Woodside, NY

Woodside, one of the oldest communities in Queens, acquired a population of 6,000 by 1910. Until the 1930s, Woodside was 80 percent Irish, although this population has since dipped substantially. The neighborhood was established near the Long Island Railroad, which made it an ideal location for an up-and-coming community. In 1874 the area was essentially made of houses, but due to the rapid influx of people, Woodside began building apartment complexes.

Today, Woodside is made up of many cultures including Asian and Latin American. The community has seen this fact come to fruition through its diversified restaurants.

The Museum of the Moving Image on 35th Avenue promotes interaction and permits visitors to compile their own motion pictures. Referred to as a must see by locals, the museum hosts various exhibits throughout the year.

For a true five-star dinner, try Casa Del Chef Bistro, a hidden gem in the Woodside neighborhood. French-inspired, this restaurant makes a superb sea bass served atop vegetable stew. And it would be a sin to leave without trying the crème brûlée for dessert. Customers also rave about the hospitality of the wait staff and chef because they always go out of their way to explain every dish. Dining here means an unforgettable experience.

Papa's Kitchen, a Filipino food heaven, makes to-die-for spring rolls. You also cannot go wrong with the chicken apritada. The venue hosts karaoke, which keeps customers occupied while they wait for their meals. The staff in this extremely homey space treat you like family.

For a taste of nightlife, locals love Saints & Sinners, a neighborhood pub with sports televisions, beer and good food. A popular social scene, Saints & Sinners hosts live music and ladies nights. The Globe Tavern, known for its karaoke nights and pool tables, also accommodates large crowds and social gatherings comfortably. The place keeps customers happy with a wide selection of beers.

Residents often walk to their desired destinations within the area. The neighborhood also accommodates bike riders. People do have their own vehicles, but most utilize the city's public transportation systems. LIRR Woodside Station on Roosevelt Avenue serves as the community's train into Manhattan. Taxis are abundant in this area, but you can expect to pay top dollar for them. Both Uber and Lyft serve as viable options.

The subway is the most common form of transportation. Riders commuting to New York City should take the 7 train at Queensboro Plaza Station. Subway riders use their Metro Cards to access the subway. Fares start at $2.50 for single rides and go up to $112 for a 30-day unlimited pass. The subway connects to cities throughout the state, making it the most convenient means of transportation. Some commuters do take the Long Island Rail Road, which allows riders to purchase one-way, monthly or annual tickets.

Big Bush Park, located between 61st and 64th Streets, facilitates handball courts, baseball fields, playgrounds and bathrooms. Members of youth baseball and soccer teams often utilize this park. Doughboy Plaza, a dog-friendly park on Woodside Avenue, includes a playground for kids and seating areas for adults.

Sunnyside Gardens Park consists of baseball fields, a kitty pool, sprinkler and a playground. Resident rave about the immaculate maintenance of the park and the amenities, which come at an annual price. The annual fee for an adult is $225 and you'll pay $335 for two adults with children. Members are also required to serve a certain amount of community service to maintain the membership. Nonresidents can access the park during certain times for a daily fee.

Every October, Sunnyside Gardens opens up the park to both members and nonmembers for its annual Oktoberfest. The gardens hosts a children's pumpkin patch and serve German foods, and you can expect plenty live music along with stations where the kids can paint their pumpkins. The park even incorporates an arts and crafts show and raffles off exclusive prizes to attendees. Tickets cost $1, but you are expected to purchase the food, pumpkins and crafts.

It is 1.3 percent less expensive to live in Woodside versus New York City and 67.3 percent pricier than the national average. The average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,713 per month.

You can expect to pay around $6 for a pint of beer at a local pub. Most of the pubs in the area do run stellar happy hour specials, which offer great deals on pitchers for larger groups. The cost of gas in Woodside is 13 percent higher than the national average.

Woodside Mini Mall on Roosevelt Avenue serves as a popular shopping ground for locals. It has typical mall stores, but keep an eye out for its numerous restaurants. Shoppers can stop for lunch or dinner at any time. Queens Place Shopping Center, a 440,000-square-foot facility, has five retail levels.

If you are looking for a wedding dress or attire such as an evening or prom gown, CatNip Boutique is a highly recommended one-stop shop. The boutique even sells shoes and accessories for special occasions. If you are looking for something a bit less fancy, check out Linda Thrift Shop on 39th Avenue or Stray Vintage on 48th Avenue.

India Sari Palace carries a range of traditional and contemporary men's and women's fashions from India, specializing in colorful and elegant saris that come with instructions for proper wear. The store also alters, repairs and works with wedding parties and guests to outfit everyone for Indian wedding festivities.

Local grocery stores include Champion Food Supermarket, Inthira Thai Market and Veggie Monster, a vegetarian outlet. Jackson Heights Greenmarket is a local farmer's market that sells fresh produce year round.