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Also, I don't know why people mention that the restaurants are lacking in Forest Hills. I personally felt that there was an abundance of them, found not just on Austin Street, but on Metropolitan Ave, Queens Blvd, and the intersecting streets. When I travel to other Queens neighborhoods, there are restaurants, yes, but so many of them seem unappealing and in Forest Hills you can easily walk around from place to place, whatever style you prefer. Indian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Latin/Hispanic, etc, and a variety of chain restaurants such as Uno's, TGIF, Cabana, etc. I don't know..I think in general it's pretty decent in this respect.
You are correct in that there is an abundance of restaurants in Forest Hills. Quality-wise, however, they leave much to be desired. For the most part, the restaurants are bad, overpriced, or both. Aside from 5 Burros, Nick's Pizza, DB Wine Bar, Dees, Thai Pot, Sushi Yasu and a few others, Latin Cabana Express (not Cabana), they are very sub-par. I'd much rather eat in Elmhurst, Corona, Jackson Heights and Woodside, or cook, than eat in Forest Hills. I'd kill for a place like Chao Thai, Sripraphai, Inti Raymi, Tierras Colombianas, Sapori D'Ischia, La Fusta, High Pearl, Unidentified Flying Chicken, etc. in FH.
So here are my opinions on the second set of nabes of Queens. Again, these are my opinions, so don't shoot me.
Woodside - Hidden gem, but might not be for you. Woodside is also a rather large neighborhood in Queens and one of the oldest. Today, it is home to a diverse group of people and is mostly residential. It has a good mix of pre-war buildings to attached detached and semi-attached homes as well as tall 30 story buildings. The center is considered the 61st St 7 train stop but it borders Sunnyside, Astoria, Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Maspeth. There's a good # of restaurants including the awesome Sripraphai and other nondescript small local places. The area is safe and the rent is still relatively affordable given that it's on the 7 train's express stop, if you're near 61st. But even if you're not, it's still less than 30 minutes to midtown. The area around 61st can get loud at night, however, given the large # of Irish bars and hard core Irish patrons (construction workers straight from Ireland) who will sometimes start fights with you. Again, it is super convenient because of its subway lines (7,R,V), the LIRR, and the BQE and the LIE. Also Queens Blvd runs right through it. South of QB, and the Big 6 APT Complex (behind Gold's Gym, Key Food), the area becomes extremely residential and quiet. North of Roosevelt Ave, it becomes a bit dingier and the rent prices fall. Along Broadway and closer to Northern Blvd, the R and V subway lines make it convenient to reach Manhattan, however, it is right near the housing projects and becomes not so safe, especially at night. Of course, the rent is significantly cheaper in this area.
Jackson Heights - Diversity diversity diversity. You want diversity, you got it in Jackson Heights. Yes, it is ALWAYS congested, crowded, noisy, but you have access to just about any type of cuisine in the world at a low low price, if that's what's important to you. Traditionally home of Indians, Pakistanis, Koreans, Hispanics, the area is always bustling with life. Indians in the Tri-State area drive to Jackson Heights on the weekends to buy groceries, clothes, rent movies, etc. etc, so driving along the Indian strip on the weekends should be avoided like the plague. Chinese and Korean supermarkets are great sources of ethnic products and hot new restaurants have started popping up left and right (UFC, Zabb Thai, the Vietnamese on Broadway), that I can't even keep up with them. Yes, the buildings are mostly pre-war and old, but they do have their charm and the rent is still pretty cheap. If you have a car, unfortunately, it is very difficult to find parking and driving can be a nightmare, especially given that the BQE (with its never ending construction) is a joke. However, you have access to not only the 7 train, but the E,F,G,R,V all at the same station. All in all, you'll get the most bang for your money in Jackson Heights. Moreover, a walk further east along Roosevelt Ave or a couple of train stops will open up to the neighborhood of Corona, home of one of the most diverse Hispanic neighborhoods with the best, and cheapest Peruvian, Ecuadorian, Colombian, Argentinean, Venezuelan and Mexican restaurants in the city. I gotta say Jackson Heights has become one of the safer neighborhoods in Queens.
