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Why do people say Valley Stream is going the way of Elmont. What is going on? Why is the perception so negative.
I would pick Valley Stream since it has an LIRR stop and much more amenities. Valley Stream schools are considered better though I think both are fine. I find VS prettier than Elmont, I've never thought of Elmont as an attractive area (even before it "changed")
People say Valley Stream is going the way of Elmont for two reasons. One is because it's becoming more and more diverse like Elmont. Secondly, Valley Stream has high crime by LI standards. But most of these crimes are as a result of it being a MAJOR regional hub and not b/c of the residents itself. Theres a huge mall with a Walmart, a big dowtrown/LIRR stop and many other stores that attract ppl from all over. Half of Queen does their shopping there.
Having lived in Astoria for twenty years, I just moved to VS a few months ago. My wife and I are young educated professionals, we love it here! I bought a house for us to begin our lives in. I am very glad I didn't listen to a few of the naysayers on the forums. It has amenities that you would want in the boroughs without the hustle and bustle. We are in walking distance to everything we really need (couldn't find that in other parts on the island) and drive to costco when needed. The geographic location appears to be a hidden gem (when looking at the price of real estate in VS against other parts of the city and LI). Best part is I can be in the city in 25 mins via LIRR or the N4 bus to the E train will put me in the city in 45 mins, for work. It also has a very central location to BK, Queens, and BX also, where you can easily access them in a timely fashion.
It is also very peaceful here, I have not encountered anything what so ever that would alarm me. We take walks often late at night and enjoy the peacefulness and fresh air. There are many parks and public works to enjoy in VS. Everyone is more relaxed and friendly here also, giving you a sense of community. People are courteous of others, clean up after themselves, show pride in their homes/properties, and host/attend events to support the town. We love the diversity here (a mix of southeast Asian, Islands/Caribbean, Black, White, and Hispanics), definitely would like for our kids to grow up in an environment like this. It the direction that America is headed towards in general, whether people like it or not.
Having lived in Astoria for twenty years, I just moved to VS a few months ago. My wife and I are young educated professionals, we love it here! I bought a house for us to begin our lives in. I am very glad I didn't listen to a few of the naysayers on the forums. It has amenities that you would want in the boroughs without the hustle and bustle. We are in walking distance to everything we really need (couldn't find that in other parts on the island) and drive to costco when needed. The geographic location appears to be a hidden gem (when looking at the price of real estate in VS against other parts of the city and LI). Best part is I can be in the city in 25 mins via LIRR or the N4 bus to the E train will put me in the city in 45 mins, for work. It also has a very central location to BK, Queens, and BX also, where you can easily access them in a timely fashion.
It is also very peaceful here, I have not encountered anything what so ever that would alarm me. We take walks often late at night and enjoy the peacefulness and fresh air. There are many parks and public works to enjoy in VS. Everyone is more relaxed and friendly here also, giving you a sense of community. People are courteous of others, clean up after themselves, show pride in their homes/properties, and host/attend events to support the town. We love the diversity here (a mix of southeast Asian, Islands/Caribbean, Black, White, and Hispanics), definitely would like for our kids to grow up in an environment like this. It the direction that America is headed towards in general, whether people like it or not.
Thank you!
My husband and I currently are in Astoria and are looking to move to VS or Malverne. We have been discouraged by people who live in other towns but happy to hear this response!
To be blunt, the perception is negative based on the increased number of black residents. You've gotta realize that. And because crime is on the rise, it's attributed to the blacks.
To be blunt, the perception is negative based on the increased number of black residents. You've gotta realize that. And because crime is on the rise, it's attributed to the blacks.
Agree completely. I recently moved to VS from Astoria, too! I'm really happy here and the LIRR commute can't be beat. The prices for comparable houses in Rockville Centre and Port Washington were absurd in my opinion. We could have made it work, but why? We're in a great school district (14), spend a fair amount of time downtown on Rockaway Ave. and we are basically as close to downtown RVC as people who actually live in RVC.
And the demographic picture is more complicated than black and white. First off all, it varies a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood and there are sizable white, black, Asian and Hispanic populations. Also, I think the % of owner-occupied houses and median income matters more than race when thinking about the stability of a neighborhood and Valley Stream compares very well with its neighbors in those respects. Newcomers, regardless of their race/ethnicity, are coming in with higher incomes than the people they are replacing.
We heard the same crap about VS that you did, and it's ridiculous. It's complete and utter racism.
Agree completely. I recently moved to VS from Astoria, too! I'm really happy here and the LIRR commute can't be beat. The prices for comparable houses in Rockville Centre and Port Washington were absurd in my opinion. We could have made it work, but why? We're in a great school district (14), spend a fair amount of time downtown on Rockaway Ave. and we are basically as close to downtown RVC as people who actually live in RVC.
And the demographic picture is more complicated than black and white. First off all, it varies a lot from neighborhood to neighborhood and there are sizable white, black, Asian and Hispanic populations. Also, I think the % of owner-occupied houses and median income matters more than race when thinking about the stability of a neighborhood and Valley Stream compares very well with its neighbors in those respects. Newcomers, regardless of their race/ethnicity, are coming in with higher incomes than the people they are replacing.
We heard the same crap about VS that you did, and it's ridiculous. It's complete and utter racism.
I tried up voting your post but I was told I need to spread the love a bit more first!
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Valley Stream
