If you are deciding between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, note that as of November 2024, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom in Kew Gardens is around $2,350, while in Forest Hills it’s closer to $2,700—but Forest Hills offers express subway access that can save you 20 minutes on a typical Midtown commute.
Many new arrivals are surprised to learn that Forest Hills’ historic district imposes stricter co-op board requirements, making rentals more straightforward in Kew Gardens. This matters because moving logistics and approval times can add unexpected weeks to your timeline. Both neighbourhoods have diverse dining options, but Forest Hills features Austin Street, a retail hub rarely matched in Queens.
This guide to Kew Gardens vs Forest Hills: Which Queens Neighbourhood? gives you up-to-date rental costs, commute comparisons, and local insights. You will get real timelines, housing quirks, and practical tips to choose the right fit for your needs as a newcomer.
Overview of Kew Gardens and Forest Hills Neighborhoods
If you’re debating Kew Gardens vs Forest Hills in Queens, you’re not alone—these neighbouring enclaves both punch above their weight, but each has a distinct rhythm. Kew Gardens, tucked between leafy stretches and the Van Wyck Expressway, offers a quieter, almost village-like vibe. The E and F trains at Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike zip you to Midtown Manhattan in under 30 minutes, but you’ll also find yourself surrounded by prewar co-ops, Tudor facades, and a surprising number of kosher bakeries and halal markets. Expect rents in 2024 hovering around $2,300 per month for a one-bedroom—less than Forest Hills, but you’ll trade off on nightlife and big retail.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want a more peaceful pace and easy JFK access, Kew Gardens is a home run for frequent flyers.
Forest Hills, on the other hand, is louder—literally and figuratively. It’s anchored by bustling Austin Street, where you’ll pass everything from bubble tea spots to Russian pharmacies. Subway access is superb: the E, F, M, and R lines converge at 71st–Continental Avenue, making commutes to Manhattan or Jackson Heights a breeze. But the area’s classic sixes and postwar condos come at a price—2024 listings for one-bedrooms can top $2,900. Still, Forest Hills Stadium is a summer concert magnet, and you’re never far from a 24-hour bodega or a good slice after midnight.
⚠️ Warning: Forest Hills parking is notoriously tight, especially near Austin Street or during weekend events.
Both neighbourhoods attract immigrants and families: Kew Gardens leans more Caribbean and Bukharian, while Forest Hills is known for its Russian, Bukharian, and East Asian communities.
Few Queens spots deliver quite the same mix of leafy streets and urban grind. Kew Gardens is your move if you crave calm and character; Forest Hills if energy and convenience top your list.
🎯 Key Takeaway: Consider subway access, rent, and local culture before deciding which Queens neighbourhood suits your 2024 lifestyle.
Before you sign that lease, remember to check building rules about pets, laundry, and move-in fees—each block has its quirks.
Housing Options and Price Ranges in Queens
Let’s talk housing options and price ranges in Queens—specifically, what Kew Gardens and Forest Hills offer in 2024 if you’re eyeing a move. Forest Hills has long been the darling of aspirational renters and buyers, flaunting prewar co-ops, Tudor homes, and those elusive doorman buildings near the 71st Ave–Continental subway hub (E, F, M, R lines). Expect a one-bedroom rental around $2,700–$3,300/month near Austin Street, while two-bed condos start at $650K and up. Kew Gardens, meanwhile, leans quieter and a bit more affordable, with classic garden apartment buildings near Lefferts Boulevard and the Union Turnpike–Kew Gardens station (E, F). One-bedrooms here average $2,200–$2,600/month, and co-ops or condos hover between $380K–$550K.
💡 Pro Tip: Visit properties after 6pm to gauge street noise and foot traffic—especially if you’re new to Queens nightlife.
Let’s not pretend the process is breezy—application fees, board interviews, and endless paperwork are the norm whether you’re dealing with a Forest Hills broker or a Kew Gardens co-op board. Immigrant families often find Kew’s multi-lingual landlords and flexible lease terms a relief, while Forest Hills’ stricter screening can be a hurdle, especially if your credit history is thin or foreign.