Elmhurst - Dirty but cleaned up and growing. Elmhurst has always been traditionally Chinese, Korean, Indian and Hispanic. Any area not near Lefrak City and Junction Blvd is pretty safe in my opinion. If you don't bother them, they won't bother you. About 20 or so years ago, there were some Chinese gangs in the area, but they are now long gone. Many old and new restaurants can be had for cheap and the rent is still affordable. Driving down Broadway anytime before 11PM can be a pain, but that's true for most any area of Queens. Elmhurst around the Queens Center Mall, especially around the shopping season, can get very very very hectic, and that's an understatement, but it's good for the area's thriving businesses. There's nothing pretty about Elmhurst, but it's a good place for young people given the close proximity to subway stations, the Mall and Target.
Forest Hills - old Jewish people, middle class, quiet. To set things straight, I have nothing against old people or the Jews. It's just that Forest Hills has traditionally been home to a large population of Bukharian Jews and as they got older, so did the demographics of the area. Although most apts have become co-ops, the older generations are still living in cheap, rent-stabilized apartments (heck, I'd do the same if I were them). The area is generally thought to be more affluent than other areas of Queens and boasts the Austin Street shopping area - a strip of 7-8 blocks just south of QB with well-known stores such as B&N, TGIF, NYSC, Anne Taylor, Banana Republic, Gap, Sephora, Benetton, Bath & Body Works, Body Shop, etc. The only thing lacking here is a good selection of restaurants and bars and they are mostly subpar, except 5 Burro and DB Wine Bar. There's a good movie theater, a myriad of banks and doctors, and is accessible by the LIRR and the E,F,G,R,V subway lines. The Grand Central Pkwy and the Van Wycke Expy are right here as well as Flushing Meadows park and Forest Park. In addition, the new Trader Joe's is a short drive away, depending on where you live. Forest Hills Gardens is one of the few high-end closed communities in NYC where you need to be a resident to park on the streets. It is absolutely beautiful in there but the homes are rarely on the market. Rent in Forest Hills is a bit higher than other Queens neighborhoods, but not significantly higher. A decent 1BR in a non-luxury apt will be anywhere between $1400 and $1800 depending on how close you are to the 71st-Continental subway stop which is 25 minutes to midtown. This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens as there has not been a murder in a couple of years, at least, and is home to one of the bet public school districts in all of NYC.
Another area not mentioned if Kew Gardens, which is directly east of Forest Hills, another superb area.
So there it is. If I sounded impartial to Forest Hills, well, I am because that's where I live, for all the reasons I listed above.
Feel free to ask any questions you may have about anything I wrote.
We plan to have a baby and went to a doctor in that area. He did simple medical check and charges us over $4000 (of course covered by insurence). And did not give any suggestion even though he did follow up after the medical check. One of us has slightly high blood pressure, he did not even mention to us during the follow up. We asked about it, he said "oh yes, blood pressure is high."
Later on, we went to other doctors, they told us we should get some shots before having a baby. They said those kind of shots just prevent you from cold during pregenant. So they are regular ones, but the Jewish doctor never mentioned to us.
well, this is a thread about different neighborhoods in Queens. I still don't understand the point of your post, but it seems to be either complaining about or complimenting a doctor who is of a certain religious background. I'm not sure what a doctor's being Jewish has to do with the kind of medical care he/she is dispensing and I'm also not sure what that has to do with a thread about different neighbhorhoods in Queens.
well, this is a thread about different neighborhoods in Queens. I still don't understand the point of your post, but it seems to be either complaining about or complimenting a doctor who is of a certain religious background. I'm not sure what a doctor's being Jewish has to do with the kind of medical care he/she is dispensing and I'm also not sure what that has to do with a thread about different neighbhorhoods in Queens.
Well, when you pick a place to live, you will consider about the neighbhorhoods which including clinic. I am not anti-jewish, it could be any doctor. If you live in forest hills and need to see a doctor, you might not comfortable if you have similar experience.
You can't judge ALL Jewish doctors by your experience with one bad one. That would be like saying ALL Brits have bad teeth after seeing one with "f-ed up" choppers
I have to say that my experiences with various Jewish doctors in Forest Hills have been mostly positive. And I'm not Jewish.
Like Henna said, let's not digress from the thread topic.
You can't judge ALL Jewish doctors by your experience with one bad one. That would be like saying ALL Brits have bad teeth after seeing one with "f-ed up" choppers
I have to say that my experiences with various Jewish doctors in Forest Hills have been mostly positive. And I'm not Jewish.
