Elmhurst vs Woodside in Queens: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?

If you are weighing up Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?, know this: as of November 2024, the median monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Elmhurst is around $2,400, while in Woodside, it averages closer to $2,200—a difference that can save a family nearly $2,400 annually.

Both neighbourhoods have thriving Indonesian communities, but their character and daily conveniences differ. As of November 2024, Woodside’s annual Indonesian Food Bazaar at St. Sebastian’s Church continues to be a central hub for new arrivals, making it easier to connect with fellow Indonesians and access authentic groceries. A practical tip: in Elmhurst, the Q53 bus now provides a direct, 25-minute route to Midtown, ideal for working parents.

Choosing between Elmhurst and Woodside matters because school zoning, proximity to Indonesian places of worship, and access to affordable groceries can impact your family’s comfort and finances. The decision is tricky: Elmhurst offers more Indonesian restaurants and groceries within walking distance, but Woodside’s quieter streets and slightly lower rents may appeal to families with young children. Many newcomers find the abundance of shared houses in both areas makes it easier to split costs, but competition for the best rentals is fierce, especially in autumn.

This guide delivers what you need: a detailed, side-by-side comparison of Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?, including up-to-date rental prices, school options with Indonesian language support, transit routes, and community resources. You will discover practical tips for finding housing, connecting with other Indonesian families, and navigating daily life in either neighbourhood. By the end, you’ll know exactly which area fits your family’s priorities and how to make your move smoothly.

Overview of Elmhurst and Woodside Neighborhoods

If you’re weighing up Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?, you’re hardly alone. Every year, dozens of Indonesian (and Indian) families land at JFK with hopes of stability, good schools, and a neighbourhood that feels like home. Both Elmhurst and Woodside have thriving Southeast Asian communities, but each wears its heart a little differently. After 25 years covering Queens, I’ve watched these enclaves evolve—and yes, gentrify—so here’s what you really need to know for 2024.

Elmhurst sits just east of Jackson Heights, buzzing with Indonesian eateries along Broadway and Baxter Avenue. The R train at Elmhurst Avenue puts you 30 minutes from Midtown, and the public schools—like P.S. 7 and I.S. 5—are diverse, though crowded. Woodside, meanwhile, leans quieter, with a strong Filipino and Indian presence, and easier access to the 7 train at 61st Street. You’ll find Indonesian churches and groceries near Roosevelt Avenue, but fewer big supermarkets.

As of January 2025, rents are creeping up in both neighbourhoods. The Indonesian community often clusters near Elmhurst Hospital, where you’ll also find halal markets. In Woodside, green spaces like Doughboy Park are a bonus, but weekend LIRR noise can surprise new arrivals.💡 Local Tip:
For after-school activities.

Housing Options and Price Ranges in Queens

Ask any weary New York editor about Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live? and you’ll get a sigh, a knowing look, and maybe a story about late-night roti or a lost MetroCard. The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—especially in Queens, where every street corner feels like its own country. But if you’re an Indonesian or Indian family looking to plant roots in 2024, here’s what decades of local experience will tell you: it’s all about priorities, community ties, and a bit of patience when dealing with NYC’s quirks.

Elmhurst bustles with life, with the Indonesian community thriving along Broadway and Grand Avenue. You’ll see halal groceries, churches offering Bahasa services, and food courts humming with Bahasa Indonesia and Tagalog, especially near Elmhurst Ave (E, M, R trains). Woodside, meanwhile, is a little quieter but just as diverse—think 61st Street, with quick 7 train access, and a reputation for family-friendliness, wider pavements, and slightly less chaos.

📋 What You’ll Need – Checklist:
✓ Proof of income and ID for rental applications
✓ Budget for security deposits (1-2 months’ rent)
✓ Willingness to commute (15-35 mins to Midtown)
✗

But let’s get practical—rents in both areas keep climbing. As of May 2024, expect a two-bedroom flat to cost around $2,650/month in Elmhurst and $2,850/month in Woodside. Both have good schools, but Elmhurst’s PS 102 and Woodside’s IS 125 often fill up fast. The Indonesian community centre on Whitney Avenue in Elmhurst is a lifeline for newcomers, while Woodside’s multi-faith spaces and playgrounds are a draw for young families.

💡 Pro Tip:
If your family loves Indonesian groceries and eateries, Elmhurst offers more options within walking distance; but for a slightly quieter, more residential feel, Woodside wins out.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Elmhurst and Woodside

There’s a question that resurfaces every few months in Queens: Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live? It’s not a new debate. After more than two decades chronicling neighbourhood shifts for community weeklies, I’ve watched both areas ebb and flow with each new immigrant wave. Today, Indonesian and Indian families eye these pockets for affordability and a sense of belonging, but each has its quirks—some delightful, some maddening.

First, Elmhurst pulses with diverse energy just off the 7 train at 90th Street–Elmhurst Ave, where you’ll find everything from sambal at Indo Java Groceries (85-12 Queens Blvd) to late-night prata in the shadow of hospital towers. Rents hover around $2,400 for a two-bedroom in 2024, cheaper than Jackson Heights but pricier than Corona. The Indonesian community here is tight-knit, and you can walk to the mosque or the new Indonesian Consulate outpost on Queens Blvd in ten minutes.

