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Sunnyside - Queens - NYC

I’ve only just begun my explorations of Sunnyside. 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!

In western Queens is the mostly residential neighborhood of Sunnyside. To its west and north is the sprawling neighborhood of Long Island City. To its northeast is Woodside. Its southeastern sections are bordered by Maspeth. And to its southwest, across Newtown Creek, is Greenpoint, Brooklyn.

Sunnyside slideshow (Coming Soon):

The Neighborhood

Sunnyside is a mostly residential neighborhood, content to be tucked between Long Island City and Woodside. But you’ll also find industrial sections and commerce - mostly centered on where Queens Boulevard cuts through its borders.

Sunnyside is a charming neighborhood located in the western region of Queens. A predominantly residential area, this neighborhood features a range of architectural styles ranging from grand Victorian homes to more modern apartments. Sunnyside is known for its diverse population, reflected in the numerous ethnic restaurants, specialty shops, and grocery stores that line its bustling commercial avenues. The neighborhood has several green spaces, including the Sunnyside Gardens Park, which offers a serene escape from the city. The convenience factor is a major draw of Sunnyside, with easy access to multiple subway lines and buses connecting residents to Manhattan and surrounding neighborhoods. With a strong sense of community and close proximity to city amenities, Sunnyside remains a popular place to call home for families and young professionals alike.

Sunnyside, Queens got its name from its founder, a wealthy developer named George Law, who in 1850 bought a parcel of land that was previously known as "Hallet's Cove." Law believed that the area's high elevations and southern-facing slopes would make it a desirable place to live and dammed a nearby creek to create a pond, which he named Sunnyside Lake. As construction of the neighborhood began, the name "Sunnyside" stuck and was officially adopted. Throughout the years, this Queens neighborhood has maintained much of its original charm with Victorian homes and one of the city's strongest neighborhood associations, the Sunnyside Shines Business Improvement District.

Sunnyside is a neighborhood in the western part of Queens, New York City. Originally a rural area until the early 20th century, Sunnyside was developed into a suburban community in the 1920s through the building of low-rise apartment buildings and single-family homes. The Sunnyside Gardens Historic District, created in 1984, is a planned community and one of the first examples of the garden city movement in the United States. The neighborhood has been home to a diverse population, including Irish, Italian, Greek, and more recently, Latin American and Asian immigrant communities. Today, Sunnyside remains a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Queens, with many small businesses, restaurants, and community events.

Sunnyside, Queens is a vibrant neighborhood with a rich history and many landmarks and attractions that draw visitors from all over the city. One of the most recognizable landmarks is the Sunnyside Arch, a beautiful brick gateway located at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Greenpoint Avenue that welcomes visitors to the neighborhood. Nearby, visitors can explore the beautifully landscaped Sunnyside Gardens Park, which features playgrounds, sports fields, and a community center. Another must-see attraction in Sunnyside is the Thalia Spanish Theatre, which hosts a variety of cultural events and performances throughout the year. For those who love to shop, the Queens Boulevard retail district offers a wide range of stores, restaurants, and cafes. At night, visitors can relax and unwind at one of Sunnyside's many excellent bars and pubs, such as the celebrated The Courtyard Ale House. Overall, Sunnyside is a delightful neighborhood with something for everyone to enjoy.

Sunnyside, Queens, has been home to many famous people throughout history. Some of the most notable include actress Mae West, who lived on 46th Street in the 1920s, and legendary jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, who grew up on 37th Avenue. Sunnyside was also the birthplace of legendary baseball player Frank "Home Run" Baker and actor and producer Frank Sutton, who is best known for his role as Sergeant Carter on the hit television show "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C." These individuals have left an indelible mark on both the neighborhood of Sunnyside and the world, and their legacies continue to be celebrated today.

Highlight Gallery (Coming Soon)

Click here for the full Sunnyside photo gallery:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters