The richest neighborhoods in Queens are among the best places to live in New York City. The borough has a unique blend of beautiful houses, upscale apartments, and high-rise condominiums. Because of the natural and architectural beauty of Queens, it has attracted wealthy residents from all over the world, further contributing to the place’s growing economy.
In this post, you’ll find the 9 richest neighborhoods in Queens and learn more about the beautiful city of New York!
Please note that this list is accurate at the time it was written. Data may change over time as the neighborhood’s value increases and decreases. With that said, let’s go to our list.
9. Little Neck
Year founded: the mid-19th to early 20th century
Population: 11,375 (as of 2020)
Land area: 1.7 sq miles (4.4 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock
Little Neck is located in the northeastern part of Queens. Its neighboring communities include the Bayside, Douglaston, and Great Neck.
Most residences in Little Neck include single-family homes with colonial styles. However, there are also some townhouses and apartments around the area.
The streets of Little Neck are peaceful and quiet. Its people come from diverse and mixed ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Despite this diversity, Little Neck’s neighborhood has a strong sense of community.
Did you know?
The term littleneck clams originated in Little Neck. In the past, clam fishing was the main source of living in the place. Many of the restaurants in the place serve fresh clams to its tourists and local residents.
8. Forest Hills Gardens
Year founded: between 1909 and 1917
Population: 5,000 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.22 sq miles (0.57 sq km)
Image Editorial credit: Ivan C / Shutterstock.com
In 1909, the Russell Sage Foundation started to build Forest Hills Gardens. The majority of the development would continue to happen up to 1917. The founders of this neighborhood aimed to create a model community for working-class families.
True to its purpose, the Forest Hills Gardens has become a peaceful haven for residents who want a laid-back and relaxed lifestyle outside the hustle and bustle of the big city.
One of the most popular parks in the area is Forest Park, which has a land area of 500 acres. The park has sports fields, a golf course, and biking and hiking trails.
Did you know?
Many of the streets of Forest Hills Garden were changed into numerical names. As a result, many of the historical places of the area were lost. For example, 72nd Avenue was formerly known as Roman Avenue.
7. Astoria Heights
Year founded: 1940s to 1960s
Population: 78,793 (as of 2010)
Land area: 0.60 sq miles (1.5 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
Astoria is one of the most in-demand residences in Queens today. It has many single- and multi-family homes and apartments as a residential area. The homes are primarily made of bricks and stucco.
The neighborhood brings peace and serenity to its residents. Thus, it attracts many families wanting to raise their children in a quiet, laid-back suburban community. There are also playgrounds, shops, and other amenities that everyone will love.
Did you know?
Astoria was originally known as Hallet’s Cove. The place was named after its landowner, William Hallet, who lived in Astoria in 1659 with his wife, Elizabeth Fones.
6. Belle Harbor
Year founded: 1900s
Population: 7,566 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.50 sq miles (1.3 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
The charming Belle Harbor is home to many middle-class and upper-class residents. It is located in the southern part of Queens borough, on the western end of the Rockaway peninsula. The Belle Harbor’s borders also include the Atlantic Ocean and Jamaica Bay.
Belle Harbor has some old beautiful houses built in the 19th and 20th centuries. The houses varied in styles, which include Victoria, Colonial, and contemporary designs.
Because of its location, Belle Harbor is a popular destination for people who love fishing, swimming, and surfing.
Did you know?
One of the worst commercial airline crashes happened in Belle Harbor. The American Airlines flight 587 crashed into this peaceful neighborhood on November 12, 2001, killing all its 260 passengers.
5. Whitestone
Year founded: 1898 (year annexed to New York City)
Population: 29,936 (as of 2020)
Land area: 1.50 sq miles (3.90 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
The Whitestone neighborhood is located in the northern part of Queens. It has different classical and modern houses and apartments, made even more beautiful by its open space, lush lawns, and tree-lined streets.