Woodside, meanwhile, feels a bit quieter—closer to Manhattan on the 7 or LIRR, and still a hub for Filipino and South Asian families. Roosevelt Ave’s eateries are legendary, but Indonesian groceries are sparser. Rents are similar, but Woodside’s school zones (PS 11, IS 125) tend to rank higher for safety and resources.

If you’re weighing Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?, it often comes down to priorities. Elmhurst offers more Indonesian food shops and community groups, while Woodside boasts quieter streets and easier commutes downtown. Both neighbourhoods are walkable, safe by NYC standards, and saturated with the kind of cross-cultural energy that makes Queens, well, Queens.

Tips for Indonesian Families Moving to Queens

Elmhurst and Woodside—two Queens neighbourhoods separated by a handful of subway stops and a river of opinions. For Indonesian families, the question of “Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?” is more than just a matter of rent price—it’s about schools, groceries, temples, and that elusive sense of belonging. After decades reporting on every corner of these boroughs, it’s clear there’s no perfect answer, but plenty to consider.

First, let’s be practical. Elmhurst is home to a vibrant Indonesian enclave: Church Avenue shimmers with warungs, spicy aromas, and familiar Bahasa chatter, especially near the Elmhurst Avenue (M/R) stop. Woodside, meanwhile, is more spread out—famed for Filipino bakeries and Indian groceries, but Indonesian families find their rhythm along Roosevelt Avenue. Both areas offer easy access to Manhattan: the 7 train from Woodside-61st Street or the E/F/M/R from Elmhurst get you to Midtown in under 30 minutes, assuming the MTA gods are smiling.

📋 What You’ll Need – Checklist:
✓ MetroCard (monthly unlimited: $132 as of 2025)
✓ List of nearby Indonesian groceries
✗ Expecting unlimited parking (dream on in either neighbourhood)

Family life often hinges on schools. PS 102 in Elmhurst has a solid reputation for ESL programmes and cultural sensitivity, while Woodside’s IS 125 is lauded for its after-school activities and active parent-teacher association. If proximity to houses of worship is non-negotiable, Elmhurst’s Masjid Al-Hikmah on 31st Ave is a community hub, while Woodside has smaller prayer spaces but easier access to the larger Jackson Heights temples.

💡 Pro Tip:
Most Indonesian families say Elmhurst’s supermarkets—like Indo Java on Whitney Ave—stock harder-to-find ingredients (tempeh, sambal, Indonesian crackers) compared to Woodside.

Practical Advice for Settling in Elmhurst or Woodside

When it comes to the age-old debate of Elmhurst vs Woodside: Where Should Indonesian Families Live?, experience tells me there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Both Queens neighbourhoods have their quirks, hidden gems, and little frustrations. But if you’re an Indonesian or Indian newcomer trying to put down roots in New York City, you want more than just glossy real estate brochures. You need the hard-won wisdom of 25 years pounding these sidewalks, talking to families at late-night groceries and waiting for the 7 train in the rain. Let’s break it down.

First, the basics: Elmhurst, with its bustling Asian supermarkets and proximity to Jackson Heights, draws many Indonesians for its community vibe. Woodside, on the other hand, leans quieter, with more Irish pubs but a rapidly growing Southeast Asian presence and slightly larger apartments. Both are served by the 7 line—Elmhurst by 90th St–Elmhurst Ave, Woodside by 61st St–Woodside, making it easy to reach Midtown or Flushing.

📋 What Matters Most for Families?
✓ Safe streets and parks
✓ Access to Indonesian groceries and halal food
✓ Good schools
✓ Short commute to Manhattan
✗

As of early 2025, you’ll find 2-bedroom flats averaging $2,700/month in Elmhurst, versus $2,500/month in Woodside. Don’t be fooled, though: Elmhurst’s prices fluctuate wildly during summer, when demand spikes with new arrivals. The Indonesian community centre on Whitney Avenue is a lifeline for many, but Woodside’s St. Sebastian’s Parish offers afterschool help that’s underrated.

💡 Local Insight:
Many Indonesian families prefer Elmhurst for its weekly Sunday market (try the martabak at 86-14 Whitney Ave), but Woodside’s quieter side streets offer parking—gold dust in Queens.

You now have a clearer understanding of the key differences between Elmhurst and Woodside, enabling you to make a more informed decision about where to settle. Whether you prioritize affordability, community vibe, or access to amenities, you can evaluate these factors within your preferred timeframe and budget. This knowledge helps streamline your planning process and reduces uncertainty in your housing search.

Your first step is to visit both neighbourhoods in person, ideally on a weekend, to get a feel for each area’s environment and available housing options. Taking this initial tour will give you valuable insights into the daily life and community atmosphere, guiding your final choice more confidently.

Have questions about moving or settling in Queens? We’d love to hear from you. For more tips and detailed comparisons, check our dedicated guide on choosing the right neighbourhood for Indonesian families in Queens.