Elmhurst, Queens

Elmhurst, Queens
Name	Elmhurst
Settlement type	Neighborhood of Queens
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	New York
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Queens
Subdivision type3	City
Subdivision name3	New York City
Population total	~113,000
Population as of	2020

Elmhurst, Queens is a vibrant, densely populated neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. Originally settled by European colonists in the 17th century, it has transformed through successive waves of immigration into one of the most ethnically diverse communities in the United States. The neighborhood is a major commercial and residential hub, centered around bustling corridors like Queens Boulevard and Broadway, and is served by multiple lines of the New York City Subway.

History

The area was originally part of the Town of Newtown, settled by the Dutch and English in the mid-1600s and known for its farms. In 1896, the community was renamed Elmhurst by Cord Meyer, a prominent real estate developer who transformed the former Newtown village into a streetcar suburb for Manhattan professionals. The arrival of the IRT Flushing Line in 1917 spurred rapid residential development, replacing many older estates with apartment buildings. Following changes to U.S. immigration law with the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, the neighborhood's demographic character shifted dramatically, with large influxes of immigrants from Latin America and Asia, particularly from Colombia, Ecuador, China, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Nepal.

Geography and demographics

Elmhurst is generally bordered by Jackson Heights to the north, Woodside to the west, Maspeth to the southwest, and Rego Park to the east. Its southern boundary is often considered the Long Island Expressway. According to the U.S. Census, the neighborhood's population exceeds 110,000, with a high population density. It is consistently ranked as one of the most diverse urban communities in the world, with no single ethnic group constituting a majority. A significant portion of the population is foreign-born, and a multitude of languages are spoken, including Spanish, various Chinese dialects, Bengali, Tagalog, and Nepali.

Neighborhoods and points of interest

The commercial heart of Elmhurst is along Broadway, Queens Boulevard, and Whitney Avenue, featuring a dense concentration of international restaurants, bakeries, and shops. The Elmhurst Hospital Center, part of the NYC Health + Hospitals system, is a major employer and healthcare institution. The neighborhood is home to the Queens Center mall, one of the busiest shopping centers in the United States. Cultural institutions include the Queens Museum, located just north in Flushing Meadows–Corona Park, and numerous houses of worship such as the St. James Episcopal Church, one of the oldest continuously operating Episcopal congregations in the nation. The Newtown Creek marks part of its western border.

Transportation

Elmhurst is a major transit hub, primarily served by the IND Queens Boulevard Line (E, F, R, and M trains) at stations like Elmhurst Avenue and Grand Avenue–Newtown. The IRT Flushing Line (7 train) runs along its northern edge with the 90th Street–Elmhurst Avenue station. Numerous MTA bus routes, including the Q53 SBS, Q58, and Q59, provide extensive local and express service. The Long Island Expressway and Grand Central Parkway offer vehicular access to the region.

Education

Public schools are operated by the New York City Department of Education. Notable schools include Newtown High School, one of the oldest public high schools in New York City, and the Queens Vocational and Technical High School. The neighborhood is also served by several public library branches, including the Elmhurst branch of the Queens Public Library. Several private and parochial schools serve the community, and higher education opportunities are available nearby at LaGuardia Community College and Queens College, City University of New York.

In popular culture

Elmhurst has been featured as a setting in several films and television series, often representing a quintessential New York City immigrant neighborhood. It was a filming location for parts of the Martin Scorsese film *After Hours*. The neighborhood is also referenced in literature and music, capturing its dynamic and multicultural atmosphere. The celebrated American Museum of the Moving Image is located in the adjacent Astoria.

Category:Neighborhoods in Queens