Queens is located to the east of Brooklyn and Manhattan and to the south of the Bronx. Queens stretches from north to south across the width of Long Island, and also includes a number of islands directly south of its main landmass. The borough is the most ethnically diverse area of New York City, and perhaps even the entire globe. Queens completely encapsulates the concept of the United States as the land of opportunity, and almost half of its population are first-generation immigrants to the United States. <\/p>\n
Queens is also home two of three major NYC Airports, and both airports which actually reside within the boundaries of New York City. LaGuardia and JFK International are both located in Queens, whereas Newark International is located in New Jersey. <\/p>\n
One thing that you will notice when you come to Queens is that it really provides an experience unique from the other Boroughs of New York, especially Manhattan. The diversity provided by the burgeoning ethnic populations has an undeniable influence on the affect of the entire borough. Many people think of New York City as a cold and aloof metropolis, but Queens offers a level of excitement and inclusiveness that is harder to find in other areas of the city. <\/p>\n
For the most part, the different ethnic communities of Queens form closely-knit enclaves. For example, Jackson heights features a relatively small area which includes three distinct populations. The largest of these is probably its Indian enclave, but immediately bordering it is a neighborhood which is almost exclusively Colombian. Beyond that is a third area which is primarily composed of Mexicans. <\/p>\n
For those that love to experience and learn about new cultures, or those that want to explore their own cultural heritage, Queens is the number one place to visit in New York City. The various cultures represented in Queens often host large festivals in which they invite all who wish to participate. Although the enclaves remain united by heritage and community, the demographics of the region as a whole still encourage inclusiveness.Nearly every one of these enclaves has its own economic ecosystem. <\/p>\n
They all have their own stores and shops which offer goods unique to their culture. Queens is also known for having one of the most amazing food cultures in the world. If you are a fan of ethnic food, as well as ethnic fusion, nothing beats a trip to Queens. <\/p>\n
Although most people think of Manhattan as the center of New York City, the geographical balance of NYC is actually located in Queens. Another interesting piece of trivia is that Queens was home to the Worlds Fairs of both 1939 and 1964. Although the fairs were long ago, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park and the surrounding area is still one of the greatest tourist attractions of the city. <\/p>\n
If you are a fan of sports, Citi Field lies just north of the fairground, and is home to the Mets. Although the Yankees get all the acclaim, the Mets are the hometown team of millions in the state of New York, especially in Queens. Nearby is the the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, which is home to the U.S. Open, one of the four tennis tournaments which make up the prestigious Grand Slam. Just a short walk north is the Queens marina of Long Island Sound. Other amenities around the park are pedal-boats, a zoo, and a science museum. <\/p>\n
Long Island City Although this district has a primarily industrial history, in recent years is has been experiencing a significant level of repatriation, especially among those that participate in the arts. For people looking for an area whose residents are on the cutting edge of culture, this is a good area to visit. <\/p>\n
Astoria Astoria is known for its various cultural influences, although the area is has a very large population of Greek immigrants. Astoria is a very trendy area of Queens, known for its shops and restaurants. <\/p>\n
Jackson Heights This district has a significant number of immigrants from various nations of Central and South Asia. There is a bustling Indian neighborhood which is loaded with Indian shops, restaurants, and even a theater which exclusively plays Bollywood films! There are also Latinos from all over Central and South America that call Jackson Heights home. <\/p>\n
Woodside and Elmhurst These districts boast large populations of various Southeast Asian cultures, including Koreans, Chinese, Thai, and Filipino. Woodside has amazing Filipino shops and Thai restaurants. <\/p>\n
Flushing Flushing is known for having one of the largest Chinese enclaves in the entire United States. Flushing is known for its fantastic restaurants and stores, and is very popular with tourists and sports fans because of its proximity to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. <\/p>\n
Forest Park Forest Park is a very large and beautiful park which is frequented by tourists and locals alike. The park is more than 500 acres and offers various amenities. Forest park is great for various athletic and nature activities, including hiking, biking, running, horseback riding, and skating. <\/p>\n
Jamaica This area primarily consists of black immigrants from the Caribbean and Africa, and features a number of museums and music venues which feature African American culture and art. <\/p>\n
The Rockaways This district has a history as a resort town in the 19th century, but as more people moved into the Borough it developed into a more suburban community. The Rockaways are very economically diverse, and people of all classes live in the neighborhoods of the area. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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