⚠️ Warning: Always double-check lease terms for subletting restrictions and pet policies, as these differ sharply between buildings, even on the same block.
Here’s a quick comparison of typical monthly costs and commute times to Manhattan so you’re not blindsided by sticker shock or transit delays:
Remember: broker fees still haunt most listings—usually one month’s rent or 15% of the annual lease. And don’t forget MetroCard reloads, because those swipes add up faster than you’d expect.
🎯 Key Takeaway: Kew Gardens offers more flexibility and lower entry prices, while Forest Hills provides prestige, amenities, and faster commutes—but at a premium.
Before you sign anything, ask about heat, hot water, and super availability—older buildings especially can have quirks that’ll drive you nuts by January. If you’re navigating all this while juggling jobs in Manhattan or Jackson Heights, efficiency is your best friend.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills
If you’re torn between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, you’re not alone—plenty of NYC newcomers wrestle with this primary keyword decision. Both Queens neighbourhoods offer tree-lined streets and a bit of peace compared to Manhattan, but subtle differences matter. Forest Hills is famous for the E, F, M, and R trains at 71st Ave, getting you to Midtown in under 30 minutes when the MTA cooperates. Kew Gardens, anchored by the Union Turnpike-Kew Gardens station, feels a tad quieter, still with solid subway access but less nightlife and fewer crowds.
💡 Pro Tip: If you need a late-night bodega run, Forest Hills’ Austin Street offers more options after midnight than Kew Gardens.
Rents in 2024 are a sticking point. Expect to pay $2,700–$3,400 for a one-bedroom in Forest Hills, while Kew Gardens hovers around $2,200–$2,800. If you’re juggling visa appointments, the Queens Boulevard USCIS office (near Briarwood station) is a quick trip from both. For families, Forest Hills’ zoned public schools like PS 196 consistently rank higher in citywide reviews, but Kew Gardens boasts calmer parks and a close-knit feel, especially around Lefferts Boulevard.
📌 Note: Some Forest Hills co-ops require board approval, which can drag out your move-in process by several weeks.
Commuting, amenities, and cultural vibes all play a role. The LIRR stops at both Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, cutting your Penn Station journey to about 15 minutes if you’re willing to pay extra. Need a MetroCard refill? Both neighbourhoods have 24-hour options near major stations, but Forest Hills’ higher foot traffic means shorter waits and more choices for groceries and takeout.
Immigrants often find Kew Gardens’ community centres more approachable, with language support and legal clinics near 83rd Ave, while Forest Hills leans more established and competitive for services. If you’re used to Jackson Heights-style diversity, both areas deliver, but Forest Hills edges ahead with dining variety on Continental Avenue.
❌ Common Mistake: Only comparing subway lines without factoring in noise or weekend service disruptions.
In 2025, real estate inventory will be tight in both places, so act fast. Whether you crave nightlife, green space, or a seamless commute, weigh your priorities and don’t get swayed by just one flashy amenity.
How to Evaluate Community Amenities and Lifestyle
When comparing Kew Gardens vs Forest Hills, the real task is figuring out which Queens neighbourhood aligns with your lifestyle. Start by scoping out subway access—Kew Gardens has the E, F, and J at Union Turnpike–Kew Gardens, while Forest Hills boasts the E, F, M, and R lines at 71st–Continental Ave. If you’re commuting to Manhattan, those extra options in Forest Hills might shave precious minutes off your journey, especially during 2024’s endless MTA signal upgrades.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check how late the last train runs from your nearest station—service changes hit Queens hard after midnight.
Beyond transit, think amenities. Forest Hills has Austin Street’s boutiques, bakeries, and organic grocers, but Kew Gardens delivers a quieter vibe with leafy parks and the historic Kew Gardens Cinemas. Both offer playgrounds and public libraries, but Forest Hills’ West Side Tennis Club hosts summer concerts and the 112th Precinct community events run deep for families and newcomers alike.
