Maspeth, Queens, NY
About Maspeth, Queens
Maspeth is a large mixed-use neighborhood in Central Queens. Its boundaries are somewhat rough. But generally, I-278 forms its northern border, Metropolitan Avenue forms its southern border and Newton Creek forms its western border. The neighborhood is also bordered by Woodside to the north, Sunnyside to the northwest, Greenpoint to the West, East Williamsburg to the southwest, Fresh Pond, and Ridgewood to the south and Middle Village and Elmhurst to the east.
Maspeth is a large, diverse neighborhood that features residential, commercial, and industrial real estate. There’s a good mixture of residential housing and neighborhood bars and restaurants. It’s a neighborhood of young professionals and families. There are several cemeteries that line the borders of the neighborhood. These cemeteries somewhat insulate the area from surrounding neighborhoods, giving the area a small town in the big city ambiance according to some residents.
History of Maspeth
Maspeth was once the territory of the Mespeaches Indians, which is where the area gets its name. Maspeth roughly translates to “at the bad water place”, which refers to the many stagnant swamplands in the area. The Dutch purchased Queens in 1635 and began developing the neighborhood. A development called Columbusville was erected between modern-day Grand Ave and Caldwell Ave in 1854. This settlement was later absorbed into greater Maspeth. In the early 19th Century was the site of a settlement of Boyash gypsies – a sect of the Romani people. By the 1970s the neighborhood became home to German, Polish and Lithuanian residents.
Demographics of Maspeth
There are approximately 49,000 people living in Maspeth. It’s a fairly ethnically diverse neighborhood – it’s primarily a white neighborhood but there are also significant Hispanic and Asian communities as well. Forty- three percent of residents identify as white, 31% of residents identify as Hispanic and 23% of residents identify as Asian. It’s a neighborhood of families and young professionals. Twenty-nine percent of residents are between the ages of 25 and 34, 22% are under 18 and 27% are between 45 and 64. It’s a middle to upper-middle-class neighborhood and the median household income is around $72,000.
Transportation in Maspeth
Transportation options in Maspeth are somewhat scarce. There are no subway stops in the neighborhood or express buses to Manhattan. The B57, Q18, Q39, Q47, Q58, Q59, and Q67 local buses all make stops in Maspeth and connect to other subway stops in Queens. Many residents of Maspeth are drivers and there are several major thoroughfares that pass through the neighborhood. Grand Avenue connects to Queens Boulevard and I-278, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the I-495, the Long Island Expressway both pass through Maspeth.
Housing in Maspeth
Housing in Maspeth is a combination of single-family homes and large apartment buildings. It’s a secluded, suburban neighborhood with gorgeous brick townhouses and one to two-story colonial homes. Ridgewood Gardens is a notable development- it's a large co-op development with 371 one to three-bedroom units on 65th Place. Units tend to offer plenty of space and modern finishes. Those looking for huge art deco apartment buildings or luxury condos should look elsewhere. But those looking for a gorgeous single-family home at a modest price will be pleased.
Neighborhood Life
Maspeth is a quiet neighborhood with a small-town atmosphere. Grand Avenue is the main commercial strip where residents can find small mom and pop restaurants, shops, and bodegas. There are several small neighborhood parks like Frank Principe Park and Nathan Weidenbaum Park that residents are known to frequent. Maspeth is a quiet, residential neighborhood that offers peace and quiet above a plethora of shopping and entertainment options. There are several large cemeteries that surround the neighborhood that insulate it from the rest of Queens. Therefore, Maspeth is a quaint, suburban area known for industrial grit and serene atmosphere.
Similar Neighborhoods to Maspeth, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Maspeth
Maspeth is a moderately priced neighborhood that has seen a steady increase in property values over the past few years. The median home value is around $750,000, which is reasonable for the amount of space and amenities offered to Maspeth residents. Property values have increased by about 40% over the past 5 years and are likely to increase as more people flock from urban to suburban areas of NYC. It’s the distance from Manhattan and lack of reliable transit to the city makes it a difficult neighborhood for commuters. However, it’s perfect for those who want a serene enclave within the city.
The Truth About Maspeth, Queens
How Safe is Maspeth?
Maspeth is very safe. The neighborhood is patrolled by the 104th Precinct of the NYPD, who has reported a significant decrease in crime since the 1990s. Central Queens is considered one of the safest areas in New York City and Maspeth is included in that grouping. It’s a secluded neighborhood with limited access to transportation, so there is little to attract a criminal element. Residents should still be alert after dark, but overall, it’s a quiet, low crime neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Maspeth Good?
Yes, the schools in Maspeth are excellent. PS 153 Maspeth, PS 229 Emanuel Kaplan, PS 12 James Colgate and PS 58 School of Heroes are all highly rated elementary schools in Maspeth. IS 73 the Frank Sansivieri Intermediate School is a public middle school in Maspeth that ranks highly in terms of test scores and student to teacher ratio. Maspeth High School serves grades 9 through 12, although students may apply for any high school in NYC. Plus, the Martin Luther School and St. Stanislaus Kostka School are private schools in Maspeth.
Popular Eateries in Maspeth
Things to Do in Maspeth
Hang out in Frank Principe Park, a public green space that features handball, basketball and tennis courts, plus a playground
Check out Mount Olivet Cemetery, a historic cemetery that surrounds the neighborhood.
Visit Funtopia, an indoor arcade and amusement center nearby in Middle Village
Play a pickup game of soccer at the Metropolitan Oval, a large athletic with views of the Manhattan skyline
Is Maspeth Dog Friendly?
Yes, Maspeth is dog friendly. The wide blocks and spacious homes are perfect for canine companions. There are several small parks scattered throughout the neighborhood, which are perfect for walking furry friends on a Sunday afternoon. Many of the detached homes feature small backyards, which are perfect for dogs and the traffic is very moderate.
Is Maspeth Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Maspeth is good for cycling. Transportation options in the neighborhood are scarce so residents must find alternative options to get around. The wide, often tree-lined blocks are perfect for cycling. However, bike lanes are rare. Residents tend to drive or walk, because Central Queens is so spread out. But bikers will find the calm streets of Maspeth great for riding on a fall day.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Maspeth, Queens
Grand Avenue is the main commercial strip in Maspeth and features mostly mom and pop restaurants and stores
There is no express bus service to Manhattan, so commuting may be difficult.