The neighborhood has impressive parks like Powell’s Cove Park and Francis Lewis Park. There are also shops, restaurants, and boutiques along the busy Cross Island Parkway, considered the commercial hub of Whitestone.
Did you know?
The Whitestone Bridge was built in just 23 months, completed six months earlier. At that time, the bridge looked aesthetically amazing. However, the design was later seen to be unsafe. Thus, additional safety features were added later.
4. Bayside
Year founded: 1869 (year incorporated)
Population: 49,143 (as of 2010)
Land area: 7.40 sq miles (19.20 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
The Bayside neighborhood has beautiful homes featuring classic Colonials and modern architectural designs. The proximity to the waterfront gives residents a place to relax and do water activities. There are also fun and peaceful parks and open spaces. Be sure to visit Alley Pond Park and Crocheron Park, which includes playgrounds, sports fields, and hiking trails.
There’s also a bustling commercial district on Bell Boulevard. Plus, Bayside boasts of its incredible art galleries and arts venues. There are also yearly events, including Totten Trot 5K, arts and crafts festivals, and concerts.
Did you know?
Bayside has been the residence of many famous celebrities and personalities. These include Gloria Swanson, Charlie Chaplin, James Corbett, Norma Talmadge, Stephen Jay Gould, Christopher Walken, and Rosie O’Donnell, to name a few.
3. Douglaston
Year founded: the 19th century
Population: 18,176 (as of 2020)
Land area: 1.40 sq miles (3.63 sq km)
Image source: wikipedia.org
Douglaston is among the richest neighborhoods in Queens, found in the northeastern part of the borough. It has residential and commercial districts, allowing its residents to access essential shops while staying in their lovely homes quickly.
The houses of Douglaston include homes, apartments, and condominiums. Its people are also awesome since they actively preserve the historic character of their neighborhood. You’ll also find annual events such as the street fair and summer concert series celebrated there.
Did you know?
Douglaston is composed of six neighborhoods. These include Douglaston, Winchester Estates, Douglaston Park, Douglaston Hill, Douglas Bay, and Douglas Manor. Among these neighborhoods, Douglaston Hill is the oldest.
2. Beechhurst
Year founded: 1910
Population: 7,000 (as of 2021)
Land area: 1.40 sq miles (3.63 sq km)
Image source: Shutterstock.com
Beechhurst is a coastal neighborhood that gives its residents peace and an affluent lifestyle. Because of its location, residents enjoy the beautiful view of the East River and Throgs Neck Bridge. It’s even close to the Long Island Sound.
The neighborhood looks scenic and beautiful with its tree-lined streets and well-maintained lawns. Houses have a classic colonial look, while others have modern and contemporary designs.
Beechhurst has a lot to offer. They have hiking trails, boat launches, playgrounds, restaurants, shops, and other lovely amenities.
Did you know?
The Beechhurst neighborhood is known for the unusually high rate of people living in it with Greek and Dominican ancestry. According to statistics, about 15.5% of its residents have Greek ancestry, while 7.9% have Dominican ancestry.
1. Malba
Year founded: 1898 (incorporated)
Population: 1,610 (as of 2020)
Land area: 0.46 sq miles (1.20 sq km)
Image source: Curbed
Malba is the richest neighborhood in Queens, New York. There are many reasons why this is so. For one, Malba is strategically located in the northeastern part of Queens. Its borders include the Whitestone Expressway, East River, and Bay Terrace. Since it is situated on the East River waterfront, residents enjoy the serene and picturesque view of the river and the Throgs Neck Bridge.
When it comes to houses, Malba has a range of single-family homes, villas, townhouses, and condominiums. The architectural designs of these residences may range from Tudor to modern styles. The streets are lined with shady trees, giving its residents a peaceful and serene ambiance.
Did you know?
The name Malba came from the first letters of the founders’ surname of the Malba Land Company. They are Maycock, Alling, Lewis, Bishop, and Avis.
