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Jackson Heights - Queens - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Jackson Heights. I will be returning in the near future for a dedicated tour of the neighborhood, so please keep checking the Updates page and my YouTube channel!

Just south of LaGuardia Airport is the residential, northwestern Queens neighborhood of Jackson Heights.

Jackson Heights slideshow:

The Neighborhood

Jackson Heights is located in northwest Queens. Its boundaries are: the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the west; Junction Boulevard to the east; LaGuardia Airport to the north; and Roosevelt Avenue to the south. This is a residential neighborhood, featuring a mixture of row houses with an almost-suburban feel, and more populated sections of large apartment buildings.

Nestled in the heart of Queens lies the bustling neighborhood of Jackson Heights, where a vibrant mix of cultures and cuisines collide. Known as one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the city, Jackson Heights is home to a large South Asian, Latin American, and East Asian community. Its bustling streets are lined with an array of restaurants, shops, and street vendors selling authentic tacos, spicy curries and mouth-watering dumplings. In addition to its culinary offerings, Jackson Heights boasts beautiful pre-war apartments, lush gardens, and excellent public transportation. Visitors and residents alike flock to this neighborhood to experience the vibrant energy and flavorful charm that can only be found in Jackson Heights.

Jackson Heights, Queens got its name from an individual by the name of John C. Jackson. Jackson was a real estate developer and entrepreneur in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who owned a large plot of land in the area. He purchased the land in 1909 and began developing it by bringing in elevated trains to improve access to the area. He also constructed several apartment buildings and residential homes. To honor Jackson's contributions to the neighborhood's development, the area became known as Jackson Heights. Today, the neighborhood is a vibrant and culturally diverse community, offering residents and visitors a variety of restaurants, parks, and attractions to enjoy.

Jackson Heights is a culturally rich neighborhood located in Queens, New York, and is notable for its diversity. The neighborhood was built in the early 1900s and named after John C. Jackson, a wealthy landowner. The area was developed as a planned community by Edward A. MacDougall in the early 20th century, featuring gardens, parks, and apartment buildings with Art Deco architecture. In the 1920s, Jackson Heights became a popular destination for people from various ethnic backgrounds, attracting many Jewish and Irish immigrants. Later in the 1960s, the neighborhood welcomed an influx of South Asian and Latin American immigrants, adding to the area's diverse cultural landscape. Today, Jackson Heights continues to thrive as a bustling urban community with a rich and varied history.

Jackson Heights is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Queens, known for its excellent food scene, historic architecture, and cultural landmarks. A must-visit spot for any foodie, Jackson Heights boasts a range of restaurants specializing in international cuisine, from Indian and Thai to Ecuadorian and Mexican. The neighborhood is also home to the iconic Jackson Heights Post Office, a landmarked building with beautiful Art Deco details. For outdoor enthusiasts, Travers Park provides ample space for sports and relaxation, while the nearby Garden School features a stunning botanical garden that is open to the public. Finally, the community is famous for its annual Jackson Heights Arts Festival, which showcases local artists and performers.

Jackson Heights, Queens has produced a number of notable individuals that have left their mark on various industries. Some of the famous people from Jackson Heights include singer and songwriter Lady Gaga, who attended high school in the area and grew up performing in local venues. Actor and comedian Ray Romano was also raised in Jackson Heights and attended Queens College. Author and journalist Pete Hamill was born in the neighborhood, and his work has appeared in several prestigious publications. Additionally, former U.S. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez lived in Jackson Heights during her childhood and has since become a prominent figure in national politics. These individuals have all contributed to their respective fields and have put Jackson Heights on the map as a hub for artistic, academic, and political talent.

Highlight Gallery

Click here for the full Jackson Heights photo gallery:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters