How is Forest Hills for 20somethings? (Garden City, Roosevelt: apartment, income, income tax)

[OrangeHudson]

Originally Posted by mediumrare

Again, Forest Hills Gardens is where its pretty, not Forest Hills itself. What is pretty about endless coop buildings, most look the same, on every block? What is pretty about overpriced attached homes, mostly small 2 bedroom places, that have half a dozen cars parked in the driveway?

Pretty would mean nice parks, quaint gardens, and refined architecture-you will find none of these in FH.

Now throw in that the heart of FH, Austin St., has AWFUL restaurants, junk and chain stores, no entertainment venues, (movie theaters dont count) and that the most popular place is TFI Fridays-how is that pretty? It's really no different than living near a strip mall in New Jersey, except FH is so much more crowded.

The only upside is the subway and the LIRR, which makes for an easy commute to the city.

I agree completely 100%..rep.

[mgdmason]

Take into consideration that driving to/from Astoria can be an issue when the Mets are in town or the U.S. Open tournament (last 2 weeks of August until Labor Day). Both Forrest Hills and Astoria are parking nightmares.

[mgdmason]

Jackson Heights is close to the GCP but you will have same issues regarding METS/US Open. The area has a fairly high population of Hispanics (South Americans) and less shopping opportunities than Forrest Hills or Astoria. Have you considered Fresh Meadows, Bayside, or Glen Oaks? All are close to major highways and have good shopping & restaurants.

[baabaabooey]

Originally Posted by bree8426

I accepted a job in Nassau county and want to do a reverse commute (by car) from Queens. I originally wanted to live in Astoria but heard the traffic might be pretty bad, and have been hearing Forest Hills might be a better option for me.

I like Forest Hills, I've been there once...but it seems more geared toward families. How is it for 20 somethings?

FH used to be an older crowd, personally I think Austin Street has geared itself toward a younger demographic in recent years. It blows Astoria off the map. And don't read too much into FH's close proximity to Astoria in terms of commuting. I commute from LI to LIC every day, and the bulk of the time in my travel is getting through the area between the FH interchange and Astoria.

Rentwise, you would pay about the same, parking is a nightmare either way, personally I think you have an easier time oparking in FH. If you need a parking space/garage, many of the apartments in FH offer them but you probably would be wait-listed. I don't think as a 20-something you would be unhappy in either area but I definitely think FH is the way to go. I would also consider Bayside, Bell Blvd is jamming for young people, rents are decent, you are closer to Nassau and you can park easily.

[SeventhFloor]

Originally Posted by brajohns81

Are you implying that 30 is old??? Thirty is NOT old!! It is very young these days!! When you say older crowd you better mean 40 plus!

Enough about the age thing. Please keep on topic. Thank you.

[bree8426]

Thanks for your advice--got another question now! No age stuff please though lol!

How is Woodside...I know there is an LIRR station there and the commute by car looks reasonable too. Looks like it is pretty close to 495. Any insight is much appreciated!

[GinaFromQueens]

Originally Posted by bree8426

Thanks for your advice--got another question now! No age stuff please though lol!

How is Woodside...I know there is an LIRR station there and the commute by car looks reasonable too. Looks like it is pretty close to 495. Any insight is much appreciated!

Woodside is ok, but Forest Hills is much nicer and safer...

[bree8426]

Just wondering how how long is your commute, on average?

[bree8426]

Above was @ baabaabooey

[Giga]

Forest Hills used to be quaint and carry a small town feel with its big city edge.

Now it's mostly chain stores and TGI Fridays. My favorite comic book shop was turned into a hookah place. For some of you that may be something to be celebrated. For me, it's sad to see unique little shops moved out for these places that cater to the "hip" "trendy" crowd.

Summing it up, if you don't have kids, go Astoria. If you're even on the borderline to starting a family, Moderator cut: Not necessary park your butt in Forest Hills.