Queens is the largest of the boroughs in New York City by area and the second-largest in terms of population. It also has one of the greatest ethnic diversity than any region in the world, with the city divided into small enclaves. If it were an independent city, it would be the fifth most populous in the United States with a population of over 2.3 million. Queens also boasts of the most diversified economy of the five boroughs of New York City. Read on to get familiar with the city and know where to find rooms for rent in Queens.
Getting to know Queens
The first settlers in the area were Dutch in 1635 who established the colony of New Netherland. However, in 1664 the area was captured by the English who renamed and took over the area. Queens was incorporated as a borough of New York City in 1898 by a vote of the State Legislature. Queens and the rest of New York City have a humid subtropical climate with partial shielding from the Appalachian Mountains. The area also benefits from the moderating influences of the Atlantic Ocean. Also home to the John F. Kennedy International Airport and LaGuardia Airport, it is a major hub. With this connectivity, getting there by air is never a problem if you plan to find studio apartments for rent in Queens and live there.
Finding rooms for rent in Queens
Known for its diversity and for being an economic and cultural hub, Queens is a melting pot that can make you feel at home. With a land area of 109 sq mi, it is served by the United States Postal Service in four zones. These four zones of Queens are Long Island City, Jamaica, Flushing, and Far Rockaway. Most neighborhoods in Queens have no solid boundaries and often overlap with each other. There are many great neighborhoods where you can find rooms for rent in Queens. Read on to know more about them!
Top neighborhoods in Queens
Finding rooms for rent in Queens or New York City, in general, can be quite expensive, so be prepared to shell out a decent sum for rent. You can find studio apartments for rent in Queens that are small but can be easier to maintain and with lower utility costs. Finding rooms for rent in Queens for $500 can be challenging but there may be options for a basement for rent in Queens for $700. People in Queens tend to identify with their neighborhood over the borough, or New York City in general, with each being unique.
Here are some great neighborhoods to find rooms for rent in Queens.
- Flushing: Home to a large Asian community consisting of Chinese, Koreans, and South Asians, it is located in North-Central Queens. Downtown Flushing is a major commercial and retail hub. Flushing has been called New York City’s “most dynamic outer-borough neighborhood” by the New York Post. If you want to be a part of this melting pot, you can find rooms for rent in Queens here and experience it firsthand.
- Long Island City: This is a great option to find studio apartments for rent in Queens at a more affordable rate. Home to a rising arts community, it is a great place to enjoy a thriving arts scene. It is also home to Steinway Street, a major shopping district, and many trendy restaurants and shops.
- Jackson Heights: A very ethnically diverse and dynamic neighborhood, it is home to immigrants and the local middle class. With lower rents, it attracts many in search of rooms for rent in Queens. You will also find many dining options with a host of Indian, Thai, Nepalese, Tibetan, and other restaurants here.
Average rent in Queens
Rents can be above the nationwide averages if you are looking for rooms for rent in Queens or New York City. You can check out our recommended neighborhoods or explore others with this information. Here is a breakup of the average rent in Queens.
| Rooms for Rent in Queens | Average Rent |
| Studio Apartment in Queens | $1,952 |
| 1 Bedroom Apartment in Queens | $2,100 |
| 2 Bedroom Apartment in Queens | $2,860 |
| 3 Bedroom Apartment in Queens | $3,606 |
Related: Roomi’s Guide To Working With Small Spaces & Studio Apartments
University life in Queens
Living and studying in Queens can be an expensive affair. You can apply for scholarships or grants in advance or explore the option of on-campus accommodation to save some cash. Here are some of the expenses that you can expect on average if you plan to live in a Queens apartment.
| Particulars | Average monthly cost |
| Rent | $2682 |
| Travel | $130 |
| Food | $2300 |
| Utilities | $60 |
| Health Insurance | $100 |
While these numbers may seem high, sharing a room with a roommate or finding studio apartments for rent in Queens can bring rent down. Eating at home and cooking yourself can also help you save on food.
Related: A First-Time Renter’s Brilliant Guide to Living in NYC
Here is a list of some of the best Universities in Queens!
- St John’s University Queens Campus
- Queens College, City University of New York
- York College
- Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
- Queensborough Community College
Related: The Best Liberal Arts Colleges in New York State
How transit friendly is Queens?
Queens can be easy to navigate by walking or cycling. With rush hour traffic, it can often be faster to just bike or walk if your commute is short and allows it. This may be something you want to keep in mind while finding rooms for rent in Queens. Walking or biking can be a great way to save money. When it comes to public transportation, there are many options to get around as well.
1. Subway
Many New York City Subway lines run through Queens and serve 81 stations across 7 lines. You can use the Subway to get around Queens or even nearby places like Manhattan or Brooklyn directly. The Long Island Rail Road also has many stops in Queens and you can visit their sites to check if your route is served by either.
Related: Traveling by NYC’s Transit System: A Guide To NYC’s Subway
2. Buses
Buses can also be a great way to reach places that are not served by the subway system. If you are finding rooms for rent in Queens in a place that does not have a subway system, you can use express buses or local buses. You can use the MTA trip planner to check the routes operated by the MTA New York City Bus and MTA Bus brands.
3. Taxis
Taxis are easily available in Queens and can be useful if you are looking for apartments for rent in Queens in areas that are a bit out of the way. Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft are also great options to get around.
Regarding taxis, here are some things to keep in mind.
- Minimum metered fare is $2.50, which increases 50 cents every fifth of a mile or every minute, depending on how fast you’re traveling.
- All taxis accept cash and credit, debit and prepaid cards.
- Tip 15–20 percent at the end of a trip; bridge and tunnel tolls are extra and added to the metered fare.
4. Ferries and water taxis in Queens
The New York Water Taxi, SeaStreak, and NYC Ferry are some options if you plan on traveling by ferry.
Related: Uber or Taxi in NYC: Which is Better?
Cultural activities in Queens
Once you find yourself settled into your apartment in Queens, it is time to learn a bit more about the place. Here are some great cultural activities in Queens that can help you learn about the place and have fun!
- P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center: An innovative, contemporary museum housed in a former school building.
- Citi Field: Head here to cheer on the local team, the New York Mets.
- Jamaica Farmers’ Market: Explore this seasonal market to grab fresh produce and food.
Dining in Queens
- Astoria: Find great Greek and Czech food here along with some great Egyptian restaurants.
- Corona: Home to some great Italian joints and a quick stop after a Mets game.
- Jackson Heights: Head to 74th street for Indian and Afghan or82nd and 90th Sts. for Colombian, Peruvian, Ecuadorian, and Mexican cuisine.
D’you know what else Roomi does outside of helping its readers find rooms for rent in Queens? With our ever-increasing lists of rooms and roommates across the world, we help you find your perfect match!
