Comparison: Jackson Heights and Astoria

From Decoding New York

Astoria. An Astoria sunset in July 2006. Photo by MDPNY.

Astoria and Jackson Heights are each located a 20-minute subway ride form New York City. You can use the No. 7 line from Jackson Heights and the N or W from Astoria. This convenient commute makes the neighborhoods very nice places to live for the large group of people who work in the City or like to be near it for its many attractions. The rents are also very competitive. A one bedroom in Jackson Heights will set you back between $900 and $1300 while the same room in Astoria will be between $1050 - $1400. The extreme diversity of the neighborhoods help to make them seem welcoming to all types of people. It is why there is constant growth and development in each neighborhood. It is a great way to have easy access to a major metropolitan area while still living in a family friendly place. The ethnic shopping and eating are a bonus.

Jackson Heights. A view of 74th St. in the heart of Jackson Heights. Photo by Mikko Stamm.

In many ways Jackson Heights is a younger version of Astoria. Although Jackson Heights has only had two major influxes of immigrants (as compared to Astoria's four) it is nearly 200 years younger than Astoria. With time it will continue to change through new immigration. Actually, New York's status as a major hub of immigration basically assures us that both Astoria and Jackson Heights will continue to change as we move forward. It is this dynamic nature of the area which comes into focus after just a little digging.