Like Henna said, let's not digress from the thread topic.
I believe and hope he is just an exception. I went to other doctors as I mentioned, they did a good job. Again, I am not anti any religious. Ok, I will shut up on this topic since it is not the right topic as you guys said. Forest Hills is a nice neighour overall, I agree.
When I used to work downtown, Brooklyn (but not every part of Brooklyn) was much more convenient than Queens. However, now that I work in midtown, I would never consider moving to Brooklyn. In general, Queens gives you more bang for your buck in terms of rent. You'll generally find larger, cleaner apts in nicer, safer neighborhoods for the same price than you would in Brooklyn. Everyone knows that for the price you'd pay in Brooklyn Heights, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hills, Park Slope, Williamsburg and DUMBO, you can double your apt size in Queens (except LIC luxury apts).
The areas you listed are interesting in that for the most part, the prices are still relatively cheap. However, outside of Bay Ridge, safety can be a concern in the other areas, however "gentrified" they have become. I'm now in my early 30s, and have decided that my family's safety, school district and a peace of mind (when it comes to parking my car on the street) are more important than hip bars and restaurants down the block. Of course, that's just me, but to you or anyone else, this may not be the deciding factor.
It's really amazing how expensive rent has become in areas like crown heights, bed stuy, midwood, bushwick, and even to a certain extent, east NY and brownsville, given how dangerous these areas are and were even 10 years ago.
Again, if you work anywhere near midtown or uptown for that matter, it would not be prudent to live in Brooklyn, especially Bay Ridge, and commute 1.5 hours each way. I've done that and trust me, it's not fun. And in general, as a foodie, I prefer Queens much more for its selections and price over Brooklyn. As for Jackson Heights, I love your area. My update will soon follow.
PMFJI,
I know this is an old thread, but some of what is being said is not fully accurate then or now.
Midwood is NOT dangerous and has never been so. Though reaching Midwood from Manhattan, some might find utilizing public transportation a bit uncomfortable; but, Midwood itself is a large and safe neighborhood. If one travels by car, then it is possible to travel fully without concern---once one learns the routes.
Most of what the poster is stating, from his perspective, is relatively accurate; though it is possible to have another perspective.
The poster prefers Queens itself over the brownstone neighborhoods mentioned such as Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Fort Greene, etc. While what he states regarding apartment size is true; in many parts of Queens larger and/or cheaper apartments can be found. However, one important note the poster neglects to state is that NOTHING in Queens equates to the quality of life to be found in those Brooklyn Brownstone neighborhoods. Most Especially when considering Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, as well as Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. One must also mention, Cobble Hill, Carol Gardens and Boerum Hill. ONLY Manhattan can compete, and then only Greenwich Village, Chelsea, the Upper West and East side equal or surpass those Brooklyn neighborhoods.
The quality of people and neighborhood life far surpasses Queens. The only exception would be the suburban areas of Queens such as Bayside, Douglaston, etc. which can only be compared on a Urban vs. Suburban level. Of course, that is simply a matter of preference.
Also with regard to diversity, while those Brooklyn neighborhoods are diverse---it is with an American diversity including a low percentage of (westernized) immigrants. While Queens is a World diversity with a majority of recent immigrants (eastern Euro and Asian, as well as south American).
Dumbo, in Brooklyn, is a smaller and quieter version of Manhattan's SOHO, and Queen's only comparison would be Hunter's Point/LIC. While fast gentrifying and having a strong commuter advantage, the area still has quite a ways before it can compete on Dumbo's level. Yet, when it does it will emerge as some combo of Dumbo and Park Slope. Hunter's Point/LIC is the only Queens area which could be competitive to the Brooklyn neighborhoods. If one plans to stay a long while in NY, and wishes to be a part of an emerging area (which is relatively safe), then Hunter's Point is the place. A real community is in the process of developing---and that is one of the main differences between these Brooklyn neighborhoods and Queens----they have a true sense of community that is surviving this second wave of gentrification. You can actually know your neighbors!
Bay Ridge is an older Brooklyn white ethnic neighborhood, next door to Bensonhurst. It is fast changing, but not in a gentrified way. More along Queens' lines with a large influx of recent immigrants of varying types and a small percentage of Transplants. Think Astoria.
