Queens became an official borough in 1898 during NYC’s consolidation. It combined several towns, including Flushing, Newtown, and Long Island City.
It’s one of the largest communities in the United States today. If the individual boroughs of NYC were counted as separate cities, Queens would rank behind Los Angeles, Chicago, and Brooklyn. About half of the community was born in a different country.
These fun facts about Queen’s help make up its vibrancy and distinctive personality. If you’re thinking about moving here soon, here are more tidbits to consider.
Fun Facts About Queens That Might Blow Your Mind
1. Queens isn’t the concrete jungle that many people envision if they’ve never been to NYC. You can get off the grid in several ways, with one of the best options being the Queens Botanical Garden. It provides about 40 acres of green space to explore. There’s also the Voelker Orth Museum, which is a single-family home with a stunning Victorian-era garden to wander through at your leisure.
2. It’s all about the Mets when you visit Queens. Citi Field has been this baseball team’s home since 2009. The field offers a significant memorabilia collection to explore, but people go there to get the food. So don’t forget about asking for the catch of the day if you’re enjoying a game.
3. The arts scene in Queens is incredible. It easily competes with the other boroughs, delivering contemporary and traditional exhibits at several locations. The PS1 Contemporary Art Center is a branch of MoMA, while the architecture and sculpture at Noguchi Museum are always fun to tour.
4. There’s more than one beach to find in Queens, although Rockaway tends to get all the love. That’s because lifeguards are typically stationed there. You’ll find fewer people venturing out to Breezy Point Tip since there aren’t the same swimming protections. While there, don’t forget to explore the unique charm that Jamaica Bay delivers.
5. Although Queens is one of the most densely populated areas of the United States. The community still finds time to deliver a farmer’s market experience. More than a dozen operate throughout the borough with varying hours, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce without getting charged an arm and a leg for it. The Jackson Heights and Forrest Hills options are two of the most popular since they’re open year-round on Sundays.
6. If you want to get a great view, the best spot in Queens is Long Island City. Several top-rated restaurants are there to enjoy, along with several performance venues and a growing arts scene. In addition, many people make their way to Gantry Plaza to take in an uninterrupted view of the Manhattan skyline.
7. Independent film is celebrated in Queens. Each year, a six-day event brings local and international producers, directors, and filmmakers to the community. In addition, you’ll find summer block parties, lots of movie nights, and many more fun events during the World Film Festival.
8. The only hands-on science center in New York City is in Queens. It provides more than 450 interactive exhibits and workshops, including a 60,000-square-foot playground based on science. One of the best events is the drive-in movie theater made from old junk cars.
9. Coffee shop hangouts might be a growing trend in Queens, but you’ll never get away from the temptations found at Martha’s Country Bakery. It gets crowded on the weekends and evenings, but the food is always worth waiting for. If you haven’t had their sour cream apple pie yet, it’s almost worth moving to the borough to make sure you get some each week.
10. The Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden is an excellent option for those who don’t like the idea of a bar, pub, or indoor drinking. With live entertainment and plenty of trees for shade, there’s a comfortable spot waiting for your arrival. It gets lively during Oktoberfest and St. Patrick’s Day, but that’s the point! You’ll find the atmosphere to be warm, friendly, and without the stuffiness found at similar businesses.
11. You can find some incredible Greek restaurants and specialty markets in Astoria. Whether it’s a gyro you want or a grilled octopus, you’ll discover the culinary delights are always worth the investment.
Queens is a magical place that continues to explore its diversity each day. Your creativity gets woven into its tapestry when you become part of this community. If you need any help getting here, our team is standing by to assist!
