutes by bus/subway combo
Don’t miss: Fresca Tortilla, Mount Olivet Cemetery for a unique bit of NYC history
Maspeth tends to fly under the radar, and that’s part of its appeal. This working-class neighborhood, tucked between Ridgewood and Woodside, doesn’t draw much attention from tourists or trend reports, but locals know it’s one of the best-kept secrets in Queens. It’s clean, quiet, and full of families who’ve lived here for generations.
The streets are lined with brick row houses, modest single-family homes, and low-rise apartment buildings. There’s no subway stop in Maspeth, which keeps the crowds away, but express bus routes and nearby stations still make commuting possible. You won’t find much nightlife here, but you’ll find old-school pizza shops, strong community ties, and a refreshingly low-key pace.
8. Kew Gardens: Best for nature lovers
Median home sale price: $393,659
Average rent: $2,035
Commute to Manhattan: 22 minutes by subway, ~30 minutes by car
Don’t miss: Kew Gardens Cinema, Maple Grove Cemetery
Kew Gardens is an ideal haven for people who crave green space more than rooftop bars. Nestled between Forest Hills and Richmond Hill, it’s one of the few neighborhoods in Queens where you can walk out your front door and be on a hiking trail in minutes. Forest Park stretches along the edge of the community, offering 500 acres of trees, tennis courts, horse stables, and winding paths that never feel overcrowded.
The streets are quiet and curved, with old-world charm in the form of Tudor homes, garden co-ops, and brick buildings with ivy-covered walls. Local spots like the art-house Kew Gardens Cinemas or mom-and-pop cafés keep the vibe low-key and personal. If you want easy access to Manhattan but prefer falling asleep to crickets instead of car horns, Kew Gardens delivers.
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Ready to Land in Queens?
There’s no one way to live in Queens. That’s the point. Some neighborhoods offer space to spread out. Others put you steps from the subway or in the middle of a global food scene. Whether you want quiet streets, skyline views, or something in between, Queens makes room for it.
And when you’re ready to make your move, Colonial Van Lines can help you get there. With over 50 years of experience in long-distance relocation, our team knows how to pack, load, and transport your belongings with care. We handle the logistics so you can focus on finding your new favorite corner bagel spot or setting up your home office with a park view. Get your free quote today and let the pros take it from here.