Geography

From The Peopling of New York City: Indian Communities

Contents 1 Jackson Heights, Queens 2 Flushing, Queens 3 Richmond Hill, Queens 4 Astoria, Queens 5 Woodside, Queens 6 Corona, Queens 7 Elmhurst, Queens 8 Murray Hill, Manhattan

According to Johanna Lessinger, of the many provinces from which Indians emigrate to the United States, most hail from the northern regions of India, especially the more industrialized states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh. Within the five boroughs of New York City, it can be said that the majority of the Indian population within the City has settled in three specific areas: Jackson Heights in Queens, Flushing in Queens, and Murray Hill in Manhattan, not excluding the smaller Indian settlements of Richmond Hill, Astoria, Woodside, Corona, and Elmhurst. However, as a function of the upward social mobility most Indian immigrants enjoy in this country, many Indians are successful enough in their endeavors that they either have the opportunity or must by necessity (as business dictates) move out of the city into Long Island or surrounding suburbs. As such, while there are sizable populations of Indians in and around New York City including the areas of Jersey City and Edison, New Jersey, the actual density of Indian people in neighborhoods considered to be “Indian” is less than that of other ethnic groups in their regions of the city. This is not to say that the city is lacking in a discernible center of Indian culture and life. Jackson Heights, the so-called “Little India” of New York, is, by the casual observer’s eye, the area with the greatest Indian population within the city limits. It is here at the junction of 34th Avenue and 74th Street that one can go to find, eat, and buy nearly all things Indian.

Jackson Heights aside, there are a number of neighborhoods in the City in which Indians have settled. Below are listed most of these areas, along with some basic geographical information about each. A click on the heading of each subsection will lead to a page with more detailed information about the neighborhood.

Jackson Heights, Queens

We, the authors of this website, define the Jackson Heights region as the area lying primarily between the East Brooklyn Queens Expressway and 94th Street in Queens. The northernmost reaches of Jackson Heights extend to Astoria Boulevard, and to the south, until Roosevelt Avenue.

Flushing, Queens

On the outskirts of New York City and the borough of Queens lies Flushing. With some discrepancies, this neighborhood lies mostly between the Whitestone Expressway, Northern Boulevard, and the Utopia Parkway.

Richmond Hill, Queens

The neighborhood of Richmond Hill can be approximated as centered between the Van Wyck Expressway, Atlantic Avenue, Jackie Robinson Parkway, and Woodhaven Boulevard.

Astoria, Queens

This neighborhood is centered along Astoria Boulevard at the point where the "N" and "W" trains intersect with it. To the north, Astoria is bounded by Ditmars Boulevard, and to the south, by Broadway. For the purposes of this website, Steinway Street defines the easternmost edge of Astoria, and to the west, Astoria Park marks the farthest limit of the neighborhood.

Woodside, Queens

The joining of Woodside Avenue and Roosevelt Avenue is the crux of the neighborhood of Woodside, Queens. The extent of this neighborhood is considered for the purposes of the matter in question to extend several blocks from this point of origin.

Corona, Queens

East of Elmhurst is situated the neighborhood of Corona. Its borders extend as far north as Northern Boulevard, as far south as the Long Island Expressway, as far west as Jct Avenue, and as far east as Grand Central Parkway.

Elmhurst, Queens

South of Flushing and west of Corona lies Elmhust in Queens. The heart of Elmhurst is located at the junction of Corona Avenue and 51st Street, and Broadway and Grand Avenue mark its ends on the north and south sides, respectively.

Murray Hill, Manhattan

This area, often referred to as "Curry Hill" in reference to the high Indian population, lies mainly on Lexington Avenue in Manhattan and is bounded by 38th Street on the northern side and 28th Street on its southern side.