There’s a reason why people call New York City the greatest city in the world. As the geographically largest borough, Queens has stunning waterfront views, easy access to both Manhattan and the Bronx, and tons of diverse cultural experiences. As a bonus, residents enjoy easy access to LaGuardia Airport and JFK International Airport, making passage to domestic and international travel unlike any other city. While living space might be limited here, Queens storage units make it easier to keep beloved items near without cramping your space at home.
City of Queens
Over 2.2 million people call Queens home. If it were its own city, it would be the fourth largest city in the entire United States. Known as “The Bridge” by locals for its link to Manhattan, Queens truly is a bridge that unites many cultures and languages. It’s one of the most diverse counties in the United States, and if you’re walking the streets of Queens, you’ll hear any of the languages spoken on Earth.
Public transportation is one of the big selling points of living in New York City, a feature that stretches to the Queens borough. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority operates here, running dozens of bus routes every single day. Buses run to both airports, letting those who travel by plane skip the parking fees at the airport. You can also use a Revel moped to get around. These electric motor scooters are easy to rent, and you can return your scooter to any Revel station in the city.
Like other New York City boroughs, Queens is very walkable. Some of the most walkable neighborhoods in the borough include Ridgewood and Elmhurst, so consider those areas if you are planning life without a car.
Real Estate in Queens
If you’re moving to Queens from a small town or suburb, the cost of living in Queens might make take you back. However, with wages considerably higher than non-city regions, many people feel that it balances out. The average home value in Queens is over $630,000. However, there are homes within the $122,000 to $630,000 range as well. Over 40 percent of Queens residents own their homes. There are single-family homes on the market in Queens, but the market is largely dominated by condos, townhomes, and other multi-family unit buildings. For that reason, it’s important to consider HOA fees when looking for a home to purchase. Passing on amenities like pools, lawn care, snow removal, and door service may help you find a more affordable apartment.
Renting is another option to look into when you are moving to Queens. The average monthly rent is almost $2,600 and the average apartment size is 714 square feet. Space can obviously be an issue in Queens, so you should look into self-storage units in your neighborhood. This area has seen substantial growth in recent years and rentals tend to go quickly, which is something to keep in mind as you look for a place to live.
Queens Communities
There are dozens of neighborhoods in the Queens borough, divided into geographic regions. Each neighborhood has its own rich culture and reasons that people love it, so we highly recommend you visit different neighborhoods in your budget to figure out which one feels like home before you start moving to Queens. Try looking into these popular neighborhoods to start when looking for the best neighborhoods in Queens:
Long Island City
Long Island City is actually a group of neighborhoods, but it’s such a robust community that most Queens neighborhood lists include it. Housing prices in this area are higher than average due to high demand, with an average asking price of $769,000. Long Island City is known for its stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and quick access to the East River. There’s a lot to do in this area, from local coffee shops and small breweries to shopping areas with high-end brands. The community is also dotted with art galleries and museums that heighten the cultural experience here. You’ll primarily find young professionals and new families in this area. Parking tends to be limited in Long Island City, so you might want to explore storage facilities with parking options.
Glendale
Found in west-central Queens, near the community of Ridgewood, Glendale is a quaint, welcoming community that appeals to both growing families and commuting professionals. It has plenty of shopping opportunities, beautiful outdoor spaces and parks, and family-friendly attractions on every corner. Residents report a small-town feel, and many neighborhoods within Glendale have their own block parties and traditions. Dining tends to be focused on chain restaurants, although more and more locally owned eateries have popped up in recent years.
Woodside
Tucked into western Queens, Woodside is the ideal place for residents who want peace and quiet without giving up easy access to busier parts of the city. Home prices are still relatively low in this area, but they have started creeping up recently as more people begin moving to Queens and discovering this nook of the borough. Woodside has a vintage New York feel with diverse dining options, a strong public transportation network, and a mix of single-family homes and multi-family homes.
Ozone Park
If you want to live in a bustling community that has enjoyed a total overhaul in the last decade, Ozone Park is the place to be. Increased retail activity has sparked new interest in the neighborhood, and housing prices are substantially lower than average when compared to other Queens neighborhoods. A healthy mix of single-family and duplex homes make up the multiple housing neighborhoods in this area, allowing you to choose from a wide variety of home styles. Schools in this area are highly rated, which has drawn lots of attention from young families.
Things to Do in Queens
You won’t have much trouble finding things to do living in Queens, but you may have a hard time figuring out how to fit everything into your schedule. Everyone is drawn to the eye-catching sights of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the location of previous World Fairs and home to a massive empty globe statute that dominates the park. Visitors enjoy freshwater fishing, ice skating, a carousel, and tons of bicycle paths.
The Gantry Plaza State Park is another must-see outdoor attraction. You can sit on the banks of the East River and enjoy views of Manhattan or walk around the park to dig into the rich history of the region. Come during the day to enjoy sunny New York City or visit at night for the unparalleled view of the Manhattan night skyline.
If you want to go off the beaten path after moving to Queens, plan a trip to Fort Totten. This tucked-away treasure is an abandoned Civil War fort. You might also want to visit the Surreal Elevator, a bizarre experience that lets you truly experience New York City’s artistry firsthand.
Chinatown should be high on your list of places to visit once you have finished moving to Queens. Children love trying sticky buns and shopping at the quirky shops that line the streets, and you’ll love finding your favorite bao cart or dumpling shop. Don’t forget to make time for the Children’s Carnival in the spring.
Another fun place for kids to explore is the New York Hall of Science. Over 450 STEM exhibits let kids explore science hands-on, and the museum even has a mini golf course to round out your day.
Schedule a trip to Astoria after you’re done moving to Queens. This neighborhood is most well-known for its top-rated restaurants and breweries, and some say the best Italian food in New York City is found in Astoria. Make a reservation if you don’t want to wait hours while soaking in the aroma of everyone else’s delicious food.
Is Queens a Good Place to Live?
With dozens of diverse neighborhoods, plenty of outdoor space, cultural attractions, and a massive variety of shopping and dining options, moving to Queens is an easy choice. While the cost of living may be high, many pockets of affordable housing throughout the borough allow you to enjoy good schools, strong communities, and a place to call home. For those with a large housing budget, the sky is the limit when it comes to Queen’s luxury housing developments.
Not only does moving to Queens allow you to enjoy everything this borough has to offer, its proximity to Manhattan and the Bronx triples your entertainment options. Whether you plan on driving and enjoying the view from the bridge or utilizing New York City’s strong public transportation system, it’s easy to plan a day trip to Manhattan or the Bronx and truly explore everything New York City has to offer.
Perhaps the only downside to calling Queens home is the small housing sizes. While there are large homes in the area, many people have to give up storage space to fit their budget. Queens self-storage units are the obvious solution to this issue. With many facilities offering flexible 16-hour access periods, you can get what you need from a CubeSmart storage facility. Whether you need a locker or a massive storage unit, there are storage solutions for every budget and need. We’re here to help you find your ideal unit as you plan for your big move to Queens. Give us a call or contact our customer service team online to make your reservation today.
