Nest Seekers International

Astoria

Astoria is a popular neighborhood in northwest Queens that has kept its longtime residents happy while attracting many new ones. It's convenient to Manhattan, urban but with space and greenery, and decent, but appreciating, real estate prices. Eating and cultural options have grown, earning it a reputation as a gem of Queens. Once known only as a hub of Greek life, Astoria is home to immigrants from around the world, and young people who have fled pricey Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Astoria Main Streets and Shopping: Astoria's main drags are 30th Avenue, Steinway, Ditmars, and Broadway. 30th Avenue and Ditmars are more Greek and Cypriot areas. Broadway has more Latin American flavor. Steinway, just south of Astoria Blvd is a Little Egypt with lots of Middle Eastern cafes, markets, and shops. Steinway is the main shopping street.

It's amazing how quickly the southern reaches of the neighborhood have changed since the late 1990s. Once barren, industrial streets are now home to restaurants and cafes.

Astoria Boundaries: There's no doubt that Astoria's western border is the East River, but go inland and all bets are off. Real estate brokers like to draw the southern border just north of Queens Plaza, though the Post Office marks it along Broadway and 31st Avenue. North/northeast is the Con Ed plant and the East River again. North of 24th Avenue and west of Steinway Street is known as Ditmars. Or go east and it's Steinway, another subneighborhood. The eastern border with Woodside is 50th Street.

Green Spaces, Landmarks, and Museums: Astoria Park (19th St between Ditmars and Hoyt) is on the East River with superb Manhattan views and a great huge pool. ARROW Park (35-38 35th St) is a community garden. Athens Square Park (30th Ave and 30th St) is a hot spot.

Astoria Transportation: Astoria is a 20-minute commute on the N or W subways to midtown Manhattan. The subway runs above ground along 31st Street.

Buses 18, 19, 19A, 101, 102, 103, and 104 criss-cross Astoria.

The Grand Central Parkway cuts through Astoria on its way to the Triborough Bridge.