❌ Common Mistake: Overlooking local community board meetings can mean missing crucial neighbourhood updates and resources.
Evaluate what matters: are you after 24-hour bodegas, a dog run, or a spot for a decent cortado? In 2025, rents average $2,800 for a one-bedroom in Forest Hills and around $2,200 in Kew Gardens. Don’t ignore building amenities—some co-ops have laundry, doormen, or even rooftop gardens.
For newcomers, consider the vibe at local cafes—places like Odradeks in Kew Gardens or Martha’s Country Bakery in Forest Hills are where you’ll hear the real neighbourhood pulse. Don’t just walk by; spend an hour and see if the mood fits you.
✅ Best Practice: Visit neighbourhood spots at different times of day to sense noise, safety, and local energy.
If you need immigrant services, check if the local library branch has multilingual staff or legal clinics—Jackson Heights isn’t the only hub for support, and in 2024, many Queens branches offer evening hours and free translation help.
Tips for Indonesian and Indian Immigrants Moving to Queens
If you’re an Indonesian or Indian immigrant eyeing Queens, choosing between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills isn’t just about zip codes—it’s about lifestyle. Forest Hills’ E, F, M, and R trains at 71st Ave station get you to Manhattan in under 30 minutes, while Kew Gardens’ Union Turnpike station gives you the same lines, but with slightly less bustle and more greenery. The primary keyword “Kew Gardens vs Forest Hills” pops up a lot in community forums, but here’s the real talk: both offer strong immigrant networks, but Forest Hills has a bigger Indian grocery scene, while Kew Gardens feels more low-key and residential.
💡 Pro Tip: Pick up a MetroCard at the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Ave station, where staff can explain refill options in multiple languages.
Jackson Heights is the epicentre for both Indonesian and Indian communities, but rents in Forest Hills (averaging $2,400 for a one-bedroom in 2024) are a touch higher than Kew Gardens ($2,100). Still, Forest Hills’ Austin Street is unbeatable for South Asian restaurants and halal butchers. Kew Gardens, meanwhile, boasts quieter streets and is close to Flushing Meadows Park for weekend cricket matches or picnics.
⚠️ Warning: Don’t expect every bodega to carry your favourite spices—find specialty shops clustered near 73rd Ave in Forest Hills or Lefferts Blvd in Kew Gardens.
Before moving, tick these off your
□ Visit the Queens Borough Hall for IDNYC applications and translation help
□ Research zoning for basement apartments to avoid illegal rentals
□ Explore subway routes on the MTA Trip Planner for your daily commute
Food delivery apps are wildly popular in both neighbourhoods, but fees add up. Buying fresh ingredients at Patel Brothers in Jackson Heights or Indo Java in Elmhurst is cheaper and fresher. Most supermarkets open from 7am to 10pm, but smaller shops often close earlier, especially in Kew Gardens.
💰 Money Saver: Buy MetroCards in bulk during 2024 fare sales to save on weekly commutes.
Finally, remember to network at local community centres—both neighbourhoods have active Indonesian and Indian organisations that host events, language classes, and career workshops. Get involved early for a smoother transition and quicker sense of belonging in Queens.
✅ Best Practice: Attend Forest Hills’ annual Diwali Mela or Kew Gardens’ multicultural fair for instant connections with local families.
You now have a clearer understanding of the key differences between Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, including lifestyle, amenities, and housing options. This knowledge allows you to make a more informed decision about which neighbourhood might suit your needs best, whether you’re seeking convenience, community vibe, or affordability. With this insight, you can start narrowing down your choices and planning your next steps confidently.
Your first step is to visit both neighbourhoods in person, ideally during different times of the day, to get a real feel for the atmosphere and daily rhythm. Scheduling these visits over the coming weekends will give you a practical sense of what living there might be like. Take notes on your impressions to help compare your options effectively.
Got questions or need further guidance? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For detailed tips on choosing the right neighbourhood, check our comprehensive guide on indonewyork.com.
