I’ve lived in Elmhurst pretty much my entire life, and I can easily say that it’s one of the most lively, cultured, and comfortable places to live in New York. A large percentage of the people who reside in Elmhurst are minorities, and that leads to a very rich, diverse neighborhood. Despite its dense population, Elmhurst remains as a very safe place to live. Elmhurst is home to one of the most profitable malls in America: The Queens Center Mall. The mall bustles with activity year-round, and the variety of stores there is amazing. The food selection around in the area is perhaps one of the most diverse in New York, as you may expect. From Italian and French cuisine to gourmet Thai and Chinese food, the options are endless, and are one of, if not, the reason why many people choose to move to Elmhurst. The area is easily accessible by public transportation or by car, and there are also two additional malls (Queens Plaza Mall and the Century 21 Mall on the outskirts of Elmhurst) in case there is anything that the Queens Center doesn’t supply. Apart from the bustling activity of the three malls here in Elmhurst, there are a number of parks that provide great scenery. There’s a wonderful, cohesive mix of a busy city feel and a suburban town feel here, and with all the food and entertainment available, you’ll rarely find yourself bored. Just be careful when crossing Queens Boulevard, though–it’s a very busy street that runs through all of Queens. Take a bit of time to visit one of New York’s best-kept secrets. You won’t regret it!
Reasons to Visit:
- The food is amazing, and the choices are through the roof.
- Elmhurst is considered as the most ethnically diverse zip code in New York. Over 57 languages are spoken here!
- The scenery, the atmosphere, the malls. You’ll find it hard to get bored in Elmhurst.
- Easy access to public transportation.
Reasons Not to Visit:
- Congestion and traffic. Especially around holidays, the traffic and crowds can get pretty bad.
- Schools need quite a bit of revamping.
- Relatively old infrastructure = sewage/drainage problems.
Directions:
Take the uptown M, R, or G (only on weekends) to Elmhurst Ave, Grand Ave, or Woodhaven Blvd (all three stops reside in Elmhurst).