Midwood is a solid middle and upper middle class heavily ethnic Jewish neighborhood with a mix of African-American and Carribean blacks. Including small contingents of Indian Asians along Coney Island Avenue, a few Asians in and among, and long time native Brooklynites of varying ethnicities. Mostly single family homes, but with a decent portion of pre- and post-war apartment housing. Most of it middle class in nature, with a good bit considered old school luxurious in and around the neighborhood, and heavily along Ocean Avenue. It also contains an area of incredibly beautiful Victorian homes. It is a safe area. As safe as Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope.
Ditmas Park is the first in a series of continuous neighborhoods running all the way through Midwood to Madison, together forming Brooklyn's Victorian belt. It is considered the first planned suburb. Mostly single family homes with a sprinkling of old school luxury apartments, as well as several lesser walk-ups. It is relatively safe. As safe as Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and has similar issues of proximity. Though there is no public housing in the area, and Flatbush, which it borders, is, overall, more middle class than the areas neighboring Ft. Greene and Clinton Hill. Renting here would be for those with some connection to the area, and/or wishing at some point to purchase one of the Victorians. A great sense of community, long established, growing and involved. A good place if one needs a modern Jewish community.
Regarding the other Brooklyn areas mentioned, I will simply cede to the poster's comments, as they are accurate enough for this forum's consumption. For the most part Queens would prove a superior option, and if you can't afford Queens and are compelled to live in those other areas, then I would seriously question your capability to maintain yourself in NYC.
One last thing regarding the poster's comments, there's a tendency to classify as "traditional". The neighborhoods are NOT ethnically traditional as the poster describes----with the majority of the residents being recent immigrants, and the neighborhoods only "changing" and experiencing a huge immigrant influx beginning in the 80s and truly transitioning in the 90s. The rapidity that this transition occurred if fully comprehended would be startling. In many cases, virtually overnight.
The Bukharian Jews, are an example, having settled in Forest Hills and the surrounding environs beginning after the fall of the Soviet Union in the 90s. Forest Hills became a heavily Jewish neighborhood after the war, and Western European Jews of all variety settled there and in many parts of Queens. It is these Jews which comprise the older community. It is the newer Bukharian community which is tearing down the older homes and building larger Eastern flavored homes which are coming into conflict with the traditional neighborhood.
Similarly, the Indians and Hispanics of Jackson Heights, Rego Park, and Cornoa, influxed primarily in the 90s. Of course, change began in the 80s.
Other than the few corrective comments above, the posters has done an excellent job.
Regarding the restaurants of Forest Hills/Austin Street, the poster, I must say, is being very subjective in his comments. I would consider them to be quite personal in nature. IMO, if one desired great food, one would find one's way into Manhattan and have a truly superlative meal---generally, after leaving work in Manhattan. There is ample and diverse, more than adequate, local neighborhood cuisine. Good for a don't-feel-like-cooking weeknight; as well as, a don't-feel-like-going-into-the-city weekend. When you have Manhattan readily available, nothing more is necessary, nor needed. Native NYers aren't locked into their neighborhoods as Transplants appear to be. Unless your a foodie of sorts, and enjoy visiting the strange and super ethnic in corners of the outer borough, Austin Street will suit you just fine. The place is absolutely jammed on the weekends!!! Very suburban mall like.
Herein again, the question of safety, if you believe the poster and whatever stat he happens to quote, you will be mislead. Sure within that small sub-district of incredible homes and private streets, where only residents can park, there probably hasn't been a murder in years and is quite safe. Yet, that makes up only a small district of the larger Forest Hills and general area. Outside that district it's the same as most of the other neighboring areas, Kew Gardens, Rego Park, etc. An endless collection of large apt. buildings and very large apt. towers. Extremely dense in population with the commensurate issues. Cars are broken into, muggings and rapes do occur, most of which NEVER makes the news or the stats! Is it safe? As safe as most of NYC where there are huge collections of large sized buildings.
The poster will probably disagree, but I, personally, find Astoria to be safer than that whole general area, not including FHs Gardens. I believe this for various reasons, such as, Astoria is less dense, one is more apt to know one's neighbors, and is less likely to walk into your building in front of, or behind a stranger. Also, I've inadvertently left my brand new car open in a variety of manners a number of times---once with all windows open including moonroof---and NOTHING was ever touched. Not money, not cds, not glove compartment, not trunk. A very diverse collection of hard working honest people. That said, I can't wait to move!
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