Woodside, Queens

A comfortable life in Queens

By Jonathan Scheff | Special to amNewYork

July 20, 2006

When Woodside residents describe their neighborhood, it sounds like a utopia. "It's quiet and safe," they repeat like a mantra. "There's a good community here."

One woman sitting in Lawrence Virgilio Playground, who chose not to give her name, said she grew up in Woodside.

As she watched her grandchildren play, she said: "It's a good place to live. The schools are good. Woodside is diverse and convenient. Hop on the train or bus, and you can be in the city in 15 minutes."

The area's ethnic diversity has shifted over the years from one melting pot to another. Once packed with Irish immigrants, now the neighborhood houses first and second generation immigrants from around the world, especially Korea, Ecuador, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and, still, Ireland.

Woodside has a strong community feel. Walking down the street, people recognize each other. Residents often stop each other in the street and ask about children, business and summer plans. Local shops and bakeries double as community centers.

To buy/rent
"Our housing is as diverse as our community," said Bartt Constantine, a sales manager at Weichert Realtors and a long-time resident in the area.

"We have many buildings built in the 20s and 30s for the rich looking for a reprise from the city. We also have many buildings that were built for the working class from the same period and every period since." Constantine said many properties are being renovated and re-sold for huge profits due to the neighborhood's proximity to the city.

"On the other end of the scale, we have many newer buildings that have luxuries such as doormen and pools." One-bedroom apartments average just under $200,000, with one high-end condo listed at $350,000. Two-bedroom apartments average just under $300,000, the most expensive being condos in 62-10 Woodside Ave., a renovated factory building with a doorman and luxury services. One three-bedroom currently on the market is asking $369,000.

"Typically, a condo will cost about $100,000 more than a comparable co-op," said Constantine.

One-family houses sell for around $625,00; two-family homes for more than $800,00; and three-families are getting just under $1 million. Constantine said the neighborhood is very stable.

"One of the things I like best about this area is that it is almost the same as it was when I moved here," he said. "The faces and languages have changed but the small town feel has never left. People move here because we have a very strong sense of community."

What's selling
-One-bedroom on 54th Street: $165,000
-Two-bedroom in Celtic Park: $265,000
-Three-bedroom in Boulevard Gardens: $337,000.

What's renting
-Three-bedroom: about $2,000
-Two-bedroom: about $1,500
-One-bedroom or studio: $1,000