Flushing, Queens, NY
About Flushing, Queens
Flushing is a neighborhood in the Northern part of Queens. It is a busy, ethnically diverse neighborhood that occupies a large section of the borough. The Long Island Expressway and Van Wyck Expressway form the southern and eastern borders respectively. 164th Street forms the Western border and the northern border runs along Sanford Ave and Parsons Boulevard.
Flushing is a major commercial hub and is made up of smaller neighborhoods and ethnic enclaves. The area around Main Street and Roosevelt Ave is the third largest commercial center in the city and the largest outside of Manhattan. Flushing is a cultural melting pot that is home to communities of Asian and eastern European immigrants. It’s a neighborhood that is quintessentially New York in its fusion of different cultural identities and communities all in one area. It’s affordable by NYC standards and features suburban amenities like an abundance of malls and grocery stores that are rare for an urban environment.
History of Flushing
Before European settlers arrived in America, Flushing was inhabited by the Martinecoc tribe, a faction of the Lenape Native Americans. In 1645 the Dutch West India Company arrived and established a settlement along Flushing Creek. By the 19th Century Flushing became a key area of residential development as immigrant communities flooded over from Manhattan. The development of the Queensboro bridge in 1909 and the introduction of the LIRR in 1910 further established Flushing as a vital commuter community and commercial hub. In the 1970’s Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese and Japanese immigrants began moving into Flushing and established a strong presence by the end of the decade. Today the neighborhood is a melting pot of different East Asian, European, South Asian and Hispanic Communities occupying different enclaves in the neighborhood.
Flushing Demographics
Flushing is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in the world. Sixty percent of Flushing residents identify as Asian. That includes Taiwanese, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, Sri Lankan, Indian and Malaysian communities. Seventeen percent of residents are Hispanic and 15% are white. That includes Irish, Greek, Russian, Italian, Jewish, Columbian and Salvadoran communities.
The age ranges of the Flushing community are evenly distributed across demographics. Many multi-generational families live in the neighborhood in tight knit communities. Eighteen percent of residents are under the age of 18, 29% are between 25 and 44 and 46% are over 45. Flushing tends to be a community of working class immigrant families. Median household income is around 54,000 per year, which is just lower than the national average.
Transportation in Flushing
Flushing is a large neighborhood and offers residents many options in terms of transportation. The subway is fairly limited in central Queens, but residents can take the 7 train from Queensboro Plaza. Several buses make stops in Flushing including the Q12, Q13, Q15, Q26, Q27, Q58, Q65 and Q66 among others. The LIRR makes stops in Flushing at the Murray Hill and Broadway stations. As a commuter community, more people tend to drive vehicles than in other parts of the city. Flushing has access to many major highways like the Van Wyck Expressway, Whitestone Expressway and the Long Island Expressway.
Housing in Flushing
Flushing is a sprawl of low-rise apartment buildings and residential homes. A mixture of mid-century buildings and modern developments are subdivided by local mom and pop restaurants, grocery stores and other amenities. Single family residences as well as large multifamily apartment complexes can be found in the area. Flushing is a neighborhood where ethnic identity is not a tourist attraction – many sections of the neighborhood feel as though one is in another country altogether. And many families cluster together in the same buildings as well as neighborhoods.
Neighborhood Life in Flushing
There are many attractions in Flushing residents can enjoy in their spare time. The Flushing-Meadows-Corona Park is the largest park in Queens. CITI field, where the Mets play, is also in this park. There are several major malls and shopping centers in Flushing like the New World Mall and Flushing Commons. Some of the best authentic Chinese and Korean food is found in Flushing and the neighborhood is proud of its strong ethnic roots.
Tight-knit communities flock to cultural centers and houses of worship for weekly celebrations and gatherings. Multigenerational family businesses populate the neighborhood and there is a strong sense of community and history in the streets of Flushing.
Similar neighborhoods to Flushing, Queens
Flushing Real Estate Trends
Property values in Flushing are still relatively low, however the neighborhood is beginning to gentrify. Home prices in Flushing have increased 277% over the past 5 years and will likely continue to increase. It’s become a haven for middle- and working-class families looking for affordable rents and a slower pace of life inside the city. Single family homes are common in Flushing, which is attractive to families looking for space to raise children.
Flushing Median Sale Price (USD):
1bd 379,000
2bd 549,000
3bd 769,000
Flushing Median Rent Price (USD):
1bd 2,300
2bd 2,500
3bd 2,700
The truth you should know about Flushing
Is Flushing safe?
Flushing is safe for as large an area as it is. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 109th Precinct of the NYPD, which was rated the 9th safest NYC patrol areas in 2010. The precinct saw a significant decrease in crime over the past three decades and the violent crime rate is lower than the city as a whole. Flushing is a sleepy commuter community. It’s not a tourist or transportation hub and residents aren’t as wealthy as in other parts of the city. Certain areas – like the block surrounding Citi field – are prone to petty crime due to the density of foot traffic. But overall Flushing is a very safe community.
Are the Schools Good in Flushing?
Yes, there are many highly rated public schools in Flushing. PS 242 Leonard P Stravinsky School is a highly rated K-3rd grade school. PS 237, PS 24 and PS 136 are all public elementary or middle schools in Flushing that have a 9 out of 10 rating according to the Better Schools standard. There are eight high schools in Flushing; including the John Browne High School, the EastWood School of International Studies, the Robert F. Kennedy Community School, among others. The archbishop Molloy High School and the Holy Cross High School are two top rated private schools in Flushing, as well. Not to mention Queens College and the City University of New York are in Flushing.
Popular Eateries in Flushing, Queens
What to Do in Flushing, Queens
Visit the Queens Botanical Garden, the 39 acre park and arboretum is great for a relaxing Sunday afternoon
See a Mets Game at Citi Field, the stadium is located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
See an exhibit at the New York Hall of Science on 111th Street, one of the preeminent science museums in the country
Spend the day at the Queens Zoo, located in Flushing Meadows Park, the zoo is notable for its seal lion pool
Go see historical landmarks like the Lewis Latimer House or the Browne House
Visit RKO theatres, a historic theatre in Flushing that hosted films and performances by early film stars like the Marx Brothers and Bob Hope.
Check out the art gallery at Flushing Town Hall on Northern BLVD
Is Flushing Dog Friendly?
Yes, Flushing is quite dog friendly. The spacious apartments and abundance of greenspace make Flushing a dog owner’s paradise. There are several pet friendly restaurants, hotels and stores like Papa Rich on Prince Street. Many apartment buildings in Flushing are dog friendly. You’ll often see canine companions running around Flushing Meadows Park or jogging alongside owners.
Is Flushing Good for Cycling?
Yes, Flushing is a good neighborhood for cycling. The lack of subways in the neighborhood means residents must get creative with transportation options. Cycling is one way some residents choose to get from point A to point B. The relatively calm traffic (compared to NYC standards) and wide streets make Flushing a good neighborhood for avid cyclists.
4 Things to Know Before Moving to Flushing, Queens
Hmart, an Asian supermarket in Flushing is famous for its wide array of exoctic concoctions, candies and natural herbs.
Addresses in Flushing tend to be hyphenated (ex 24-23 52nd Street). Keep in mind the number before the dash refers to the cross street and the number after the dash is the street address.
There are over 160 languages spoken in the borough of Queens, so you may want to download a translation app.
The Mets stadium and center that hosts the US Open are nearby, bringing occasional crowds and noise.