Queens

by The Linguist

 

Queens, New York: The Most Populous Borough

With a population of over 2.3 million as of 2020, Queens is the most populous of the five boroughs of New York City. Once rural farmland, Queens experienced massive growth and development in the early 20th century as the subway system expanded and the borough became more accessible. Today, Queens is known for its diversity and mix of residential neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and bustling business districts.

Population and Demographics

According to the 2020 census, Queens had a population of 2,405,464, making it the second most populous county in New York State after Kings County (Brooklyn). It is also the most ethnically diverse urban area in the world, with residents from over 100 different countries and speaking over 138 different languages. Nearly half of all Queens residents were born outside of the United States.

Geography and Neighborhoods

Queens covers an area of about 120 square miles on western Long Island. It shares borders with Brooklyn to the west, Nassau County to the east, Manhattan to the northwest across the East River, and Staten Island to the southwest across New York Bay. The borough includes diverse neighborhoods such as:

  • Astoria – Known for its Greek heritage and thriving artistic community.
  • Flushing – A major commercial and retail area with a large Chinese population.
  • Jackson Heights – Immigrant community with Indian, Colombian, and other Latin American cultures.
  • Jamaica – Historically African-American neighborhood and major transportation hub.
  • Forest Hills – Upscale residential area near Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
  • Long Island City – Former industrial area now home to luxury high-rises and arts institutions.
  • Rockaway Beach – Lively beach community on the Atlantic Ocean.

Government

As one of the five boroughs of New York City, Queens falls under the jurisdiction of the centralized New York City government. The borough president of Queens is Donovan Richards. Queens is also divided into 14 Community Districts, each with its own Community Board composed of local volunteers who advise on land use, budget, and community needs. Contact information for Queens Community Boards can be found on the NYC website.

History and Culture

Queens has a long and rich history dating back to the 17th century when it was founded as one of the original 12 counties of colonial New York under British rule. It is named after Catherine of Braganza, queen consort of England’s King Charles II. After the American Revolution, Queens became rural farmland and eventually underwent massive urbanization and development in the early 20th century. It retains sites from throughout its history such as the King Manor Museum built in 1750 and the historic Forest Hills Gardens planned community built in early 1900s.

Today, Queens is known for its diversity and mix of cultural institutions. The borough is home to two major sports venues: Citi Field, home of the New York Mets baseball team, and the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, host of the annual U.S. Open tournament. Other major destinations include:

Economy

Queens has a diverse economic base with media, transportation, education, retail, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and professional services among its top industries. Major companies headquartered in Queens include JetBlue and Verizon Communications. The borough is home to two major airports, JFK International and LaGuardia, as well as attractions such as Citi Field that draw tourists and visitors. For more on the borough’s diverse economy, visit the Queens Chamber of Commerce.

Transportation

Queens is very accessible for commuters and travelers. The New York City Subway system has over 30 different lines running through the borough, including the 7, E, F, M, R, and W trains. Major limited-stop subway lines include the E, J, and Z trains. The Long Island Rail Road also serves Queens at stations such as Jamaica, Forest Hills, and Flushing. LaGuardia Airport offers flights to domestic and international destinations, while JFK Airport serves as a major international gateway. For information on public transportation options, visit the MTA website.

Public Library

The Queens Public Library system is one of the largest and busiest public library systems in the United States. It operates over 60 branch locations across the borough. The Central Library is located at 89-11 Merrick Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11432. Phone: (718) 990-0700. Visit the Queens Public Library website for more information on branches, programs, and services.

Education

Queens contains dozens of public and private schools. Public schools are administered by the New York City Department of Education and fall under Community School Districts 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Major colleges and universities located in Queens include:

In addition, Queens contains dozens of private K-12 schools. For more information on specific public or private schools, contact the New York City Department of Education or individual schools.

Local Resources

Queens offers an abundance of resources for residents and visitors alike. In addition to the government offices, libraries, schools, and cultural institutions linked above, the borough also contains hospitals, parks, houses of worship, community centers, theaters, restaurants, and small businesses galore. Learn more by exploring local directories such as:

Or visit sites like Yelp, Tripadvisor, Facebook, etc. to find specific businesses and organizations.

Landmarks

Here are the GPS coordinates for 3 famous landmarks in Queens:

  • Unisphere in Flushing Meadows Corona Park – 40.7464° N, 73.8438° W
  • King Manor Museum – 40.7477° N, 73.7930° W
  • Citi Field – 40.7575° N, 73.8464° W

The above embedded Google Map shows Queens, NY with markers for the 3 landmarks indicated.

County Information

Queens is one of the 5 boroughs that make up New York County, also known as Manhattan. However, it is contained within Queens County. The office of the Queens County Clerk is located at 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435. Phone: (718) 298-0600. Visit the Queens County Clerk website for more information.