Elmhurst, Queens, NY
About Elmhurst, Queens
Elmhurst is a residential neighborhood in Central Queens. It’s bounded by Roosevelt Ave to the north, Long Island Expressway to the South, Junction Boulevard to the East, and the New York Connecting Railroad to the west. It’s bordered by Jackson heights to the north, Middle Village to the south, Corona to the East, and Woodside to the West.
Elmhurst features a mixture of residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. It has thriving Asian and Latin American populations and some of the best Thai and Argentinian restaurants in New York can be found in Elmhurst. It has a good mixture of urban amenities and suburban living. Elmhurst has not one but two shopping malls – Queens Center and Queens Place Mall. It's a bustling, multicultural neighborhood with a unique local flavor and a slow pace of life.
History of Elmhurst, Queens
Elmhurst was formerly known as Newtown, a British settlement that was chartered in 1666. When the county of Queens was officially recognized in 1683, Newtown was one of the most developed settlements in the borough with multiple churches, a town hall, a jail, and a town clerk’s office. In the early 19th Century, Newtown became a center for freed slaves and other people of color coming to the North to escape the Jim Crow policies of the south. The neighborhood was renamed Elmhurst in 1897, one year before Queens was officially incorporated as a borough of New York. New development ensued between 1896 and 1910, transforming it into a fashionable suburb. Before WWII it was primarily a neighborhood of Italian and Jewish residents. But after the war, it quickly transformed into one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the world.
Demographics of Elmhurst, Queens
There are about 107,000 people who live in Elmhurst. The majority of residents identify as either Asian or Hispanic. However, there is a significant white population as well. Forty-seven percent of residents identify as Asian, 40% identify as Hispanic and 10% identify as white. Latin American communities represented include Ecuadorian, Columbian, Peruvian, Argentinian, Bolivian, Chilean, Venezuelan, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and Cuban residents. Elmhurst features the 2nd largest enclave of Chinese immigrants (after nearby Flushing). Other Asian communities - like the Vietnamese, Malaysian, Indonesian, and Thai - have also made Elmhurst home. Elmhurst is a middle- and working-class neighborhood with a median income of around $54,000.
Transportation in Elmhurst, Queens
There are several transportation options available to Elmhurst residents. The E, M, R and 7 trains of the New York City subway all make stops in Elmhurst. The Q11, Q21, Q29, Q38, Q52 SBS, Q53 SBS, Q58, Q59, Q60, Q72, and Q88 MTA buses also stop in the neighborhood. Both JFK and LaGuardia Airports are not far from Elmhurst and are accessible by Woodhaven Boulevard and Junction Boulevard respectively. Several major highways and thoroughfares run through Elmhurst, including the Long Island Expressway, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard, Junction Boulevard, and Roosevelt Avenue.
Housing in Elmhurst, Queens
Detached single-family homes are common in Elmhurst, as are sprawling, multifamily apartment complexes. Brick row houses can be found here and there, as can four to six-story apartment buildings. One notable residence in Elmhurst is Lefrak City, a massive 4605-unit development that features amenities like a swimming pool, sports facility, a public library, and multiple shops. The housing stock in Elmhurst is as diverse as it’s populace and its character changes from block to block. Quaint colonial homes can be found sandwiched between modern and midcentury condo and co-op buildings. You won’t find many luxury condos or preserved brownstones, but you will find affordable real estate in a variety of styles.
Neighborhood Life in Elmhurst
Elmhurst gives residents a taste of both urban and suburban living. There are tons of great ethnic restaurants along major streets like Roosevelt Avenue and Broadway. Plus, major malls like Queens Center give residents plenty of options when it comes to shopping. There are several places of worship in Elmhurst, including St. Adalbert Church – a Thai Buddhist Temple and St. James Church, the neighborhood’s oldest building. You won’t find many hip bars and trendy boutiques in Elmhurst, but you will find authentic local culture and a relaxed pace of life
Similar Neighborhoods to Elmhurst, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Elmhurst, Queens
Elmhurst is a great neighborhood for those looking for an affordable home. The median price of a home in Elmhurst is around $400,000 – very cheap by New York City standards. Property values have increased by 88% over the past five years and will likely continue to climb. Elmhurst is a ways away from Manhattan, but the access to transportation options makes the commute doable. Its central location between major airports, malls, and other notable areas of Queens makes it a quiet enclave with a ton of possibilities. Those looking for an affordable home in an area with a lot going on are smart to look at Elmhurst.
The Truth About Elmhurst, Queens
Is Elmhurst Safe?
Yes, Elmhurst is very safe. The area is patrolled by the 110th Precinct of the NYPD, who reported a steep drop off in crime since the 1990s. Elmhurst is ranked as one of the safest neighborhoods in New York City. It’s fairly isolated from the busier metropolitan areas and there is little in the neighborhood to attract a criminal element. Most residents report that crime is either minimal or non-existent.
Are the Schools in Elmhurst Good?
Yes, there are several highly rated public schools in Elmhurst. PS 7 Louis F. Simeone, PS 13 Clement C Moore, and PS 89 Elmhurst all cater to students grades K-5. PS 102 Bayview is a very highly rated primary school in Elmhurst that offers grades PK-8. The IS Walter Crowley Intermediate School is also highly rated and offers grades 6-8. Plus the Civic Leadership Academy is also in Elmhurst and offers grades 9-12. It’s a large neighborhood and there are a number of other schools in the area, as well. Plus students are permitted to apply for other schools in the NYC public school system for high school.
Popular Eateries in Elmhurst
Things to Do in Elmhurst
Go shopping at the Queens Center Mall, the largest shopping center in Queens or the smaller Queens Place Mall
Spend the day in Elmhurst Park, the 6-acre park features a playground, jogging path and a Vietnam memorial
Visit the Wat Buddha Thai Thavorn Vanaram a major Thai Buddhist temple in Elmhurst with stunning architecture and artwork
Take your kids to the Poly Poly Fun Children’s Indoor Playground, an amusement park with slides and a ball pit
See a performance at Terraza 7 a quirky venue for live music, literary events, and film screenings
Check out Amadeus NightClub, a glamorous 3-story dance club and bar.
Is Elmhurst Dog Friendly?
Yes, generally speaking, Elmhurst is dog friendly. Many of the detached single-family residences found in the neighborhood are great for canine companions and there are several small parks throughout the area. Every residence is different, and some apartment or co-op complexes have stricter rules than others. But overall, it’s a decent neighborhood for furry friends.
Is Elmhurst Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Elmhurst is a decent neighborhood for cyclists. The sprawling, decentralized nature of Queens makes it a good area for bikers. Transportation options are plentiful in Elmhurst compared to other surrounding neighborhoods. However, subway stations are still few and far between and many residents choose to bike while traveling within the neighborhood or borough. More residents tend to drive than ride a bike. However, avid cyclists will love the serene, tree-lined blocks of Elmhurst.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Elmhurst, Queens
Elmhurst is densely populated and many residents tend to drive. So, street parking can be tough to find.
Parts of the neighborhood have begun to deteriorate with age and some older properties may need some cosmetic renovation.
Elmhurst Hospital is in the neighborhood and is one of the best hospitals in Queens.