10 Safest Neighborhoods In Queens

Are you thinking about moving to Queens, or just wondering what it’s like there?

Queens has many areas that are known for being safe and comfortable to live in. I’ve put together a list of the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Queens.

Each one has its own special qualities, whether you’re looking for a place that’s great for families or somewhere with easy city access. This list is a perfect starting point for finding your new home in this part of New York.

Is Queens Safe?

Yes, Queens is generally considered safe, especially when you think about its size as one of the largest parts of New York City.

Compared to places like the Bronx and Brooklyn, Queens has a reputation for being one of the safer boroughs, although Brooklyn also has its safe areas too.

Just like in any big city, Queens has areas that might not be as safe as others.

Places like the western part of Ozone Park, Jamaica, South Jamaica, St. Albans, and Springfield Gardens might be ones that are considered dangerous.

Safest Neighborhoods To Live In Queens

Here are the top ten safest neighborhoods in Queens:

Forest Hills

Forest Hills is considered safer than 86% of cities in New York and the safest neighborhood in Queens. The total crime in Forest Hills is estimated to be 31% lower than the national average while the violent crimes are about 35% lower than the national average.

The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the early 1900s when it was first established as a residential area. Forest Hills is a safe and desirable place to live, with a low crime rate of only 48 incidents per 100,000 people. 

The area is also home to excellent schools, including Forest Hills School District, which is highly rated for its academic excellence.

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Sunnyside

Sunnyside is patrolled by the 108th Precinct of the NYPD, and over the years, it has seen a significant decrease in crime. By 2024, crimes across all categories had reduced by 88.2% compared to 1990.

The area had relatively low rates of violent crimes and property crimes. Specifically, Sunnyside and Woodside had a non-fatal assault rate of 19 per 100,000 people, which is lower than the city’s average.

The neighborhood’s streets are characterized by a mix of urban and suburban elements, with pre-war apartments and single-family homes being common. Here you will find a wide range of ethnicities, including residents of Albanian, Chinese, Irish, Korean, Mexican, and many other backgrounds.

Long Island City

Situated in the western part of Queens, New York, is a neighborhood that has evolved significantly over the years. Originally dominated by industrial activity, it has transformed into a more residential and commercial area.

This neighborhood is unique as it serves as the eastern terminus of the Queensboro Bridge, a major connection to Manhattan, and Queensbridge Houses is located here, the largest public housing complex in the Western Hemisphere.

The specific rate of crime in Long Island City is 114.2 per 1,000 residents during a typical year. The safest part of the neighborhood is generally considered to be the south, while the east parts may have higher crime rates.

Astoria

Originally called Hallet’s Cove, it was renamed to attract investment from a wealthy man named John Jacob Astor. Although he never visited, the name stuck. Famous for its Greek community, Astoria was once called a “Greektown.”

The rate of crime in Astoria is approximately 54.04 incidents per 1,000 residents during a typical year. The Northwest part of the neighborhood is considered to be the safest.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is considered one of the safer neighborhoods in Queens. The violent crime rate per 100,000 people in Kew Gardens is recorded at 267, while property crime per capita stands at 871.

These figures place Kew Gardens as the fifth safest neighborhood in Queens. This relatively low crime rate, along with the area’s architectural beauty and lifestyle offerings, make it a desirable place for residents who are looking for a more relaxed way of life within the city.

It’s particularly notable for its garden community character, which dates back to its development in the late 1800s to around 1950. The neighborhood features a mix of large family-style homes and upscale condominiums, providing a range of housing options.

Laurelton

Laurelton is a middle-class neighborhood. It was once part of the town of Jamaica and had a population of around 35,000.

The neighborhood is known for its brick homes and manicured lawns. Laurelton is a safe and good neighborhood with a very low crime rate. It is a great place to live, with excellent schools, restaurants, and parks. 

The neighborhood has a rich history and is home to many cultural landmarks. Some of the most popular restaurants in the area include the Laurelton Diner and the Golden Krust Caribbean Bakery.

The parks in the area are well-maintained and offer plenty of recreational opportunities for residents.

More: 7 Safest Neighborhoods In Bronx, NYC

Auburndale

Auburndale is a neighborhood located in Queens, New York City. It is an upper-middle-class neighborhood that is situated between Bayside and Murray Hill.

The neighborhood has a population of 22,710 residents, comprising both single-family homes and apartment buildings. 

The community is known for its excellent schools, low crime rates, and beautiful parks. The crime rates in Auburndale are 55% lower than the national average.

The neighborhood is also home to a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments.

Fresh Meadows

Fresh Meadows is a residential neighborhood in northeastern Queens, New York City.

The neighborhood has a rich history dating back to the 17th century when the Dutch originally settled it.

The area is home to several excellent schools, including St. Francis Preparatory School, one of the largest Catholic high schools in the United States. 

Fresh Meadows is relatively low crime rates and diverse population with a mix of families and young professionals.

In this are there is plenty of restaurants, banks, and supermarkets are in the area.

Fresh Meadows is bordered to the east by Cunningham Park, a beautiful park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports fields.

Rego Park

Rego Park is a peaceful and safe neighborhood located in Queens, New York. With a low crime rate and a strong community atmosphere, it offers a welcoming and secure environment for its residents.

The area is well-served by public transportation and has a wide range of amenities, including parks, restaurants, and shopping centers.

Woodside

The neighborhood is popular among young professionals and is recognized for its liberal community vibe.

The real estate market in Woodside features a mix of housing options. The median home value is around $694,601, which is significantly higher than the national average.

Renting is more common here, with 72% of residents renting their homes at a median rent of about $1,660. Safety in Woodside is rated moderately, with a grade of C+ according to Niche.

Wrap-Up: Safest Neighborhoods in Queens

In Queens, safe neighborhoods are scattered throughout, both in suburban and more urban areas. While some of these areas come with higher living costs due to their safety, you can still find places that balance security with affordability.

I always recomend to personally explore a neighborhood and read online about the experiences of current residents to get an accurate feel for the area before making a decision to rent or buy.

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