5 Reasons We Love Astoria

Located in the Northwest region of Queens, Astoria is a family-friendly neighborhood home to many parks, museums, restaurants and more for all to enjoy. A predominantly Greek neighborhood, Astoria sits in a square spanning from Ditmars Boulevard to 36th Avenue, and from 49th Street to Vernon Boulevard. There is much to do throughout the neighborhood and in Long Island City, which is south but very accessible from Astoria. These are the five reasons we love this family-friendly neighborhood and its people, and why you should consider visiting this up and coming area of Queens if you have not ever been.

The parks.

Astoria is home to two great parks: Astoria Park and Socrates Sculpture Park. Astoria Park sits on the edge of the East River and boasts views of Randall’s Island and Harlem. It is a great place to go on a picnic with your family, and is also home to Astoria Pool, the largest pool in New York City. In the summer, you can also catch a free outdoor movie under the stars. There is also a great view of Hell Gate Bridge and the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge. Socrates Sculpture Park is right off of Vernon Boulevard and Broadway with dual views of Randall’s Island and Roosevelt Island. Be sure to stop by to see rotating outdoor art installations and other family programming.

Visit Astoria Park to see the East River and the Hell Gate and Robert F. Kennedy bridges.

The museums.

Two fixtures in the neighborhood include the Museum of the Moving Image and The Noguchi Museum. Be sure to check out the permanent Jim Henson Exhibition at the Museum of the Moving Image, along with movie screenings and programming for kids. The Noguchi Museum is a reflection on Japanese artist Isamu Noguchi, displays of his artwork and a sculpture garden. Families can participate in art programs with their kids.

The restaurants.

We have previously rounded up new kid-friendly restaurants that have opened in Astoria, along with longtime staples to the neighborhood, including the family-friendly Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden (you read that right, a family-friendly beer garden!). There is a constant influx of new restaurants with plenty of cuisines to choose from. First-time visitors to the nabe should try Taverna Kyclades for Greek food, Milkflower for pizza, and Chip NYC for some out-of-this-world cookies.

The culture.

According to the 2010 Census, there are people from nearly 100 countries living in Astoria. We know Queens is one of the most diverse areas in the world, so Astoria really fosters different communities coming together, with people from nations such as North Africa, Ecuador, Mexico, Japan, India, and Bangladesh.

The mom and pop stores.

Most businesses in Astoria are family-owned by residents who have grown up in the neighborhood, such as Locked: Astoria’s first-ever escape room. Stroll through the streets and find businesses owned by locals. Even though larger chains such as Target are planning to open, along with a slew of luxury apartments, there is still a strong sense of community and roots that makes this Queens neighborhood special.

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Main image: Catch a view of the foliage on Randall's Island at Astoria Park.

Photos by Samantha Neudorf