10 Safest Neighborhoods in Queens

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Queens is the largest borough in New York, and it’s very popular with families and younger professionals.

It’s known as one of New York City‘s safer boroughs.

Queens is well positioned as well.

You can quickly reach Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, or Brooklyn.

You are also near La Guardia airport, which is important if you enjoy traveling.

The crime rate in Queens is significantly lower than in most areas of New York City.

Violent crime is lower than in other boroughs, except for Staten Island.

Property crime is also lower.

Queens has a property crime rate of 11%, compared to 20% in Manhattan.

10 Safest Neighborhoods in Queens

Like any city, some areas of Queens are safer than others.

The safest neighborhoods in Queens are:

1. Belle Harbor
2. Springfield Gardens
3. Clearview
4. Kew Gardens
5. Oakland Gardens
6. Laurenton
7. Forest Hills
8. Bayside
9. Flushing
10. Jackson Heights

Belle Harbor

Belle Harbor is located in South Queens, on the Rockaway Peninsula.

If you love the beach life but don’t want to give up city living completely, Belle Harbor is the perfect choice for you.

It has the feel of a coastal community, despite being located in the heart of New York City.

Beaches and parks provide plenty of nature-centered activities.

You’ll also find lots of shops, cafes, and upscale restaurants.

Crime is rare in this area, and the neighborhood is considered one of the safest in the state.

Springfield Gardens

Springfield Gardens is another neighborhood that is considered safe and good for families.

It’s quiet and the crime rate is low.

It’s not an ideal place to live if you love nightlife and upscale restaurants.

If you prefer a more suburban lifestyle, you should consider this Queens neighborhood.

Residents enjoy the proximity to JFK but say that traveling to other boroughs, like Brooklyn, is not easy using public transportation.

Clearview

Clearview is an urban neighborhood.

You’ll find many high-rise apartments.

Rental prices are average for New York City.

Home prices are more expensive than 38% of New York neighborhoods.

There’s a vacancy rate of 11%, which is surprising given the dense population of the area.

It’s more densely populated than 97% of U.S. neighborhoods.

Clearview does offer diversity.

There’s a relatively large Russian and Eastern European population.

The Korean population is higher than nearly any neighborhood in America.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a small middle-class neighborhood.

Real estate is affordable, with an average cost of $328,000, and rentals costing $1,800.

It borders Forest Park, which is great if you enjoy green spaces.

There’s a lack of nightlife and entertainment in the area.

However, if you are looking for a quiet life, this may be the neighborhood for you.

Oakland Gardens

Oakland Gardens is located in central Queens.

You’ll find the Long Island Expressway in the northern part of the neighborhood.

It has a suburban atmosphere and a large population of families and retirees.

The neighborhood has plenty of green spaces, along with a great selection of restaurants and amenities.

The area is very diverse, with a large Asian population.

Many people are of multiple races.

Laurelton

Laurelton is another middle-class neighborhood.

It’s densely populated.

Most people in the neighborhood own their own homes. 90% of the population is African American.

Other ethnicities in the area include Hispanic, Asian, and Native American.

Notable residents of the neighborhood include Ruth Madoff, wife of Bernie Madoff.

NFL stars Ronnie and Derrick Harmon also call Laurelton home.

Forest Hills

Forest Hills is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Queens.

You’ll find elegant homes and a thriving commercial district.

Local attractions include the Forest Hills Stadium.

The stadium hosted the U.S.

Open for more than 60 years, and provides grass courts for members of the West Side Tennis Club.

It’s a diverse neighborhood. 58% of the residents are white, and 24% are Asian.

The next ethnicity group is Hispanic or Latino, at 12%.

Forest Hills is one of the safest neighborhoods in Queens.

It’s safer than 79% of Queens neighborhoods.

Bayside

As the name suggests, Bayside is located on the Long Island Sound.

In addition to beautiful waterfront views, you’ll find several parks, including Alley Pond Park and Crocheron Park.

It’s also known for its great schools, making it a safe neighborhood for families.

Homes are expensive, with many costing more than $600,000.

Rentals average about $2,100 a month.

Bell Boulevard offers small businesses, many of which have been family-owned for many years.

Flushing

Flushing is safer than 31% of Queens neighborhoods.

It offers more of a big city feel.

It has a thriving nightlife, including bars, rooftop bars, and karaoke venues.

This makes it popular with younger professionals and singles.

However, there’s plenty for families to enjoy as well.

You’ll find the Queens Zoo, Queens Museum, the New York Hall of Science, and the Hindu Temple Society of North America.

It’s well known for being multicultural.

The neighborhood features the largest Chinatown in New York City.

There’s also a significant Indian and Korean population.

If you enjoy exploring different cultures, this is the place to be.

Jackson Heights

Jackson Heights is safer than 30% of neighborhoods in Queens.

It’s likely the most diverse neighborhood in New York City.

There are more than 160 languages spoken in Jackson Heights.

You’ll also find one of the largest concentrations of LGBTQ individuals in this neighborhood.

5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Queens

Queens is a great place to visit, but you should know some basic safety tips before you head to New York City.

1. Travel with Others

There’s safety in numbers.

When traveling in Queens, it’s best to travel as part of a group.

If possible, you should have at least one person with you at all times.

This greatly lowers your risk of being a victim of crime.

2. Be Aware of Pickpockets

Pickpockets are a problem in Queens.

You can prevent them from snagging your wallet or other personal items by taking a few precautions.

Travel clothing will often provide hidden pockets for your valuables.

These make it nearly impossible to steal them.

You can also use an inside jacket pocket.

If you have a purse or bag, wear it cross-body.

This makes it harder for someone to snatch your purse.

Keep your phone on you at all times.

Lastly, be on the lookout for anyone acting strangely or attempting to get your attention.

Pickpockets will often work in teams, with one person distracting you while the other picks your pockets.

3. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

When traveling, you should always be aware of your surroundings.

Look out for strange behavior or any situation that could be dangerous.

If you get a strange feeling, listen to it and move on.

4. Public Transportation Safety

You can use public transportation in Queens, with a few precautions.

Never get into an unmarked cab.

If you choose to use Uber or Lyft, be sure that you are getting into the correct vehicle.

The subway is efficient and typically safe. However, use extra caution when on the subway.

Keep an eye out, particularly at night.

5. Avoid Risky Areas

Some neighborhoods in Queens are safer than others.

Some streets are safer than others, regardless of the neighborhood’s reputation.

It’s best to avoid any areas that are known to be dangerous or have higher crime, especially if you are traveling alone.

Queens Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: Queens Safety Review

Safety Index:

73

• OVERALL RISK: LOW
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW