Jackson Heights Neighborhood Review - Queens Moving Guide
Jackson Heights is in the northwest portion of Queens, nestled between Woodside, Elmhurst, Corona, and LaGuardia airport.
This Jackson Heights neighborhood review will examine public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and sale prices.
It is one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the entire nation.
Though the Hispanic or Latino population dominates the area, there is a large mix of different ethnicities, including (but not limited to): Indians, Pakistanis, Tibetans, Nepalese, and Bangladeshis.
A true melting pot, which also means that Jackson Heights is a diverse restaurant mecca.
Fun Fact: The word game Scrabble was co-invented by former architect Alfred Mosher Butts, who lived in Jackson Heights. There is even a street sign at 35th Avenue and 81st Street that is stylized using letters.
Real Estate in Jackson Heights
Real estate in Jackson Heights offers some of the most affordable options in all of New York City.
Jackson Heights predominantly consists of four to eight-story buildings.
One and two-family homes are also popular in the area.
North of Northern Blvd. is more affordable housing - more row houses and smaller co-ops to choose from.
Most of the neighborhood is designated as a historic district.
Because of this, pre-war buildings in Jackson Heights have French Renaissance, Romanesque, and Tudor styles.
There are also many blocks of other beautiful buildings, such as smaller stylist "courtyard" multi-family dwellings, taller upscale apartment buildings, and co-op apartment complexes with shared garden spaces.
Compared to the rest of NYC, the real estate in Jackson Heights is reasonably priced but rising rapidly.
People priced out of Manhattan and Brooklyn are beginning to call Jackson Heights home.
They won't find any big post-war high rises here, though.
Average Rental Prices in Jackson Heights | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $1,700 |
| 1 Bed | $2,000 |
| 2 Beds | $2,500 |
| 3 Beds | $3,000 |
| 4 Beds | $5,000 |
Average Rent Price History by Neighborhood
Average Sales Prices in Jackson Heights | |
|---|---|
| Studio | $235,000 |
| 1 Bed | $275,000 |
| 2 Beds | $439,000 |
| 3 Beds | $899,888 |
| 4 Beds | $1,100,000 |
Overall, Jackson Heights offers residents an array of exciting features ranging from affordability in real estate prices to cultural attractions giving potential buyers plenty of reasons why they should consider investing in this vibrant neighborhood.
Apartments Available for rent & Sale in Jackson
Public Transportation
Although Jackson Heights is faster by bus to Astoria and parts of northern Manhattan, the subway is probably the best option if you are venturing anywhere else.
Jackson Heights is about a 20-minute commute to midtown on the 7 subway from the 82nd St. station.
Another option is taking the subway from Roosevelt Avenue station.
Subway lines in neighborhood
- 7
IRT Flushing Line
| Bus | Location | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Q47 | Broadway at 74th St | Northbound - LaGuardia AIrport |
| Q33 | 82nd St/Northern Blvd | Ditmars Boulevard and 95th Street |
| Q66 | Northern Blvd/82nd St | Northern Blvd/Queens Plaza S |
| Q32 | 81st St/Northern Blvd | Jackson Heights/Penn Station |
Bikes & Bike Safety
With recent expansion to all five boroughs, Citi Bike docks can be found throughout Jackson Heights. Steinway Street probably has the most docking stations with three total - 23rd, 28th, and 31st Avenue.
With the bicycle network expanding rapidly since the 1990s, bike lane expansion has taken priority.
Jackson Heights, in particular, has experienced many cycler injuries and fatalities, so the area will continue to develop more bike lanes.
Restaurants & Dining in Jackson Heights
Expect to experience some of the best food of your life in Jackson Heights.
Remember that the eateries focus more on food and service than creating a perfect dining experience.
Here are a handful of places worth checking out if you're in the area:
Thailand's Center Point - True taste of authentic Pad Thai in the Bangkok street style. Rumor has it that the sweet little old lady in the kitchen will make you any Thai dish you ask for!
Jackson Diner is a neighborhood favorite. Drop by to load up on the amazingly fresh and tasty Indian buffet.
Arepa Lady - This tiny food spot has been delivering South American goodness to the area at a very reasonable price for years. The owner Maria Cano is a local food celebrity. The lunch line is worth the wait.
La Gran Uruguaya Bakery - Dessert is a must, and why not stop by this spacious neighborhood bakery for some mouth-watering, authentic treats. Most popular pastries include churros with dulce, tres leches, and the Maracuya mousse.
Attractions & Nightlife
Relax, enjoy the ambiance and take in the weekly jazz night at Terraza 7 (FREE Sun 9 PM-midnight). Owned by a local artist, the venue also boasts film screenings, workshops, art shows, and live performances.
For live entertainment and Latin American food in a relaxed environment, head to D'antigua. No one is shy about dancing, so come ready to boogie! Hookahs are available if you'd rather sit and chill.
Another great dancing spot if you want to soak up the Queens vibe is Hairos Night Club. Great service, fun environment, and salsa music galore!
Public & Charter Schools
Jackson Heights is located in school district #30.
The area is home to several excellent public and charter schools, offering students the chance to receive an outstanding education within their community.
From pre-K through high school, Jackson Heights offers numerous options for families seeking quality educational opportunities for their children.
With access to some of the city's best resources and dedicated teachers and staff members who are passionate about learning, Jackson Heights provides an ideal environment for student growth and development.
| School | Information | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IS 230 | Public- 6-8 - 1077 students | Diverse students body, academically challenging, various extra-cirricular and after school activities, honor program, great location |
| PS 69 Jackson Heights | Public - PK-5 - 1147 students | good communication with teachers and parents, challenging programs, diverse community |
| IS 145 Joseph Pulitzer | Public - 6-8 - 2067 | Friendly staff, inolving cirriculum, new technology and learning practices, honor program available |
| PS 212 | Public - K-5 - 808 students | Majority of students and staff are Hispanic, Service providers include OT, PT, Speech, Counseling, lots of programs |
| PS 280 | Public - K-4 - 577 students | Organized teaching method, Majority of student body is Hispanic, clean environment |
| PS 149 Christa Mcauliffe | Public - K-5 - 1235 students | Dual language program, diverse students body, strong PTA, supportive teachers |
| The Renaissance Charter School | Charter - K-12 - 544 students | 14:1 student-teacher ratio, high test scores, graduation and college admission rate, few sports |
| Ps 222 Fire Fighter Christopher A Santora School | Public - PK-2 - 322 students | strong dual language program, music, theater and arts, school emphasis in writing, Involved parents |
How Safe is the Jackson Heights Neighborhood?
The Jackson Heights neighborhood is mainly considered safe, with the overall crime rate being lower than the national average.
The New York Police Department (NYPD) has done an excellent job in responding to calls quickly and providing safety to the community. Many private security forces patrol the streets of Jackson Heights regularly.
Residents can be seen walking around late at night without worrying about their safety.
However, reports of robberies and mugging incidents have occurred in certain areas of Jackson Heights near Roosevelt Avenue and 74th Street.
As such, it is important for residents to always remain aware of their surroundings and take extra precautions when traveling by themselves at night.
Crime statistics
The Jackson Heights Neighborhood also has several parks, including Travers Park and Diversity Plaza, which offer a great experience during daytime and evening hours thanks to lighting installations provided by local authorities.
Overall, Jackson Heights Neighborhood is still considered relatively safe compared to other neighborhoods in NYC, given its extensive security measures put in place by public authorities and private companies that monitor the streets regularly.
While some areas may be more dangerous than others due to increased criminal activity, exercising caution when traveling alone at night should help ensure your safety while living here or visiting this beautiful area of New York City.
