Woodside, Queens, NY
About Woodside, Queens
Woodside is a busy, multicultural neighborhood in Western Queens. Woodside occupies a large portion of the borough between Sunnyside Gardens and Jackson Heights. Astoria borders the neighborhood to the North and Maspeth is in the South. The exact borders of the neighborhood are somewhat unclear but I-287 generally forms the southern and eastern borders.
The ethnic makeup of Woodside has changed considerably throughout its lifetime. It began as a German enclave, then gradually became an Irish neighborhood. By the 1990’s the neighborhood experienced an influx of Asian American residents and today it’s a home to communities of Chinese, Korean, Filipino and South Asian residents. In addition to the Asian American community, there is a sizable population of South American residents. It’s a multi-ethnic melting pot that features some of the most authentic restaurants in the city. It’s a bustling commercial and residential district that has something to offer for everyone.
History of Woodside, Queens
During the colonial period, Woodside was sparsely populated farmlands. It remained that way until Benjamin W Hickock, a residential developer who also founded Corona and Ozone Park, embarked on a plan to erect the community in 1867. The real estate promoters who initially sought to bring working class families into Woodside were German, giving way to a robust community of German families in the early 1800’s. The area offered a quick train ride to Manhattan and serene tree lines blocks, thus attracting middle- and working-class families looking to get away from the grit and grime of Lower Manhattan. By the early 20th Century, the area had seen a demographic shift from German to Irish. By the end of WWII, Woodside was a middle-class community of Irish, Italian and Jewish immigrant families. Beginning in the 1960’s a Dominican population began to take root in the neighborhood followed soon after by a wave of Asian American communities in the 1990’s. Today, Woodside is a multicultural community of working- and middle-class families.
Demographics of Woodside, Queens
There are approximately 48,000 people who live in Woodside. It’s an incredibly diverse area, with 44% of residents identifying as Asian, 35% identifying as Hispanic, and 17% identifying as white. Within those Asian and Hispanic communities there are dozens of different individual ethnic groups – including Thai, Korean, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Bangladeshi, Nepalese, Pakistani, Dominican, Ecuadorian and Latino communities. The area on Roosevelt Ave between 63rd and 71st Streets is known as Little Manila and features a prominent Filipino community and business district. Age ranges are fairly consistent across groups, as Woodside is a community of multigenerational families. It’s a middle-class neighborhood, with the median household income being around $58,000 per year.
Transportation in Woodside, Queens
There are several transportation options available to residents of Woodside. The 7 train makes several stops throughout the neighborhood at 52nd, 61st and 69th Streets on Roosevelt Ave. The Q18, Q32, Q39, Q47, Q53 SBS, Q60 and Q70 SBS MTA buses also make stops in Woodside. The LIRR makes a stop at 61st Street. Plus, several major highways run alongside or through Woodside. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (I-278) and the Long Island Expressway (I-495) are two major thoroughfares that run through Woodside.
Housing in Woodside, Queens
Woodside is a mixed residential neighborhood that features large prewar apartment buildings, brick row houses and single-family homes. It’s a modest neighborhood and you won’t see many luxury high rises but there are a variety of duplexes, single family houses and walk up apartment buildings. Woodside features spacious apartments and affordable housing prices. It’s a densely populated area with mom and pop stores and bodegas on every corner. Many buildings feature original detail and a funky multicultural identity that is unique to Queens.
Neighborhood Life in Woodside, Queens
Queens is one of the most diverse areas in the world, and Woodside is a perfect representation of that identity. From one block to you’ll find different ethnic enclaves. Little Manila is a notable area in Woodside where residents can find a plethora of Filipino restaurants and businesses. Ultimately, Woodside is a suburban neighborhood within New York City. Residents are known to frequent neighborhood bars and restaurants and congregate with friends and family at local community centers and places of worship. It’s removed from all the glitz and glam of New York City, but it’s an area with an authentic culture and intense ethnic pride.
Similar Neighborhoods to Woodside, Queens
Real Estate Trends in Woodside, Queens
Woodside is an affordable neighborhood for middle class families. It’s far enough removed from Manhattan that it doesn’t attract a young professional crowd that drives up real estate prices. Property values in Woodside have decreased by 11% over the past five years and the median home value is approximately $427,000 which is very cheap for New York City standards. This allows many middle class couples and families to own their own homes. Many families live in multigenerational communities, often within the same building or complex. The epicenter of the neighborhood is Roosevelt Ave and tit’s is a chaotic sprawl of stern, brick apartment buildings and single-family homes.
The Truth About Woodside, Queens
Is Woodside Safe?
Yes, today Woodside is a very safe neighborhood. The area is patrolled by the 108th Precinct of the NYPD who has reported a significant decrease in overall crime since the 1990’s. Woodside is a quiet, residential neighborhood that is removed from the tourist traffic present in other parts of New York. Woodside has a lower rate of violent crime than the city as a whole and is generally a quiet neighborhood of families and young people.
Are the Schools Good in Woodside?
The schools in Woodside are decent. The PS 152 Gwendoline N Alleyne School and PS 11 Kathryn Phelan School are two well regarded elementary schools in Woodside. For middle school, students may attend IS 125 Thom J McCann Woodside. For high school, the William Cullen Bryant High School is in Woodside. Besides these public schools, there are also several private schools like the Razi School, the Corpus Christi School and the Saint Sebastian School.
Popular Eateries in Woodside, Queens
Things to Do in Woodside, Queens
Go shopping at Tower Square Shopping Center, the former trolley barn is now a small shopping mall
Go see Moore-Jackson Cemetery, a colonial burial ground with picturesque views
Spend the day at Windmuller Park, the urban park has a jogging track, basketball courts and a pool
Check out St. Sebastian Church, the architecture and artwork are gorgeous, and the church is a landmark in the neighborhood
Go out in Astoria or Long Island City, the bordering neighborhoods offer more in terms of nightlife and entertainment options
Is Woodside Dog Friendly?
Yes, Woodside is quite dog friendly. The apartments are spacious, and the traffic is moderate compared to Manhattan. There are few large parks in Woodside, so owners must get creative with exercise options. But overall, Woodside is a sedate, residential neighborhood and some homes in the area even have small backyards to accommodate canine companions.
Is Woodside Good for Cyclists?
Yes, Woodside is good for cycling. Subway access in the neighborhood is fairly limited, so residents must find alternative transportation options. Bike lanes are limited, so bikers may be required to weave between pedestrian and vehicle traffic. But ultimately the pace of the traffic is manageable enough for competent cyclists.
2 Things to Know Before Moving to Woodside, Queens
The nightlife and entertainment options in Woodside are limited. Those looking for a bar scene should look in Astoria or Long Island City
Woodside is better known for its authentic cuisine than fine dining or chain restaurants