Maspeth, NY

Dutch settlers originally purchased Maspeth in 1635, eventually chartering it to the English in 1642. However, early settlers had conflicts with local Maespeatches Indians, forcing them to Elmhurst and Manhattan. Nine years later, they ventured back to resettle Maspeth.

Tide mills sprang up along Newtown Creek and Maspeth Creek, and shopkeepers thrived during the 1700s. Though originally home to English and Dutch settlers, this area began attracting other ethnic groups such as Italians, Germans and Polish as rail travel expanded in the 1800s. Over time, many other ethnic groups joined these original settlers in an effort to enjoy a quieter and more suburban kind of life for their growing families.

Maspeth supports no museums, but neighboring Ridgewood has the Vander Ende-Onderdonk House, with exhibits on the area’s early Dutch history. For arts, you may need to travel to Bushwick or Ridegwood, which support several small galleries featuring local artwork.

While there’s no central location for restaurants in Maspeth, many can be found along Grand Avenue, the area’s main drag. Here you’ll find many choices when it comes to food, from Mexican, Italian, deli and sandwiches to pizza, diners, Peruvian and Japanese.

If you’re in the mood for Mexican, Homemade Taqueria provides everything you could want. From the huge assortment of tacos (campechano, cactus and onions or smoked pork chop, anyone?) to the warm, handmade tortillas, this place uses fresh ingredients in a friendly atmosphere to create an inexpensive yet memorable dining experience.

Forno Pizzeria E Trattoria may have a fancy-sounding name, but its food and welcoming vibe make this place a must-visit while in Maspeth. From the creative pizzas to panini, salads and pasta, you’ll find something to make you feel warm and happy here, amidst attentive service.

Regulars at Good Eats Diner know to try to the red velvet chocolate chip pancakes or banana walnut Belgian waffles for breakfast or any other time. Though it has a large menu of typical diner foods, this place is known for its huge portions and breakfast items. Go with an empty stomach.

In Maspeth, nightlife gets going on weekends, focusing around the bar scene. Hush Café Lounge and Garden defines chic and laid-back, with chill tunes and creative drinks in an elegant atmosphere. Check out the food menu if you’re hungry, or just people-watch from the comfy couches.

Chasers, Glenpatrick’s and Hickey’s all have a pub feel, with karaoke, drink specials and even a little country music thrown in for good measure. Friendly, attentive bartenders make your work week disappear with a smile, a quick pour and that neighborhood dive bar feel.

Given Maspeth’s proximity to New York City, most of its residents choose to take public transportation to get around the neighborhood and to connect to Brooklyn and Manhattan. Though Maspeth has no subway station of its own, many buses service this area, including the B57, Q18, Q39, Q47, Q58, Q59 and Q67. Many of these connect with subway stations just outside the neighborhood.

Enjoy easy access to the Long Island Expressway and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway from Maspeth. If you choose to drive in this neighborhood, you’ll find parking difficult and often expensive. Cabs are easy to hail, however, and Uber pickups easy to arrange online.

Maspeth remains very walkable and, since it has bike paths in several areas, safe for cyclists as long as they remain mindful of the sometimes erratic traffic in the neighborhood.

Maspeth doesn’t have much in the way of parks or green spaces. For that, you’ll likely have to travel to neighboring Elmhurst Park, with playgrounds and other facilities, or Juniper Valley Park in Middle Village. Both support kids having fun, dogs running and exercisers playing their hearts out and burning a few calories in the process. They’re free of charge, and great places to relax and chill with friends and family.

Though Maspeth has no annual events, nearby Williamsburg hosts the Giglio Feast in July, for festivities and family fun at Our Lady of Carmel.

Maspeth offers a variety of homes that truly capture the essence of New York living. For those considering a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay around $2,000 per month. Alternatively, if a house is more your style, the average house for rent costs around $2,850 per month. For those dreaming of homeownership, the average house price typically hovers around $817,037.

Maspeth has no central shopping district. Though there are a few chain stores such as CVS, this neighborhood is mostly served by smaller boutiques and other businesses, with no luxury or high-end shopping to speak of here.

Grand Bicycle Center provides local residents a good excuse to get pedaling, with bikes, helmets, gear and repairs available in a friendly space. On the Road Again Corporation sells lightly used baby clothes, furniture, toys and more for bargain hunters seeking a great deal. If you're in the mood for vintage shopping, Stray Vintage has local artists' work, in additional to retro furniture, clothing, records and gifts in neighboring Woodside.

Maspeth features large chain stores for groceries, including Stop & Shop. But charmingly, most of its food needs are met by smaller purveyors such as Iavarone Bros. Quality Foods, Krakus and Grosik Polish Delicatessen, all of which come with caring service and family history. Though Maspeth doesn't have its own farmers market, nearby Forest Hills has a green market on Sundays, selling fresh produce, baked goods, honey and juices.