Where Greeks Settle After Leaving Astoria

Many Greek residents have come to America in hopes of a better future. Settling in Astoria, Queens, they have created a little Greece of their own. Astoria became home to approximately 70,000 Greeks after the quota system of the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 ended. Ever since then, the number of 1^st generation Greek immigrants has decreased from 22,600 in 1980 to 18,100 in 1990 to 9,300 in 2000 (Chaudhuri)⁶⁷.

Maps of Queens that show the changes in Greek population from 1980 to 1990 to 2000:

There are several causes for this decline in the Greek population in Astoria. First and foremost, upward mobility played a major role for residents of Astoria. Upon arriving in Astoria, many Greeks opened up businesses, such as diners. As they became more and more wealthy, they began leaving Astoria and moving to the suburbs, such as Long Island (Ekman)⁶⁸. Another reason that Greeks left Astoria was because of “crime and fear of ethnic change.” During the 1980s, many of them moved to areas such as Bayside and Whitestone (Moskos)⁶⁹.

 These suburbs have sizeable Greek populations. According to Infoshare, Nassau County’s Greek population has risen from 13,852 in 1900 to 20,864 in 2000. Hempstead is in the lead with a population of 9,354 followed by Oyster Bay with a population of 6,603 and then North Hempstead with a population of 3,770. Suffolk County’s numbers aren’t as high as Nassau County’s numbers, but are still significant. In 1900, there were 8,612 Greeks and in 2000 there were 18,419 Greeks in Suffolk County. The areas with the highest populations include Brookhaven with a population of 6,081, Shinnecock with a population of 2,992, Smithtown with a population of 2,930, and Babylon with a population of 2,456 (Infoshare)⁷⁰.

Although these Greeks have moved out of Astoria, they “are still strongly bound to Astoria by economic and familial ties” (Chaudhuri)⁶⁷. Many people that had businesses in Astoria before they fled kept them there because they were familiar with the area and the market. In addition, most of those who moved out frequently visit Astoria. Although the population of Astoria is more multiethnic that it used to be (containing a large population of Pakistanis, Egyptians, and Ecuadoreans) the former Greek Astoria residents help keep their heritage alive (Ekman)⁶⁸.

The preservation of Greek culture is greatly displayed throughout Long Island. About 65 years ago, the first Greek Orthodox Church, St. Paul’s Cathedral, opened in Hempstead. Since then, fourteen Greek Orthodox Churches have formed in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties (Sultan)⁷¹. Greeks are very proud of their culture and religion, attending Church on Sundays and spending much time with people of their own backgrounds. In addition, twelve Greek Orthodox Afternoon Schools have been created on Long Island (GoArch)⁷². Both children and adults are welcome to attend these schools to learn the Greek language and to learn about the traditions and customs of Greek culture.

An interactive map of the Greek Churches on Long Island:

A photo of St Paul’s Cathedral

Another form of keeping Greek heritage alive is demonstrated through Greek festivals. Along Long Island, there are about ten Greek festivals that occur from early June to late August. Greeks display their pride as they all gather together to eat delicious authentic Greek food, dance to traditional Greek music, and browse the wide variety of beautiful Greek jewelry (Mommy Poppins)⁷³.

A photo of a flyer from a Greek Festival:

A photo of Greeks dancing at a Greek Festival on Long Island:

Although Greeks have begun to leave the “little Greece” that they once created, they still remain proud supporters of Astoria and they keep their heritage alive by celebrating their culture.

-Rachel Gohari