Queens is NYC’s largest borough by land mass, with several of its neighborhoods offering the perfect balance of metropolitan convenience and suburban feel. Among the most exemplary in this regard is Astoria, situated just across the water from the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
An Astoria resident since 1991, Brown Harris Stevens Agent Roderick Angle is an expert on Astoria and its offerings, touting its tree-lined streets, superb food, and diverse population.
“The energy here in Astoria is creative, diverse and multi-ethnic. It has an artistic edge without feeling too hipster-like. This is a growing neighborhood but it's not transient. There are new people coming in but still many people that have been here for generations.” – Roderick Angle
Read on for Angle’s overview of the neighborhood and the primary advantages he shares with clients considering moving to Astoria.
Dining
“Whether you want to dine out, order in or cook for yourself at home, you will have access a diverse and incredible selection of food choices. One thing I love about the Astoria restaurant scene is that it’s not as hectic as Manhattan's. There are incredible choices, but you can still go to any great restaurant around here and get a table within 15 minutes, even on a Saturday night.” — Roderick Angle
In exploring the Astoria dining scene, you will find everything from Thai and Vietnamese to Indian, and Middle Eastern. King of Falafel & Schwarma, for instance, is lauded as having the best falafel in the entirety of New York City. There is also a large Greek presence in the neighborhood, giving way to several restaurants and diners offering new and classic takes on the cuisine, like the top-rated Taverna Clycades.
For take-home Italian—and particularly tomato sauce—Angle recommends Rosario’s. There is also Compton's, which has “amazing sandwiches, great music, and Sicilian rice balls that are just to die for.”
Real Estate
Most of Astoria is zoned for medium to low-rise residential buildings, meaning many of its tranquil, tree-lined streets are lined with pre-war, post-war, single-, and multi-family townhomes.
“A townhome purchase conveys ownership of both the building and the land it is built on. This can be a simpler purchase process than that of condos or co-ops, which require board approval. Many who buy two- or multi-family homes are owners/investors who rent additional units to generate passive incomes." — Roderick Angle
Angle explained that these homes make excellent and even lucrative investments because of the neighborhood’s rental value and popularity.
Convenience
“Transportation in Astoria is plentiful and accessible. The N and W trains run straight throughout the neighborhood and can get you to Midtown Manhattan in around 20 minutes.” — Roderick Angle
The F, M, and R trains also offer ease of accessibility to Astoria. There are several bus routes throughout the neighborhood, and LaGuardia Airport is merely a 13-minute drive away.
Recreation
Providing a stark contrast from many neighborhoods in Manhattan and Brooklyn, many of the homes throughout Astoria offer yards and driveways, and there are plenty of parks and green spaces available, such as Astoria Park and Shivley Park.
“Astoria Park is a 65-acre park set right along the water overlooking the East River. It’s a great place to go for all kinds of activities year-round. In addition to having the largest public pool in New York City, the park has a running track, a soccer field, 14 tennis courts, as well as basketball, bocce, a skate park and playground. They run seasonal festivals in the park and it's a great place for a picnic whether you want to host a large gathering or find a quiet secluded spot to enjoy some privacy. — Roderick Angle