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I'm ready to move from Jamaica Center, Queens (hate it--it was a big mistake moving there last year) to Jackson Heights, due to the nightlife, proximity to Manhattan, restaurants, and the ethnic/racial diversity. I really like this part of Queens a lot.
However, despite JH's diversity, I notice a distinct lack of black ppl there. A few darker Latinos, but almost NO blacks--Caribbean, African, AA or otherwise. I mean, even on the crowded Roosevelt Ave/74th St. E/F/7 subway platforms, I see just about every group on earth, but zero blacks. What gives? -- I'm an AA professional, single, and male.
Can anyone knowledgeable about Jackson Heights provide any insight (i.e., whether blacks are clustered in certain sections, or sprinkled anywhere at all)? Am I off base?
I'm not bothered by the lack of blacks there, per se. I guess I'm just wondering if landlords and brokers are deliberately steering away potential black tenants. And if so, I really don't want to waste my time even searching there and will look elsewhere.
I have several friends who live out that way (all Latinos), I've gone to birthday events at bars there (all Latin clubs), and I've heard the streets are safe for anyone who knows street smarts in a Latin country.
Get the picture I'm trying to paint?
Aside from Latinos the next biggest ethnic groups are Asians followed by Caucasians. The data supports my observations: Link
Landlords are more concerned with your credit/tenant history and income.
I have several friends who live out that way (all Latinos), I've gone to birthday events at bars there (all Latin clubs), and I've heard the streets are safe for anyone who knows street smarts in a Latin country.
Get the picture I'm trying to paint?
Aside from Latinos the next biggest ethnic groups are Asians followed by Caucasians. The data supports my observations: Link
Landlords are more concerned with your credit/tenant history and income.
I have a Greek American friend who has lived in Jackson Heights all of his life. From what I understand from him when he was a child there were many other Greeks and mainly Caucasians in the neighborhood. Nowadays Asians from Korea and Latinos seem to be the largest ethnic groups in the area. But I too think that landlords in the area are more concerned with one's ability pay to rent and being a good tenant than one's ethnic/racial group.
I've long known the groups that live there---it's predominately Latin/S. American, Indian, Bangladeshi, etc. I've been through there many times, hence my actual question....why NO black ppl? Not even a smidgeon? Seems really odd.
Some landlords can, do and will always steer certain types of ppl regardless of income, housing history. If they'd rather not rent to certain types, they simply won't (my dad was a landlord for years and he did it, lol).
I've long known the groups that live there---it's predominately Latin/S. American, Indian, Bangladeshi, etc. I've been through there many times, hence my actual question....why NO black ppl? Not even a smidgeon? Seems really odd.
Some landlords can, do and will always steer certain types of ppl regardless of income, housing history. If they'd rather not rent to certain types, they simply won't (my dad was a landlord for years and he did it, lol).
In the area, there are black Caribbean residents, and AAs. They are more in East Elmhurst, and Corona to an extent. North of Northern Blvd., and even more north of Astoria Blvd. all the way to Laguardia Airport. Specifically east of Junction Blvd/94th streets. On Northern Blvd and 101 street ,home of the oldest Baptist(?) church and the Langston Hughes Public Library (first AA history library) are located. Malcolm X last residence was not too far from here, as well as many others. There is also Blank Panther history in this area.
Another location would be Junction Blvd/94th street over by 57th avenue, Lefrak City. A couple of blocks from Queens Center Mall. At one point, Lefrak was 90 percent AA
The immediate area, Jackson Heights, which is 82nd street and 74th street near Roosevelt Avenue, has a big mix of Hispanic , Asian, Middle eastern residents, and others. The neighborhood is very popular with the LGBT community as well. Speaking Spanish in the area does help you blend in. Presenting yourself as clean cut and with a stable job does go a long way.
Are you looking to rent in a private home or apartment building? planning to buy?
If it's a management company then you don't have to worry about racism. I wouldn't say it's racism more so than if you can speak Spanish or not for the private owners to be able to communicate. I would say stick with a management company. Some of the private owners arbitrarily can change rent prices mid-year depending on their personal financial situation.
Thank you. Your answers help and are what i was more so looking for. I am looking to rent from a building (even if its a co-op) with the possibility of purchasing in the future. I'm currently renting a 1BR co-op in Jamaica with the option, eligibilty (and pressure, lol) to purchase, but i'm really not interested--not here at least.
I think i just might bite the bullet and go the broker route and/or deal with a mgt company. Alternatively, i'm also considering Woodside and Elmhurst (Corona, not so much).
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