Jackson Heights Life

Hi there,
I've been an NYC resident for a little less than a year now though I my family lived here when they first moved to America, so I have some familiarity with the Queens area and Jackson Heights since we used to go there all the time for shopping for South Asian groceries. However, I've been living on my own now as a professional in my twenties and decided to first move to Astoria since I've heard many people my age choosing to live there. I see the appeal of Astoria, but I've been considering different neighborhoods since Astoria feels expensive, the quality of apartments don't feel that great, the fewer transportation options and the whole hipster feeling not really being my thing lol. I've seen some apartments in Jackson Heights along the 82nd street stop. I'm wondering if anybody lives around that area and how they like it in terms of walkability, transportation, etc. I don't have a car, so I want to be able to be in an area convenient to grocery stores, fine to walk around and easy to commute. Would love to hear thoughts!

Hi there, you cannot really compare Astoria to Jackson Heights. I lived in Astoria about 30 years ago, than moved to Jackson Heights and never looked back. The housing stock is better here, larger apartments, and while your looking, check out some with private gardens. I think 34th Ave. and 35th  Ave. are lovely blocks to be walking along in the spring and summer. Jackson Heights shopping is also better, and much more convenient, not to mention the diversity and lower prices for food than Astoria. Subways are definitely better, with a good bus system as well. For now at least. Of course every neighborhood has its downside. 82nd St. tends  to be noisy with the buses and ambulances. But, if you get an apartment in the back facing a private garden it probably will not affect you. It may be less expensive if you walked a few blocks away from 82nd St. It will also be greener, and quieter. But I much prefer Jackson Heights to Astoria.

We moved to JH four years ago. I am married and middle-aged, but if I were younger and single I would not move to JH. The Pros of the neighborhood are beautiful and (relatively) affordable apartments, good transit access, it's safe, and we enjoy the diversity in ethnicities and cultures. The Cons are there are few casual "American" restaurants or bars, it's not all that fast to get to Manhattan, and Roosevelt Avenue is pretty sketchy at night.

If you do choose to move here, live as close as possible to the 74th St/Roosevelt Avenue transit hub. We live near 82nd / 7 train line and it adds 10-20 min to our daily commute.

I lived in Astoria for 17 years before moving to Jackson Heights 10 years ago.  The historic district of Jackson Heights is far more beautiful than Astoria, particularly in the spring, summer and fall months and it seems to me the housing stock here is nicer.  The contrary is true outside of the historic district.  I believe there is far more home ownership in JH compared to more of a renter's market in Astoria.  Though JH is a little further out, we've got express trains which makes travel to Manhattan about the same.  Plus, there are more subway lines to choose from should one be out due to maintenance.  Plenty of grocery stores within walking distance in JH although it is my opionion they all could use an upgrade.  Still, Frosted Flakes is Frosted Flakes wherever you buy it.  The Greenmarket on Sundays is definitely an added bonus here in JH.  On the downside, JH definitely does not have the hip and lively restaurant scene Astoria has.  30th Avenue in Astoria is lively well into the night whereas JH seems to close up shop relatively early.  JH is definitely very walkable.  I guess I've pretty much reiterated what others have said.  Hope we're being helpful.  (This website is also a great resource for those living in JH.  I don't believe Astoria has anything like it.  Not that I know of anyway.)

The question is from someone in his/her 20's. Not a senior. He/she will need to go to Brooklyn/Manhattan/Astoria pretty often. That's only really do-able conveniently when you're near that express stop.

But actually, what's great about the JH express stop  is that all those three locations are very reachable from it.

And for instance everyone knows that to get from Brooklyn to Astoria is nigh on impossible.

The beautiful parks?  Where?  Astoria Park is nice, but it's actually pretty far from the Steinway/30th Avenue location I generally think of as Astoria.  I guess the Astoria boundaries must extend further to the water, but that certainly is not the hipster area.  Nor is it walkable to grocery stores.....or anything for that matter. 

That's right, Ditmars area is hip and closer to Astoria Park.  Is the renovation complete?  I ride my bike over that way in the summertime and the "track section" that was being renovated was still not open.  Do not recall any other work going on there.  The pool always looks nice, but the diving area that was supposed to be turned into a music venue never seemed to have happened.  As far as Socrates Park is concerned, I believe I may be in the miniority, but it looks like a big waste of space to me.  I don't find it attractive at all and the installations are rarely appealing. 

but we haven't even had winter!