Astoria - Queens Neighborhood Profile

Astoria is a popular neighborhood in northwest Queens whose profile has risen sharply in the last few years. It's convenient to Manhattan, it's urban but with space and greenery, and it has plenty of rental options. Dining and cultural options have grown, moving beyond ethnic eateries. Once known only as a hub of Greek life, Astoria is home to immigrants from around the world, and young people who have fled pricier Manhattan and Brooklyn.

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. The last exit is at 31st Street.

The beautiful Hell Gate Bridge cuts above Astoria carrying freight and Amtrak trains.

LaGuardia Airport is a hop, skip, and jump via the Grand Central.

Astoria Real Estate and Apartments

• Apt: studio, $800+; 1-br, $1050-$1600; 2-br, $1300-$2200; 3-br, $1800+
• Co-ops, $300k+
• Condos, $350k-$500k
• 2-Family Houses, $750k-$1.3mil
• 1-Family Houses, $550k-$800k

Astoria Main Streets and Shopping:

Astoria's main drags are 30th Avenue, Steinway, Ditmars, and Broadway. Ditmars and 30th Avenue are Greek and Cypriot areas. Broadway has more Latin American flavor, and is the crossroads of Astoria hipster life. Steinway just south of Astoria Boulevard 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.