Are you considering a move to the vibrant borough of Queens, NY? It's essential to have access to local professionals who can give you priceless insights and help as you set out on this exciting journey.
We have created the ultimate moving guide, curated by local movers who understand Queen's intricate details and unique characteristics. Whether you're searching for the perfect neighborhood, seeking advice on navigating the local real estate market or looking for tips on settling into your new community, our experts have got you covered.
Join us as we delve into the secrets of a successful move to Queens, NY, and let the expertise of local movers pave the way to a seamless and stress-free relocating experience.
Table of Contents
Expert Advice for Moving to Queens NY
Queens is a great place to go if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan but still be near the action. Queens, which covers 109 square kilometers, is the largest borough in NYC. Queens has a suburban feel but still offers a lot of character. No one knows Queens of the surrounding area better than local moving companies.
With more than 160 languages spoken there, Queens is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. The borough's diverse food scene, numerous museums, and cultural history are all reflected in its amazing food. Queens, for example, is home to New York City's largest Chinatown. Addisleigh Park in Queen's was the home of jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald and Lena Horne. The 1964 World's Fair and the U.S. Open were held there.
Queens offers a city's excitement and flair without the cost and congestion. Queens offers a variety of housing options, including established and emerging neighborhoods. It's a great place to live for working professionals and families.
Queens, NY: Things to Know Before Moving to Queens
Queens is home to nearly 2.3 million people, each contributing something unique to the culture and food. Queens' center is only 16 miles from Manhattan, and the west Queens neighborhoods lie directly across the East River from Upper East Side Manhattan. Queens residents can enjoy Manhattan's hustle and bustle without being there. Queens is a city of family-friendly neighborhoods and affordable housing. It also has a cool, understated vibe.
Pros and Cons of Living in Queens
You can make the most of your new home by understanding the pros and cons of living in Queens.
Pros:
- Rent Prices: Queens has one of the lowest rent prices compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
- Diversity: Food, language, customs, and activities represent hundreds of different cultures.
- Dining and creative entertainment: You'll discover amazing restaurants, beer gardens, museums, and venues in Queens.
- Many things to do: There are many things to do in Queens, from Citi Field to Queens Center Mall.
Cons:
- Commuting: is a hassle. Manhattan is easily accessible, but Queens' vast distances can make it difficult to travel between the neighborhoods. Choose your location wisely, as there is no subway in northeastern Queens.
- Home prices: Although the median home price in Queens is lower than the New York average, it can be as high as $1 million for some neighborhoods.
- Less nightlife: There is less late-night activity in Manhattan.
Queens Is a Nice Place to Live
Queens offers a variety of entertainment and diversity, as well as affordable rent. Queens offers many starter homes and apartments at lower prices than the other boroughs. This is perfect for those who are just beginning their adult lives. With a diverse range of food, shopping, an international zoo, and major airports to keep you entertained, Queens is a place that takes time to get bored. Many neighborhoods are home to different ethnicities, so finding one you feel comfortable in is easy.
Tax Rates
- Property Tax Rate: Queens County's property tax rate is 0.866%. This is lower than the New York average, 1.677%, and the national average, 1.080%.
- Sales Tax: Queens has a sales tax of 8.8%. This rate includes a New York State Sales Tax of 4% and a City tax of 4.8%. It is slightly higher than the average national sales tax of 7.25 percent.
- State Income Tax: New York's income tax is higher than the average state, ranging between 4% and 8.82%, depending upon income.
Housing Market
This information may help you decide whether to rent or buy in Queens. In Queens, more than 52% of rent, with an average of $1,735 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
You'll see a wide range of prices if you want to purchase a house. As of November 2018, the median list price for a home in Queens was $585,000. Home values in Jamaica Estates and Utopia have risen to over $1 million.
Analysts expect home values to drop by 0.4% in 2020. You can find a house for less than the median price in neighborhoods such as Jamaica, South Ozone Park, and Richmond Hill.
Cost of Living
Queens is a cheaper place to live than most of New York City's boroughs. Queens' cost of living is higher than in other states due to housing and transportation.
Bestplaces.net compares the cost of living in different parts of the country using an index of 100. Queens has an overall cost-of-life index of 178.2. The cost of living index in Queens is 178.2.
All things considered, Queens' average monthly cost of life is $10,777. A family of four will need about $129,000 to cover their expenses. Queens has an average household income of $62,000, but compared to Manhattan's cost of living index, Queens offers a more affordable alternative for New York City residents.
Weather & Natural Disasters
Queens enjoys a mild climate with four seasons that are not too extreme. The area experiences a variety of weather conditions depending on the seasons. Temperatures in January and February range from 26 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit, with the possibility of snow. Summer months, July and August, bring 70-85 degrees Fahrenheit with lots of sun and humidity.
Queens receives a moderate amount of rain and snow each year. The city receives 46 inches of rainfall and 28 inches of snow annually.
Hurricanes are the only extreme weather events Queens residents face. The greatest hurricane risk occurs in late summer and early autumn. Residents should be prepared even though a storm hasn't struck the area since 2012. They can do this by creating a plan, stockpiling supplies, and registering for emergency alerts.
