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Floral Park: A suburban outpost on city's edge

By Joe Filippazzo and Kristen V. Brown | Special to amNewYork

May 15, 2008

There seems to be some confusion about Floral Park. Is it in Nassau County or New York City? Is it a suburb or is it an urban center? Well, the answer to both of these questions is yes.

Floral Park, Queens, lies on the outer edge of the city with its eastern and southern boundaries tracing out the Nassau County line. Just over the border is the incorporated village of Floral Park, but even the area's residents have trouble telling them apart.

"The two are almost interchangeable," said Mike Veloso, 26, a Nassau resident speaking from the Queens side. "But Floral Park in Queens has the better schools, lower taxes and quicker access to the rest of the city. I'm mad jealous."

There is now little evidence of the extensive farmland that was once Floral Park up until the early 20th century. Most of the houses are remnants of the post-World War II era and are one-story Capes on modestly sized lots. This style is easily recognizable throughout the neighborhood with most houses sitting in long rows with well-kept front yards and seemingly unique personalities. They were originally built in the mid-1940s for returning GIs.

But the area's newer residents have an entirely different back-story. Most are small families from South Asia looking for a quiet suburban environment in which to raise their children, and Floral Park fits the bill perfectly.

"It's a beautiful neighborhood and new residents are usually immigrant families from places like India," said Muhammad Alam, a real-estate agent from the surrounding area. "Houses are affordable, the quality of life is high and the school district -- district 26 -- is the best in Queens," he said.

While overdevelopment hasn't really been a problem, there are increasing signs that developers may be moving in on Floral Park.

"Go down any street and you'll see rows of small houses with style that all look alike with one ugly McMansion thrown in that looks like it fell out of the sky," Veloso said.

Ultimately, Floral Park is a family community, known for its good schools and family friendly environment. "This is a great family area, and you have everything available that you need," said Shazia Sheikh, a business owner and mom. "And there are lots of parks here!" adds her enthusiastic Arhum, 6.

On the other hand, the family appeal is the only drawback for Mukesh Shah, a business owner who splits his time between his homes in Floral Park and Manhattan, where he keeps a place because of Floral Park's lack of nightlife. "I'm single," said Shah, "so I have a hard time."

Find it

Bounded by Union Turnpike to the north, Langdale Street and the Nassau County border to the east, Jericho Turnpike to the south and Little Neck Parkway to the west.

To eat

Floral Park doesn't have the broadest spectrum of eateries, but the area's demographic is well represented with American, Italian and Indian restaurants. There are also a fair amount of fast food chains, mostly in strip malls along main drags like Hillside Avenue and Union Turnpike.

Nick and Maggie's

Ask anyone on the street where to eat in Floral Park and Nick and Maggie's is mentioned four times out of five. Serving traditional American fare like steaks and seafood, they also have over 150 wines and a 70-seat catering room. Their specialty is a filet mignon served in a port wine reduction sauce. 265-11 Union Tpke., 718-347-4846.

Hunan Café

With wall-to-wall mirrors, elegant porcelain and dainty pink table cloths, Hunan Café is well-dressed, if only in a 1980s sort of way. But decor aside, this spot is dressed up Chinese take-out at its best, dishing out classics like dumplings, fried rice and moo shu pork. 255-09 Hillside Ave. 718-347-4411

Mumbai Express Just opened last month, Mumbai Express is the newest addition to the ever-growing number of Indian restaurants on Hillside Avenue. Nevertheless, with a chic, modern look and an exclusively vegetarian menu, Mumbai Express sets itself apart. 256-05 Hillside Ave. 718-470-0059

Flavor of India