Sunnyside Neighborhood Review - Queens Moving Guide 2024

Neighbored by the more popular areas of Long Island City and Astoria, Sunnyside is sure to be the next to experience the effects of the gentrification process.

This Sunnyside neighborhood review will examine public transportation, restaurants, average apartment rent, and home sale prices.

As population and real estate prices steadily increase, businesses follow suit and flock to the area before prices become unaffordable.

Most of the small, half a square mile of the neighborhood consists of brick, six-story apartment buildings constructed in the 1920s and 1930s.

This area is most desirable because of a mixture of space, value, and easy access to the city (15 minutes to Manhattan).

Although small, Sunnyside is known for its friendliness and relaxed vibe. Knowing your neighbor and smiling faces are familiar. Many jokingly refer to the area as the "Cheap Park Slope" due to the high number of baby carriages and families.

Numerous restaurants and shops line Queens Boulevard, but if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of cute cafes, restaurants, etc, along Skillman and 43rd Avenues.

The territory known as Sunnyside Gardens will make you feel like you landed in a neighborhood in a charming country village.

Fun Fact: Sunnyside Gardens Historic District is a national historic site (1984) and New York City landmark with 16 blocks and more than 600 buildings.

Real Estate in Sunnyside

While prices have risen in the past decade or so in this area, Sunnyside remains an excellent value for the price when it comes to rental and sales.

From townhouses to single and multi-family homes, there are properties available ranging in size from one-bedroom studios to large family homes with multiple bedrooms, most of which can be found in a subsection called Sunnyside Gardens.

However, the vast majority of real estate in Sunnyside is apartments.

Those looking for luxury can find apartments boasting high-end interiors with modern features.

For those seeking convenience, Sunnyside also offers proximity to Manhattan and Brooklyn via the seven train line, making it ideal for commuters working in either borough or even further afield.

Many local businesses are available, including grocery stores, banks, schools, and health centers; plus, there is an array of additional services such as cafes, retail outlets, and much more.

Sunnyside is the kind of small, family-oriented neighborhood where everyone, from the corner store owner to the bank teller, knows your name.

Transportation

If you're coming from Manhattan, take the 7 train to 33rd Street – Rawson Street, 40th Street-Lowery Street, and 46th Street-Bliss Street.

One of the biggest selling points about Sunnyside is the easy access to Manhattan. If you're traveling by car, the Long Island Expressway or the Queens Midtown Tunnel will get you there in minutes (depending on the unpredictable NYC traffic!).

If you're heading to Brooklyn, the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway is just a few blocks away.

Public & Charter Schools

Sunnyside is known for being a safe, quiet neighborhood with better than average schools. There is a very strong middle-class presence. Here are some of the most talked about schools in the area:

Restaurants & Dining

Sunnyside Neighborhood in New York City is known for its excellent restaurants and dining experiences.

Whether you are looking for a casual eatery or an upscale fine dining spot, Sunnyside has something to offer everyone. From Italian cuisine to Mexican street food, there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

Stand-out restaurants are not uncommon in this fast-growing area of Queens. Thanks to the wide range of ethnic diversity in Sunnyside, the cuisines are a satisfying mix of global flavors.

Mexican street food is also popular in Sunnyside, with several taquerias offering tacos, burritos, and quesadillas filled with delicious fillings like grilled chicken or beef barbacoa.

La Palapa Cantina will fulfill your cravings if you're seeking Mexican dishes, a fantastic margarita, or a cold beer.

Chihuahua's Cantina & Grill is a family-owned Mexican restaurant specializing in the freshest dishes based on passed-down family recipes.

If you're looking for more of a cozy, casual spot to grab some rustic Italian cooking, look no further than SoleLuna; the homemade pasta and authentic flavors will have you feeling like you are dining in a small village in the heart of Italy's wine country.

How Safe is the Sunnyside Neighborhood?

The neighborhood has long been known for its diversity and vibrant culture, but like most places, it also has its fair share of crime. Fortunately, the number of crimes reported in Sunnyside has steadily decreased over recent years.

Sunnyside boasts a lower crime rate than other parts of New York City. The neighborhood has its police precinct (the 108th) dedicated to protecting its residents. Furthermore, the NYPD has increased its presence in the area, providing an additional layer of safety and security.

Additionally, many residents have invested in their security systems to protect their homes. Various private businesses and organizations offer additional services, such as neighborhood watch programs.

Local government initiatives have helped bolster public safety in Sunnyside as well.

The neighborhood underwent extensive streetscape renovation, including lighting upgrades, improved sidewalks and crosswalks, and more green spaces for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Other projects, such as the Sunnyside Community Safety Program, enhance public safety by providing training sessions for residents about protecting their homes against burglary or robbery.

Considering all of these factors – low crime rates combined with proactive local government efforts – it becomes clear that Sunnyside is a safe neighborhood. Residents can rest assured knowing that their area is looked after by the NYPD and local government initiatives actively working to ensure their community remains secure and welcoming for everyone who lives there.