BOROUGH GUIDE

Living in Queens

Global, spacious, and connected in surprising ways.

Reviewed September 26, 2026 · Local decisions require property-specific research

Queens combines major transit hubs, diverse commercial districts, attached homes, prewar apartments, and new development across a very large borough.

Housing in Queens

Queens includes attached and detached houses, garden apartments, prewar co-ops, rental buildings, and new high-rise development. Inventory and price patterns vary widely by submarket.

Getting around

Western Queens can offer short Manhattan trips, while eastern neighborhoods may rely on express buses, the LIRR, or driving. Airport and highway access can be an advantage or a noise consideration.

Start with these neighborhoods

AstoriaLong Island CitySunnysideJackson HeightsForest Hills

These are starting points, not rankings. Compare individual blocks, buildings, costs, and trips against your own requirements.

Tradeoffs to test

  • Transit proximity versus additional space
  • New development amenities versus established-building costs
  • Airport and highway access versus noise exposure

What to compare

  • Transit access differs substantially east to west.
  • Compare airport noise and highway access where relevant.
  • Housing value can change within a few blocks of a station.

Compare nearby options

How to explore Queens

Shortlist a few areas from real commute and housing requirements, then visit them at different times. Verify property-specific costs, rules, flood risk, transportation, and school information through authoritative sources.