Queens is one of the five boroughs of New York City, and the largest in terms of area and population. It is home to diverse cultures, cuisines, and attractions, such as the Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Queens Museum, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. However, not all neighborhoods in Queens are equally safe and desirable. Some areas have high crime rates, poverty levels, and social problems that make them less appealing for residents and visitors alike.
Top 10 Worst Neighborhoods in Queens
In this article, we will rank the top 10 worst neighborhoods in Queens based on statistics from the FBI, NeighborhoodScout, and other sources. We will also provide some details about each neighborhood, such as its location, demographics, history, and challenges. We hope this article will help you make informed decisions about where to live or visit in Queens.
10. South Ozone Park
South Ozone Park is a neighborhood in southwestern Queens, bordered by Ozone Park, Richmond Hill, Jamaica, and John F. Kennedy International Airport. It has a population of about 45,000 people, mostly of Hispanic, African American, and Asian descent. South Ozone Park was originally developed as a low-income residential area for workers at the nearby airport and factories. Today, it is known for its large Sikh community and its proximity to the Aqueduct Racetrack and Resorts World Casino.
South Ozone Park has a crime rate of 140% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about noise pollution from the airport and traffic congestion from the casino.
9. Rochdale
Rochdale is a neighborhood in southeastern Queens, bordered by Jamaica, St. Albans, Springfield Gardens, and South Jamaica. It has a population of about 25,000 people, mostly of African American and Caribbean descent. Rochdale was originally built as a cooperative housing project for middle-class families in the 1960s. However, over the years, it declined due to mismanagement, corruption, and neglect. Today, it is one of the poorest and most crime-ridden areas in Queens.
Rochdale has a crime rate of 150% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about poor living conditions, lack of services, and racial discrimination.
8. South Jamaica
South Jamaica is a neighborhood in southern Queens, bordered by Jamaica, Rochdale, Springfield Gardens, and St. Albans. It has a population of about 40, 000 people, mostly of African American and Caribbean descent. South Jamaica was originally a rural area that became urbanized in the early 20th century. However, it faced economic decline and social unrest in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it is one of the most notorious and dangerous areas in Queens.
South Jamaica has a crime rate of 160% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about poor education, health care, and transportation.
7. Ridgewood
Ridgewood is a neighborhood in western Queens, bordered by Bushwick, Middle Village, Glendale, and Maspeth. It has a population of about 70, 000 people, mostly of Hispanic and Eastern European descent. Ridgewood was originally a rural area that became industrialized in the late 19th century. However, it faced urban decay and population loss in the mid-20th century. Today, it is undergoing gentrification and revitalization due to its proximity to Brooklyn and Manhattan.
Ridgewood has a crime rate of 170% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from overcrowding, poor housing quality, and environmental hazards. Residents also complain about noise, graffiti, and vandalism.
6. Corona
Corona is a neighborhood in northern Queens, bordered by Flushing, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and East Elmhurst. It has a population of about 110, 000 people, mostly of Hispanic and Asian descent. Corona was originally a suburban area that became urbanized in the early 20th century. However, it faced economic decline and social problems in the late 20th century. Today, it is known for its cultural diversity and landmarks, such as the Louis Armstrong House Museum and the New York Hall of Science.
Corona has a crime rate of 180% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about poor sanitation, lack of parking, and high cost of living.
5. Rosedale
Rosedale is a neighborhood in southeastern Queens, bordered by Springfield Gardens, Laurelton, Cambria Heights, and Valley Stream. It has a population of about 25,000 people, mostly of African American and Caribbean descent. Rosedale was originally a rural area that became suburbanized in the mid-20th century. However, it faced crime and violence in the late 20th century. Today, it is a middle-class residential area with some commercial and industrial zones.
Rosedale has a crime rate of 190% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from traffic congestion, noise pollution, and flooding. Residents also complain about racial tension, lack of diversity, and limited public transportation.
4. Ozone Park
Ozone Park is a neighborhood in southwestern Queens, bordered by Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, and Howard Beach. It has a population of about 55,000 people, mostly of Hispanic, Italian American, and Asian descent. Ozone Park was originally a rural area that became urbanized in the late 19th century. However, it faced economic decline and social decay in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a working-class residential area with some commercial and industrial zones.
