Residents of Astoria love their neighborhood. As is evidenced through the following quotes and interviews, residents enjoy the diversity and community in Astoria as well as the low rents.
Justine Benith (a newcomer to Astoria)-"Low rent is the number one attraction to the neighborhood. And it's extremely convenient to Midtown as well. Kids in their 20s need an affordable place to live, and that's what you'll find in Astoria -- for the time being."[1]
Tasos Sakkas (a Greek immigrant who came to Astoria in 1971)-"We're all together here; we all look after each other. I love Astoria. I love New York. I love the U.S. That's why I stay."[2]
Bob Singleton (president of the Greater Astoria Historical Society)-"[Astoria is] one of those neighborhoods almost too good to be true. Everyone in the neighborhood gets along. It's not a place where social status is terribly important."[3]
Kyriakos Louca (born in Astoria to Greek parents)-"I was born here because my parents decided this is where they want to give birth to me. Astoria is a multifaceted community, with various ethnic groups, cultures and scenery to satisfy anyone's thirst for variety."
Dovid Fein (moved to Astoria in 2006)-"I moved to Astoria because it has a young and diverse community, with a lot of families. I run over the bridges all the time and I like being close to the water. It’s close to Manhattan, but it’s different. There’s stuff to do in Astoria; you don’t have to go to Manhattan. There are bars, restaurants, concerts in the park. [...] It’s a nice neighborhood. It’s not Manhattan, so it has its’ downsides, but there’s positive to that too. It’s a mixture. It’s cheaper, that’s a big thing. It’s probably the nicest, most affordable place to live."
Ross Benoliel (opera singer living in Astoria)-"There are definitely a lot of actors, a lot of performers, a lot of musicians, people who are struggling to make it, this is the place where they come."
Return to Astoria or visit Astoria's Borders | Historic Overview | Immigrants in Astoria | Housing in Astoria | Contemporary Profile | Interesting Facts | Explore Astoria | Conclusions