The Best Queens Neighborhoods: Key Takeaways
- The best neighborhoods in Queens are LIC, Forest Hills, Astoria, Flushing, Sunnyside, and Jamaica
- Queens is a diverse cultural hub and a great relocation or investment option
- Depending on the area, Queens is considered generally safe
- Make sure you research the area, decide on an official move date, and request a quote at a reputable moving company
The largest borough by area and second largest by population, Queens truly has it all: culture, cuisine, community, and affordability.
Let’s break down the best neighborhoods in Queens, safety tips, and what life in NYC’s most diverse borough feels like.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- The six best Queens neighborhoods for different lifestyles
- What makes Queens one of the most liveable boroughs in NYC
- Safety considerations and tips
- How to choose the right movers for your Queens NY move
The 6 Best Queens Neighborhoods
Looking for the best neighborhoods in Queens? Here’s a roundup of six popular areas, each with its own personality and perks.
1. Long Island City (LIC)
Ideal for professionals and creatives, LIC offers sleek high-rises, waterfront views, and rapid access to Midtown. LIC offers the ultimate blend of culture and convenience with great commute opportunities to areas like Manhattan.
2. Forest Hills
Perfect for families, this neighborhood features great schools, suburban-style homes, and express trains into Manhattan. Forest Hills Stadium also brings a touch of live music and community events to this residential gem.
3. Astoria
Artsy and buzzing with local flair, affordable Astoria is a magnet for first-time renters and longtime locals alike. Prepare to experience some of NYC’s best Greek cuisine and a thriving café culture on Ditmars Boulevard.
4. Flushing
As one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in NYC, Flushing is a cultural hub with world-renowned cuisine and a lively downtown scene. It’s also home to the Mets’ Citi Field and the sprawling Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.
5. Sunnyside
Quiet and close-knit, Sunnyside offers charm, tree-lined streets, and an easy commute. Its historic Sunnyside Gardens and vibrant green market adds to its unique small-town vibe in the city.
6. Jamaica
Often evolving and highly accessible to JFK Airport, Jamaica has mixed reviews, but it’s growing fast.
With 6,226 new housing units added between 2010 and 2024 and major infrastructure projects and transit hubs, Jamaica is transforming into a commercial and residential hotspot.
Still not sure which neighborhood is for you? Check out our guide to renting in New York.
Queens has a neighborhood for you, whether you’re single, have a family, or looking for a place to retire
Why Move to Queens?
While part of the broader NYC, Queens is a unique cultural hub. With over 2.2 million residents, the borough offers a refreshing blend of food, festivals, and languages that reflect every corner of the world.
Lifestyle Perks of Moving to Queens:
- Affordability: Compared to Manhattan or even Brooklyn, Queens offers more space at a lower cost.
- Convenient Commute: With subway lines like the 7, E, F, N, R, and the LIRR, it’s a commuter’s dream.
- Culture & Cuisine: From Korean BBQ in Flushing to Greek tavernas in Astoria, the dining scene is unmatched.
- Parks & Public Spaces: Enjoy weekends in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park or relaxing at Gantry Plaza State Park.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an investment opportunity, Queens is a 2025 focal point for real estate investors due to its rental income potential and increasing property value.
What To Expect as a New Queens Resident
Moving to Queens from another borough can be a truly enriching experience, especially if it’s your first time living in such a vibrantly diverse community.
- Culture: With communities from South America, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, there’s a global celebration happening every day.
- Transportation: Subways, buses, the LIRR, and easy highway access make getting around simple.
- Green Space: From Flushing Meadows to the Queens Botanical Garden, you’ll find nature all around.
- Convenience: Two airports (JFK and LaGuardia), tons of shopping, and rich food scenes make errands a breeze.
Looking for more NYC tips? Explore our New York relocation guide.
Is Queens Safe? What You Need To Know
Questions about Queens’ safety are some of the most common we hear, and of course, it’s an important talking point for individuals, families, and senior citizens who are eyeing this borough.
Like any large urban area, it depends on the neighborhood and sometimes even the street.
General Safety Trends
- Areas like Forest Hills, Bayside, and Astoria rank among the safest parts of NYC.
- Long Island City is considered safe but can feel less residential in some parts.
- Jamaica and parts of Flushing have higher crime stats, but these neighborhoods are also home to thriving communities and major investments.
Tips for Staying Safe in Queens
- Research crime maps through NYC Crime Map
- Visit neighborhoods at different times
- Choose buildings with secure entry systems and lighting
- Check local police precincts for data and community events
For more detailed data, refer to sites like SpotCrime or NeighborhoodScout, especially if you’re looking for more specific information.