Economic & Job Market
Queens' unemployment rate is at its lowest in years, 3.9%. In 2018, Queens had over 50,000 companies that employed more than 500,000 workers. Over the next ten years, job growth is expected to be 31%. Queens's booming industries include transportation, food services, healthcare, and construction.
Many Queens residents do not work in Queens. They usually go to Manhattan, White Plains, or Westchester to work. You are still in luck if you want to work in Queens. New York Public Library website offers several resources to help you find a job in Queens.
Traffic & Transportation
Queens has a high traffic volume, with an average commute of 43.6 minutes per way. More than 30% of commuters still use their cars to get around.
You'll find the most congestion if you commute by car between 6-9 am and 4-7 pm. Congestion is most common on the Long Island Expressway or Interstate 678, as these are the two main highways that run east-west through Queens. The traffic is the heaviest near the Queens Midtown Tunnel and Queensboro Bridge. During popular travel days, it also tends to build up around LaGuardia Airport and JFK.
More than half of the residents choose public transportation because it is convenient and available. Queens is home to over a dozen Long Island Railroad stops, which provide easy access to Long Island. Residents can reach Manhattan and other neighborhoods via subway stations and bus routes.
Queens can be accessed by foot in most areas. Walkscore.com rates cities from 1-100 according to walkability (accessibility of public transit), bike-friendliness, and availability. Queens neighborhoods average a walk score of 75, a transit score of 70, and a bike score of 55. Queens is a great place to walk and use public transportation, but you should be careful when biking through some more crowded areas.
What to Do
Queens always have things to do. Queens is a great alternative to Manhattan. You can get there in a few minutes by subway, but you will want to stay once you experience all it offers. This borough has beautiful beaches and parks, sports stadiums, and the city's best food.
Outdoor Activities
Queens Parks are a great place to spend time, as the weather is usually good for outdoor activities. Spend the day at the World's Fair grounds, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, or relax on Rockaway Beach and enjoy the sea air.
Sporting Events
There is also plenty of entertainment for sports fans. You can score tickets for the U.S. Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Citi Field is also the place to catch a New York Mets match. Citi Field hosts various events and concerts, even when baseball is not in season.
The Arts
It's fine if sports are not your thing! MoMA PS1, a branch of the Museum of Modern Art, has some great exhibits, and in the summer, it transforms into an outdoor concert venue. Visit Louis Armstrong's house and the Queens Jazz Trail to see the homes of jazz musicians.
Food
You're in luck if all the fun you had made you hungry. Queens is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Flushing has authentic Asian food that rivals Chinatown. Astoria and Bayside are also home to restaurants that have received rave reviews, such as Anassa Taverna in Astoria for Greek cuisine and Koyo in Bayside for Japanese food.
You'll find many great spots to grab a drink with friends.
Schools and Universities
Queens has hundreds of public, charter, and private schools to accommodate its large population. Many of these schools are among New York City's best.
Queens is covered by New York City districts #24-30, which have more than 422 elementary and secondary schools. Greatschools.org gives excellent ratings to most Queens schools. Many schools, such as Queens High School for the Sciences and The Active Learning Elementary School, have a rating of 10/10.
Townsend Harris High School was named one of the top public high schools in NYC, with a college enrollment rate of 100% and an A.P. passing rate of 90%.
Queens also has some of the best colleges and universities in the country. St. John's University is known for its Division I athletics and highly regarded academic program. Queens College is part of the CUNY System and offers affordable education to New Yorkers. Queensborough Community College is the largest of the community colleges.
Crime
When moving to a different area, safety is a major consideration. The Crime Index rates areas regarding violent crimes and property crimes from 1 (lowest rate) to 100% (highest rate). Queens' violent crime index is 34.4, compared to the U.S. average of 22. 7. The property crime index is 28, well below the U.S. average of 35.4.
Jamaica and the southern part of Queens are prone to crime. North Queens has a very low crime rate.
Utility Providers
We'll guide you through setting up utilities at your new home. The following are the main utility providers in Queens.
- Gas service:Natural gas service for northern Queens is provided by condition. National Grid is the gas provider for southern Queens. Register for the condition or request an appointment before moving with National Grid.
- Electric service: Queens is served by condition as the main electricity provider. Online registration is available to find out more about the service in your area and to start.
- Trash pick-up/recycling service: The New York City Department of Sanitation is responsible for the trash collection and recycling service. The collection times and instructions vary by neighborhood. Visit their website for details.
- Internet/Cable Service: Queens residents can choose from DIRECTV DISH Spectrum and Verizon as their internet/cable providers.
Conclusion
As you move to Queens, NY, having the right help and support is important. We recommend contacting Big Mike's Moving Companies Queens, the trusted local movers who can ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home.
Our expert team of movers in Queens understands the unique challenges and logistics of relocating in this vibrant borough, and we are committed to providing top-notch service to meet all your moving needs. Don't hesitate to contact us for a stress-free and efficient move to Queens, NY. Contact us today and experience the difference between working with a reliable and professional moving company that truly understands Queens.