Corona, Queens, NY
About Corona, Queens
Corona is a residential neighborhood in Central Queens. It’s roughly bounded by New York State Route 25A to the north, the Long Island Expressway to the south, Junction Boulevard to the West, and Grand Central Parkway to the East. It’s also bordered by East Elmhurst to the north, Forest Hills to the south, Jackson Heights to the West, and Corona-Flushing-Meadows Park to the East.
Corona is a multicultural neighborhood with plenty to offer residents. It’s a quiet, suburban area with plenty of great restaurants and attractions. It's home to a vibrant Latino community and some of the best Latin restaurants in NYC are in the neighborhood. Corona-Flushing-Meadows Park houses attractions like New York Hall of Sciences and the Queens Zoo. Corona is a secluded, middle-class neighborhood with a slow pace of life and plenty to do nearby.
History of Corona, Queens
Corona was initially a part of Flushing and known as West Flushing. In 1872, a real estate developer named Thomas Howard envisioned a vibrant new residential development that would be the “Crown of Queens County” – hence the name Corona. Throughout the years the neighborhood underwent many demographic shifts. In the 1940s and ’50s, it became a predominantly black neighborhood and housed legendary musicians, civil rights leaders, and athletes. It remained an African American and Italian enclave until the 1950’s when an influx of Dominican residents to the neighborhood took place. In the 1990s there was an even larger influx of Latin American residents from countries like Colombia and Equator. Today, Corona is a multicultural area of middle-class families.
Demographics of Corona, Queens
There are approximately 70,000 people who live in Corona. It’s primarily a Hispanic neighborhood and 69% of residents identify as such. However, there is a considerable population of Asian and black residents as well. Thirteen percent of residents identify as Asian and 12% of residents identify as African American. Communities represented in Corona include Dominican, Columbian, Ecuadorian, Salvadorian, Guatemalan, Bolivian, Peruvian, Mexican, Chilean, Chinese, Korean Indian and Italian residents. It’s a middle-class neighborhood. The household income is around $52,000 per year.
Transportation in Corona, Queens
There are several transportation options available to Corona residents. The 7 train of the NYC subway system makes stops at Mets-Willets Point, 111th Street, 103rd Street – Corona Plaza and Junction Boulevard. Plus, the Q19, Q23, Q33, Q48, Q49, Q58, Q66 and Q72 MTA buses all make stops in Corona. Plus, several major thoroughfares run through Corona, like Corona Avenue, Roosevelt Avenue, Northern Boulevard and Junction Boulevard.
Housing in Corona, Queens
Housing in Corona is a mixture of brick, multifamily apartment buildings and detached single-family homes. Most of the buildings are pre-war or mid-century, but there are also newer developments here and there. Corona offers residents spacious, affordable apartments that are perfect for middle- or working-class families. Many units have modern finishes and amenities like stainless steel appliances and washer/dryers. But you won’t find many luxury condos or expensive high rises. It’s great for those looking for an affordable home with a yard, or bare-bones unit for a price that’s unbeatable for NYC standards.
Neighborhood Life in Corona
Corona is a quaint, suburban neighborhood with a unique local flavor. The abundance of different ethnic identities in the area makes it the kind of cultural melting pot that can only be found in Queens. Residents are known to relax in Corona-Flushing-Meadows Park or enjoy a frozen treat at The Lemon Ice King of Corona on 108th Street. Corona Plaza is a smaller park that has public facilities like a basketball court. Overall, neighborhood life in Corona is similar to life in any suburban New York neighborhood. Residents tend to have private gatherings with friends and family at local community centers or frequent the various shopping malls nearby in Queens.
Similar Neighborhoods to Corona, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Corona
Corona is a very affordable neighborhood for NYC. The median home value is around $375,000. Prices have declined by about 38% in the past few months. This is due to there being a major outbreak of COVID-19 in the area during the height of the pandemic. Now that case numbers have subsided, prices will likely remain low for the time being and increase as the city normalizes. If you are in the market for affordable real estate in New York City, Corona is a good place to look.
The Truth About Corona
How Safe is Corona?
Corona is safe. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 110th and 115th precincts of the NYPD, who have both reported a significant drop off in crime since the 1990s. Most residents report that crime is minimal and does not detract from the quality of the neighborhood. Corona is fairly isolated from the busier sections of New York City. Therefore, it doesn’t deal with tourist traffic or other factors that attract crime. That being said, it’s still a major city and crime does occur. Residents should always be vigilant, especially after dark.
How Are the Schools in Corona?
The schools in Corona are decent. For elementary school, students may attend PS 92 Harry T Steward, PS 19 Marino Jeantet, PS 16 the Nancy Debenedittis School, PS 14 Fairview, PS 143 Louis Armstrong, or Pioneer Academy. For middle school, students may attend IS 61 Leonardo Da Vinci. The High School for the Arts is in Corona, but residents have the choice to apply for any other public high school in the city. There are also several private schools offering different grade levels, such as the Mount Olivet Christian School, the Learning Tree Multi-Cultural School, and the Our Lady of Sorrows School.
Popular Eateries in Corona, Queens
Things to Do in Corona, Queens
Hang out in Corona-Flushing-Meadows Park, the 900-acre park has tons of attractions and places to enjoy the sun
Visit the Queens Zoo, one of the attractions in Corona-Flushing-Meadows Park
Check out the New York Hall of Science, the museum features hundreds of exhibits on biology, chemistry, and physics
Check out the Louis Armstrong House Museum, a museum dedicated to the famous trumpeter in a house that was his residence later in life.
See a Mets game at Citi Field, the baseball stadium is in Corona-Flushing Meadows Park
Is Corona Dog Friendly?
Yes, Corona is dog friendly. The units tend to be spacious and allow pets. The single-family homes that are prevalent in the area can be great for canine companions looking to run around. The park is nearby giving dog owners an option for exercise. Plus, the traffic tends to be mild and there are plenty of quiet blocks to walk along on a calm day. It varies from unit to unit but in general, the neighborhood is good for dogs.
Is Corona Good for Cyclists?
Corona is a decent neighborhood for cyclists. The transportation options in the neighborhood are somewhat limited and therefore residents must get creative. It tends to be more of a community of drivers than cyclists because it’s somewhat deep into the borough. However, avid cyclists will find Corona to be a great place to go for a bike ride on a Sunday afternoon.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Corona, Queens
Every August, the US Open is held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows Corona Park
Amazing local Latin American food carts can be often found outside the 7 train stations