Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York City and is home to some of the safest neighborhoods in NYC.
As a bustling metropolis, Queens boasts diverse communities, rich cultural experiences, and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
However, safety is always a top priority for residents and visitors alike. Fortunately, several neighborhoods in Queens offer high safety and peaceful surroundings. Here are some of the safest neighborhoods in Queens and what makes them ideal places to live, work, and play.
Safest Neighborhoods To Live In Queens
Here are the top eight safest neighborhoods in Queens that you can call home, each boasting its unique characteristics and charm.
Forest Hills
Forest Hills is a charming neighborhood in Queens with a population of around 6,500. The area is known for its beautiful hills, hiking trails, and lush greenery. The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was first established as a residential area. Forest Hills is a safe and desirable place to live, with a low crime rate of only 48 incidents per 100,000 people.
The area is also home to excellent schools, including Forest Hills School District, which is highly rated for its academic excellence. Many dining options are available in Forest Hills, ranging from old-school Italian to ramen and Middle Eastern fare. The neighborhood also boasts several parks, making it an ideal place for families to enjoy outdoor activities.
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Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens is a neighborhood located in Queens, New York City. The neighborhood has a rich history and is home to a diverse population. Kew Gardens is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and abundance of amenities. The area is safe and offers a dense urban feel, making it attractive for families and young professionals.
The neighborhood is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and parks, including the famous Forest Park. Kew Gardens is a central area of Queens, making accessing other parts of the city easy. The neighborhood comprises a mix of single-family homes and apartment buildings, making it a great place for those looking for affordability and variety.
Sunnyside
Sunnyside is a neighborhood in the western portion of New York City, with a population of 39,364. The area is known for its small-town feel with big-city accessibility, making it an ideal place to live. The neighborhood has a rich history and is home to several schools with an excellent reputation.
Crime rates in Sunnyside are low and controlled to a minimum, making it a safe place to live. The area is also affordable for renters and home buyers, making it an attractive option for those looking to move to New York City. The neighborhood has several restaurants and parks, including Sunnyside Gardens Park, a popular local spot.
Long Island City
Long Island City, located in Queens, New York, is a safe and desirable neighborhood due to its rich history, excellent schools, low crime rates, diverse population, and abundance of restaurants and parks. The neighborhood boasts gleaming high-rises with sweeping views of Manhattan, innovative art galleries, and performance spaces. Long Island City has a below-average violent crime rate and a low property crime rate, making it a safe place to live. The area is home to pockets of trendy bars and restaurants and hosts seasonal dance parties. Additionally, the neighborhood has a quiet riverfront park, providing a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
Astoria
Astoria is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in Queens, New York City. Its rich history includes many landmarks and historical sites, including the Steinway Mansion and the Hell Gate Bridge. The neighborhood is home to a diverse population of over 118,000 people, including a large Greek community, which has contributed to the area’s unique character and culture.
Astoria is also known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and numerous parks and recreational areas, such as Astoria Park and Socrates Sculpture Park. The neighborhood is easily accessible by subway and is only a short distance from Manhattan. With a variety of restaurants, shops, and cultural institutions, Astoria is an excellent place to live for those seeking a safe and vibrant community with a rich history and culture.
Laurelton
Laurelton is a middle-class neighborhood. It was once part of the town of Jamaica and had a population of around 35,000. The neighborhood is known for its brick homes and manicured lawns. Laurelton is a safe and good neighborhood with a very low crime rate. It is a great place to live, with excellent schools, restaurants, and parks.
The neighborhood has a rich history and is home to many cultural landmarks. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include the Laurelton Diner and the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery. The parks in the area are well-maintained and offer plenty of recreational opportunities for residents.
Auburndale
Auburndale is a neighborhood located in Queens, New York City. It is an upper-middle-class neighborhood that is situated between Bayside and Murray Hill. The neighborhood has a population of 22,710 residents, comprising both single-family homes and apartment buildings.
The community is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and beautiful parks. The crime rates in Auburndale are 55% lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. The neighborhood is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments.
Fresh Meadows
Fresh Meadows is a residential neighborhood in northeastern Queens, New York City. It is known for its peaceful and safe environment, making it an ideal place to live. The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when the Dutch originally settled it. The area is home to several excellent schools, including St. Francis Preparatory School, one of the largest Catholic high schools in the United States.
The crime rate in Fresh Meadows is relatively low, making it a safe place to live. The population is diverse, with a mix of families and young professionals. Plenty of restaurants, banks, and supermarkets are in the area, making it convenient for residents. Additionally, Fresh Meadows is bordered to the east by Cunningham Park, a beautiful park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.
Rego Park
Rego Park is a peaceful and safe neighborhood located in Queens, New York. With a low crime rate and a strong community atmosphere, it offers a welcoming and secure environment for its residents.
The area is well-served by public transportation, making it easy to commute to other parts of the city.
Additionally, Rego Park has a wide range of amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shopping centers, making it a great place to call home for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.
Conclusion
Queens offers a variety of safe and secure neighborhoods for residents to call home. From Kew Gardens’ charming suburban feel to Long Island City’s bustling energy, there is something for everyone.
Queens has it all, whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting urban experience. So if you are considering moving to this vibrant borough, explore these neighborhoods and find the one that best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
With its low crime rate and friendly atmosphere, it is no wonder why Queens is a top choice for many New Yorkers.
