Ridgewood, Queens, NY
About Ridgewood, Queens
Ridgewood is a quiet residential neighborhood in the southern part of Queens. The exact dimensions are loosely defined, as are many NYC neighborhoods. But the general borders form a triangle bounded by Metropolitan Ave, the Brooklyn border and the train tracks that run through Fresh Pond Junction. Also, It’s bordered by the Bushwick, Maspeth and Glendale neighborhoods.
Ridgewood is a secluded community of Hispanic and Eastern European residents. It’s a quiet, family friendly neighborhood that offers the ambiance and attractions of Brooklyn at a cheaper price. Amazing mom and pop restaurants and corner stores can be found in abundance along Myrtle Ave and Fresh Pond Road. It’s a great neighborhood for young people and families, because it offers large pre-war apartments and affordable living. Plus, it’s centrally located between Brooklyn and greater Queens, giving residents easy access to either borough.
History of Ridgewood, Queens
Initially Ridgewood was the territory of the Lenape Indians. During the colonial period, the Dutch chartered a settlement in Bushwick (then called Boswijick), while the British set up shop nearby in a settlement called Newtown deeper into Queens. Both settlements were populated by local farming families who grew crops for markets in Manhattan. The area was largely rural until the middle of the 19th Century, when the advent of public transportation to the area initiated development. Houses began to be developed in the early 20th Century and were quickly thereafter settled by German immigrants. After World War I, waves of Eastern European immigrants flooded into Ridgewood, including the Gottscheers, an ethnic German population from Slovenia. By the 1940’s the area became a melting pot for not only Southern and Eastern European residents. Dominican, Ecuadorian and Puerto Rican communities followed in the next decades.
Demographics of Ridgewood, Queens
Approximately 62,000 people currently live in Ridgewood. It’s primarily a white and Hispanic neighborhood – 41% identify as white and 48% identify as Hispanic. However, there is also a significant Asian population as well, with 8% of the population identifying as such. The age ranges are fairly consistent across demographics. The largest age groups are residents between the age of 25 and 34 years old, who make up 20% of the population and residents under 18, who make up 21% of the population. It’s a neighborhood of middle-class families and working professionals. The median household income is around $69,000 per year.
Transportation in Ridgewood, Queens
Transportation in Ridgewood is somewhat limited; however, residents have a few options. The M train makes a stop at Myrtle Ave and the Myrtle-Wyckoff Station services both the L and M train. There are several MTA buses that make stops in Ridgewood like the B13, B52, B54, Q55 and Q58 buses. Many residents of Ridgewood choose to walk or ride their bikes as a form of transportation. The traffic is also fairly moderate, and many residents have vehicles. The Jackie Robinson Parkway is accessible to drivers in Ridgewood and provides an artery to get to other parts of the city.
Housing in Ridgewood, Queens
Ridgewood features a mixture of large apartment complexes, single family row houses and duplexes. The large pre-war apartment buildings are more common along the Brooklyn border, whereas row houses are more common deeper into Queens. Many of the buildings are pre-war with a few new developments popping up here and there. The apartments in Ridgewood tend to be larger and cheaper than those across the border in Bushwick, which attracts residents who aren’t looking for a bar scene. Units in Ridgewood tend to be large, yet barebones. The neighborhood has an old-world feel that New Yorkers love and it’s largely been untouched by new construction.
Neighborhood Life in Ridgewood, Queens
Ridgewood is a calm, residential community. Myrtle Ave is a commercial strip in the neighborhood that is packed with shops, bodegas and retail outlets. Residents can often be found hanging out in Highland Park on a calm, Sunday afternoon. Nearby Bushwick offers more in terms of trendy restaurants and bars, while Ridgewood is more known for its lowkey ambiance. It has a quiet, early 20th century feel, and residents are known to frequent the amazing German bars or hang out at local watering holes like Gottscheer Hall. Those looking for trendy boutiques and hip restaurants are better off moving to Brooklyn, but those who like authenticity and affordability will love Ridgewood.
Similar Neighborhoods to Ridgewood, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Ridgewood, Queens
There has been a push to preserve the neighborhood’s classic early 20th Century architecture, so there is very little in terms of new development in the neighborhood. Many of the buildings are single family or two-family brick row houses with large, railroad apartments. The median value of property in Ridgewood is roughly $750,000, which is up 35% from where it was 5 years ago. Ridgewood is a great place for young adults and families looking to purchase a home. It’s still affordable compared to NYC standards and steadily increasing in value. It’s relative lack of entertainment options and transportation has protected the area from gentrification for the time being.
The Truth About Ridgewood, Queens
How Safe is Ridgewood?
Ridgewood is safe. The neighborhood, along with Maspeth, Middle Village and Glendale are patrolled by the 104th district of the NYPD. This precinct has reported a significant decrease in all crime since the 1990’s and is considered a calm, family friendly area. Ridgewood does have a slightly higher rate of crime than areas farther into Queens, but overall residents report that crime in the neighborhood is minimal and doesn’t detract from the quality of life in the neighborhood.
Are the Schools in Ridgewood Good?
Yes, the schools in Ridgewood are good. PS 71 Forest and PS 81 Jean Paul Richter are two highly rated elementary schools in Ridgewood. IS 93 Ridgewood and IS 77 are two middle schools with decent ratings based on test scores and teacher to student ratio. The Grover Cleveland High School is also in Ridgewood, as is Christ the King Regional High School, a private Catholic school in the neighborhood.
Popular Eateries in Ridgewood
Things to Do in Ridgewood
Check out the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, a historic Dutch colonial house and museum in Ridgewood that was originally built in 1661.
Visit Funtopia, an indoor amusement park on the Ridgewood-Middle Village border with bumper-cars, arcade games and a playground.
Have a drink at Gottsheer Hall, the German pub has an impressive selection of domestic and imported beers
Spend the day the Ridgewood Reservoir, a nature preserve in Highland Park
Check out Deep Cuts Record Store, a vinyl record shop in Ridgewood with hidden gems and 80’s video games
Is Ridgewood Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Ridgewood is dog friendly. The spacious, pre-war apartments are great for canine companions and there are plenty of parks available to pet owners. The streets are quiet and tree-lined, which makes walking the dog on a Sunday afternoon pleasant and relaxing. Some buildings have their own rules regarding pets, so it depends where you live. But overall, it’s a good neighborhood for dogs.
Is Ridgewood Good for Cycling?
Yes, cycling is a prominent method of transportation in Ridgewood. Transportation options are somewhat limited, and the neighborhoods in Queens and Eastrn Brooklyn are fairly spread out. Bike lanes are somewhat scarce, so bikers may be forced to weave in between vehicle and pedestrian traffic. But, the pace of the neighborhood is laid back enough that it shouldn’t be a problem for competent riders.
3 Things to Know Before Moving to Ridgewood, Queens
The L train is a major line for residents in that part of Queens and Brooklyn. It can get very crowded during rush hour, so plan accordingly.
The trip to Manhattan is fairly long, so Ridgewood may not be the best for commuters
Railroad apartments are common in Ridgewood, which means one bedroom leads directly into another.