A story
to tell

Astoria’s history is long and varied. From the 17th century, early farmsteads along the waterfront grew into bustling hamlets, and in the early 19th century, wealthy Manhattanites began building their mansions in the area – some of which still stand today. Officially founded in 1839, Astoria Village (named after business magnate John Jacob Astor) continued to expand as commercial growth brought German immigrants to the area. One of them was Heinrich Engelhard Steinweg, patriarch of the Steinway family and founder of Steinway & Sons piano company. In 1853, the family constructed a factory in northern Astoria, followed by a sawmill and foundry, as well as a streetcar line, before eventually establishing Steinway Village for the factory workers. Both Astoria and Steinway villages were incorporated into Long Island City in 1870, and remained an independent municipality until becoming part of the City of Greater New York in 1898.

The remaining farms were replaced with a street grid and tract housing to accommodate the City’s growing number of residents. In the early 20th century, Astoria was connected to Manhattan by train and car via large-scale infrastructure projects, like the Hell Gate Bridge and RFK Bridge that replaced water traffic. Later, the N and W Subway lines provided alternative public transport links and recently, Astoria was added onto the NYC Ferry route – upgrading its connectivity with Manhattan and the rest of NYC. Other notable moments for Astoria during the 20th century included the 1910 founding of New York City’s oldest beer garden, Bohemian Hall. Astoria also played a significant role in the early American filmmaking industry, and many hit TV series are still filmed at the Kaufman Astoria Studios. Famous names who were born in the neighborhood include ​​Tony Bennett, Dee Snider, Christopher Walken and Cyndi Lauper. It was also the birthplace of xerography – the dry photocopying process after which Xerox is named. Clues to this past can be found all over Astoria, and one doesn’t have to look very hard to find them. Street names, architectural gems, cultural institutions and more all survive today to chronicle this richly layered part of the city.

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Restaurants
  • Restaurants
    • 1Château le Woof
    • 2Milkflower
    • 3Queen’s Room
    • 4Chip City
    • 5DAGNY
    • 6Neptune Diner
    • 7The Bonnie
    • 8Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
    • 9Il Bambino
    • 10Seva Indian Cuisine
    • 11Sanfords Astoria
    • 12Astoria Provisions
    • 13Comfortland
    • 14Mars
    • 15Koyo
    • 16Sabry’s
    • 17Via Vai
    • 18Gregory’s 26 Corner
    • 19Taverna Kyclades
    • 20Christos Steakhouse
    • 21Sanfords
    • 22Astoria Tea
    • 23Ovelia
    • 24Vesta Trattoria & Wine Bar
    • 25Grand Avenue Pizza
    • 26Martha’s Country Bakery
    • 27Gossip Coffee & Cocktail Bar
    • 28Sweet Afton
    • 29The Last Word
    • 30Mar's
    • 31Fresco’s Cantina
    • 32WYVÁ
    • 33Brother’s Pizzeria
  • Bars & Nightlife
  • Shops & Retail
  • Fitness & Wellness
  • Grocery
  • Transportation

A community of culture

Astoria is one of New York City’s oldest and most authentic neighborhoods. The area reflects the city’s broad diversity, as a place where cultures overlap and intermingle. The waterfront, leafy streets and architectural gems retain the charm of historic New York, now populated by a vibrant and eclectic community that adds to its character – making Astoria a unique place to live.

The diversity of Astoria’s community is especially apparent in their front gardens, which burst with charm and personality. Perfectly manicured lawns and topiary sit alongside chaotic collections of statues and sculptures; water-features babble beside neighbors’ overgrown trellises of vines and bushes. No two of these gardens are alike, just like their owners, who together make Astoria the special community it is.

Life & Community

Life in Astoria moves at several paces. Although more relaxed than the other side of the East River, its residents bring plenty of energy and vibrance to morning coffee runs, lunchtime waterfront strolls, evening dinners at family-run restaurants, and local weekend explorations in the expansive parks and green spaces.

The diversity of Astoria’s community is especially apparent in their front gardens, which burst with charm and personality. Perfectly manicured lawns and topiary sit alongside chaotic collections of statues and sculptures; water-features babble beside neighbors’ overgrown trellises of vines and bushes. No two of these gardens are alike, just like their owners, who together make Astoria the special community it is.

Astoria Park

Residents young and old can be found congregating in the 60 acres of public green space that sit alongside the East River, which form the beating heart of this community. Astoria Park is bookended by the two towering bridges, which dramatically frame a variety of outdoor spaces that all overlook the water.

For the active, the park has hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, a running track, a skate park, and plenty of grassy areas for playing other ball sports. Those who prefer to pass their time more languidly can meet and dine at large picnic tables, read on benches, or find a secluded spot on the grass to while away the day.

Astoria Park also lays claim to New York City’s oldest and largest public swimming pool. During the hot summer months, it forms an oasis of refreshment for people of all walks of life to splash around in view of on-duty lifeguards, or sunbathe around its perimeter. Both the pool and the park again represent the wonderful miscellany of this corner of the city.

Arts & Culture

The Isamu Noguchi Museum, Socrates Sculpture Park, Museum of the Moving Image – Astoria packs a lot of culture within its bounds, while MoMA PS1 and The People’s Museum in nearby Long Island City add to the wealth of options for the curious. The neighborhood is also dotted with peaceful parks, small beaches and green spaces along the river, including Astoria Park and Pool. At night, bustling bars spill onto lively streets like 30th Avenue, while food lovers can enjoy Michelin-rated restaurants and NYC’s best Greek cuisine.

Ma of Manhatten

Access to Manhattan from Astoria has never been easier. The N, W subway connects the neighborhood to 59th Street & Lexington Ave in Midtown East in as little as 30 minutes, with direct access to the 4, 5, and 6 trains. Astoria West residents can make use of a shuttle service to the subway for ease of connectivity. In addition, the NYC Ferry stops just moments from the building, for those interested in a cruise across the East River. The trip to 34th Street takes approximately 20 minutes, while the Upper East Side is just four minutes away.

Neighborhood
Guide

“Everything you could want in a city you can find in Astoria.”

Ryan Neeven

Astoria West
Neighborhood Photography
by Ryan Neeven

Ryan is a visual storyteller who captures the rough beauty, elegant imperfections and everyday life of the places he travels to and experiences – from South Tyrol to Tanzania. His photographs have both an ethereal quality and a stark realness; rich in color and contrast. Ryan spent several years living in Rome, where he began to visually catalog the Doors of Italy (and developed a coffee addiction), but now calls Philadelphia home. He has created content and campaigns for a variety of hotels, brands, and magazines including Conde Nast Traveler, GQ, Yolo Journal and Elle Decoration. Ryan’s images of Astoria depict a neighborhood that is steeped in history and full of character; at once lively and bustling, yet serene and slower-paced. An area that is undergoing transformation, but retains its authenticity – all seen uniquely through his lens.