What stands out about life in Queens is the diversity that you can find here. About half of the people living in the borough are immigrants, so the various neighborhoods all reflect a different part of the world. Each area offers something unique to enjoy.

If you are moving into the area, then these are some of the best Queens neighborhoods to consider calling home.

1. Jamaica Estates

This affluent neighborhood has large yards and Tudor-style homes. It is a fantastic place for professionals and families, but the houses come at a steep price. You’re going to be close to amenities and Midtown entertainment, while the F line lets you hop into Manhattan with ease.

2. Kew Gardens

You will find this neighborhood in the center of Queens. It offers tree-lined streets and some green spaces while keeping single-family homes affordable. You’ll need to travel a little more for entertainment options, but the E and F lines come through the area. You can also access the Van Wyck Parkway to get to where you need to go.

3. Forest Hills

This neighborhood is a little higher in cost for middle-class families, but it also offers various options. There is a wide range of housing styles that make it possible for almost everyone to find a great home. If you make your way over to Austin Street, you’ll find several boutiques, restaurants, and nightclubs to enjoy.

4. Astoria

Choose this Queens neighborhood if you need an affordable place to live while commuting into Manhattan. Parking is limited, so you’ll find more condominiums and co-ops here than single-family homes. You’ll discover lively nightlife here, and there are some beautiful parks to enjoy.

5. Long Island City

There are plenty of galleries and restaurants to enjoy in this neighborhood. You can also be in Midtown in just five minutes by hopping onto the subway. You’ll find historic residential buildings here, so the spaces are a little smaller. That also means you can discover brownstones, apartments, and single-family homes ready for your move.

6. The Rockaways

If you love the water, then this is one of the best neighborhoods in Queens to consider. Hurricane Sandy walloped it, but a full recovery occurred. You’re going to be within walking distance from the only legal surfing beach in the city. It is a tight-knit, working-class community where people are looking out for each other.

7. Glendale

This neighborhood is another working-class area where you can find several affordable housing options. The L and M lines stop here, so commuting is relatively simple. The Atlas Park Mall will help you engage in some retail therapy, and the tree-lined streets automatically feel like home when you see them.

8. Bayside

Families come to this Queens neighborhood because it offers lower property tax requirements and affordable detached homes. Some of the borough’s best public schools are also here. Bell Boulevard is the heartbeat of this community, with several generational businesses serving the area. There is even a marina and boat slip at Little Neck Bay.

9. Bellerose

This neighborhood is far enough from the borough’s bustle that it doesn’t have a connection to the subway. It is the place to be if you want to settle down or raise a family in the classic suburb experience. There is plenty of space to enjoy, with most homes having private backyards. A vehicle is necessary for your daily errands, but getting to the parks and shopping centers is relatively simple.

10. Sunnyside

If you want to live somewhere close to Manhattan, this neighborhood in Queens will help you feel like you’re at home. It overlooks the East River, offering several private community gardens to enjoy with your neighbors

11. Ridgewood

The median home values in this neighborhood are a little higher than they are in some of the other parts of the borough, but the local economy also stays reasonably consistent. Most homes in this community were built within the past decade. You’ll also discover there are some deep roots in the area. Immigrants from Romania, Poland, and Germany started coming here in the 19th century.

The best neighborhoods in Queens can help you to find the perfect home. If you are moving to the borough soon, consider each one’s strengths carefully so that you can find the perfect place to live.