Ozone Park has a crime rate of 200% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about poor infrastructure, lack of services, and high taxes.
3. The Rockaways
The Rockaways is a peninsula in southern Queens, bordered by Jamaica Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It has a population of about 130,000 people, mostly of Hispanic, African American, and Irish American descent. The Rockaways was originally a resort area that became urbanized in the early 20th century. However, it faced natural disasters and urban blight in the late 20th century. Today, it is a mixed-income residential area with some recreational and commercial zones.
The Rockaways has a crime rate of 210% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from isolation,
The neighborhood suffers from isolation, poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about poor transportation, lack of amenities, and environmental issues.
2. Willets Point
Willets Point is a neighborhood in northern Queens, bordered by Flushing, Corona, and Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It has a population of about 10,000 people, mostly of Hispanic and Asian descent. Willets Point was originally a marshland that became industrialized in the early 20th century. However, it faced pollution and neglect in the late 20th century. Today, it is a rundown area with auto repair shops, junkyards, and homeless camps.
Willets Point has a crime rate of 220% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from contamination, poverty, homelessness, and health problems. Residents also complain about lack of infrastructure, services, and regulation.
1. Jamaica
Jamaica is a neighborhood in central Queens, bordered by St. Albans, Hollis, Queens Village, Fresh Meadows, Briarwood, South Jamaica, and Rochdale. It has a population of about 220,000 people, mostly of African American and Caribbean descent. Jamaica was originally a rural area that became urbanized in the late 19th century. However, it faced economic decline and social turmoil in the mid-20th century. Today, it is a major commercial and transportation hub with some residential and institutional zones.
Jamaica has a crime rate of 230% above the national average, according to NeighborhoodScout. The most common crimes are property crimes, such as burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft. Violent crimes, such as robbery, assault, rape, and murder, are also higher than the national average. The neighborhood suffers from poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and gang violence. Residents also complain about overcrowding, noise, and crime.
Conclusion
Queens is a diverse and vibrant borough of New York City, but it also has some areas that are best avoided or approached with caution. These areas have high crime rates, poverty levels, and social problems that make them less safe and desirable for residents and visitors alike. By ranking the top 10 worst neighborhoods in Queens based on statistics from the FBI, NeighborhoodScout, and other sources, we hope to provide you with useful information that can help you make informed decisions about where to live or visit in Queens.
Most Asked Questions and Answers
Q: What is the safest neighborhood in Queens? A: According to NeighborhoodScout, the safest neighborhood in Queens is Auburndale, followed by Middle Village, Forest Hills, Laurelton, and Kew Gardens.
Q: What is the most expensive neighborhood in Queens? A: According to PropertyClub, the most expensive neighborhood in Queens is Malba, followed by Belle Harbor, Bayside Gables, Neponsit, and Douglaston Manor.
Q: What is the most diverse neighborhood in Queens? A: According to City-Data, the most diverse neighborhood in Queens is Elmhurst, followed by Jackson Heights, Flushing, Corona, and Woodside.
Q: What is the most historic neighborhood in Queens? A: According to Curbed NY, the most historic neighborhood in Queens is Flushing, followed by Astoria, Jamaica Estates, Forest Hills Gardens, and Sunnyside Gardens.
Q: What is the most fun neighborhood in Queens? A: According to Time Out New York, the most fun neighborhood in Queens is Astoria, followed by Long Island City, Flushing Chinatown, Rockaway Beach, and Ridgewood.
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Queens for families? A: According to Niche.com the best neighborhood in Queens for families is Bayside followed by Forest Hills Little Neck Douglaston and Whitestone
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Queens for young professionals? A: According to StreetEasy.com the best neighborhood in Queens for young professionals is Long Island City followed by Astoria Sunnyside Forest Hills and Rego Park
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Queens for nightlife? A: According to Thrillist.com the best neighborhood in Queens for nightlife is Astoria followed by Long Island City Rockaway Beach Forest Hills and Jackson Heights
Q: What is the best neighborhood in Queens for food? A: According to Eater.com the best neighborhood in Queens for food is Flushing Chinatown followed by Jackson Heights Astoria