Relocating to Queens? Let Imperial Movers carry the load
Qualities To Look For When Hiring Movers in Queens NY
Structurally and logistically speaking, Queens isn’t like anywhere else. Parking, building layouts, and local traffic require movers who know the borough inside and out.
Licensing and Insurance
Your movers should be fully insured and registered with USDOT if you’re moving long distance or interstate or NYSDOT for local NYC moves.
This helps protect belongings like art or even if you’re moving a piano and gives you recourse if anything goes wrong, which is especially important in Queens, where tight hallways and stairs increase risk.
Experience With NYC Logistics
With its double-parking rules, narrow stairwells, and multiple-flight walk-ups, Queens isn’t easy to navigate. Choose movers who know the borough’s quirks and can handle building regulations, permits, and local traffic.
Transparent, All-Inclusive Pricing
Avoid movers who quote low but charge extra for stairs, long carries, or “surprise” fees. Look for detailed estimates that account for common NYC move variables and honor the original price.
Responsiveness With Strong Local Reviews
Prioritize companies with consistently positive reviews for Queens moves. Great movers respond quickly, explain their process clearly, and have a reputation for showing up on time and treating your stuff like their own.
Choose wisely when looking for the best moving service in Queens
Your Checklist for a Smooth Move to Queens
If you’re afraid you may overlook something during relocation, use our pre-move cheat sheet to make sure you feel confident, prepared, and ready to start your new chapter in Queens.
Research the Neighborhoods
First, identify what is most important: is your top priority commute times, safety, nearby schools, green space, or cultural vibes?
Queens is massive and every area offers something unique, so dive into reviews, crime stats, and cost-of-living comparisons to narrow down your top choices.
Visit Your Top Picks in the Flesh
Photos and data only go so far. Spend time walking the streets of Forest Hills, grabbing a bite in Astoria, or riding the subway from Sunnyside to Midtown. You’ll get a feel for the atmosphere and see whether the neighborhood matches your lifestyle.
Lock In a Moving Date
The sooner you set your moving date, the easier it’ll be to secure top-rated movers and avoid peak season price hikes. Weekdays and mid-month dates tend to be cheaper and less hectic, especially in NYC.
Request Quotes From Experienced Movers
Contact at least 2–3 local moving companies to compare services and pricing. Look for licensed, insured teams that specialize in Queens moves; you’ll want pros who understand narrow staircases, pre-war buildings, and borough-specific logistics.
Forward Your Mail and Update Billing Addresses
Set up USPS mail forwarding at least a week before your move to avoid service interruptions. Don’t forget to update your billing and shipping info for banks, subscriptions, voter registration, and online orders.
Explore Your New Borough
Once you’ve arrived, take time to settle in and explore everything Queens has to offer like community events, restaurants, parks, and cultural festivals. Getting involved locally can help you feel at home faster and build a real connection to your neighborhood.
Choose wisely when looking for the best moving service in Queens
Imperial Movers Has Got Your Queens Move Covered
When it comes to moving into Queens neighborhoods, experience matters. At Imperial Moving & Storage, we’ve helped thousands of New Yorkers relocate to and from every corner of Queens, from Astoria walk-ups to LIC luxury condos and suburban streets in Forest Hills.
With us, you can expect:
- Transparent pricing
- Fully licensed residential and commercial movers
- Flexibility for short-notice or same day moving
- Expert packing services and quality supplies
- Specialized handling for fragile items
Our crews know the borough’s tight turns, tough parking zones, and six-floor walk-ups like the back of their hand. We’re licensed and insured Queens movers who care about making your transition smooth, affordable, and stress-free.
Make your move with the team that New Yorkers trust. Call Imperial Movers
Queens Neighborhoods: FAQs
What are the best neighborhoods in Queens for families?
Forest Hills, Bayside, and Sunnyside are popular among families thanks to great schools, safe streets, and family-friendly amenities.
Is Queens safe to live in?
Yes, most Queens neighborhoods are very safe. Areas like Astoria, Forest Hills, and LIC rank high in safety, while other areas like Jamaica are evolving and improving over time.
What is the most affordable neighborhood in Queens?
Jamaica, parts of Flushing, and Ridgewood tend to offer more budget-friendly rent options while still being connected by public transit.
Is Jamaica, Queens safe?
Jamaica has higher crime rates compared to other neighborhoods but is undergoing revitalization. As with any NYC neighborhood, safety can vary block to block—researching specific streets and buildings is key.
How do I choose the right Queens neighborhood for me?
Start by identifying your top priorities: commute, schools, nightlife, affordability, and community vibe. Visit your shortlist, explore during the day and night, and talk to current residents. Or let Imperial Moving help with a guided approach.
Don’t navigate your Queens move alone. Imperial Movers is here to help
