Astoria

Astoria is a unique part of the borough that is growing rapidly. Its night life and dinning has given Queens' residents second thoughts about going to Manhattan for a fun night out. Successive and overlapping migrations of people into the area have led to a wide array of international offerings for visitors and residents alike.

Several blocks of Steinway are unofficially known as Little Middle East, with Arabic signs for cafés, bookstores, delis, barbershops and other stores.

Astoria has the biggest Greek community outside of Athens, most evident in Ditmars. Greek banks, newspapers, radio and television stations, restaurants, and Orthodox churches contribute to this area's special flavor. 

An important geographic feature of the area is Hell Gate, the narrow strait between Astoria and Ward's Island connecting the East River and the Long Island Sound. When it opened in 1917, the Hell Gate was the longest steel-arch bridge in the world, with an arch of 1,017 feet.

Astoria is located in Community District 1 and covers the Northwestern corner of Queens.  It is home to multiple retail shopping corridors, a significant industrial enclave,  a movie studio and several power plants along the east river.

Retail Corridors

Steinway St.
Astoria Blvd. 
Ditmars Blvd.
31st Street

Local Organizations

Central Astoria Local Development Coalition
Designed to preserve and enhance the neighborhood of Astoria as a vibrant, affordable, harmonious and desirable community.

Steinway Street BID/Merchants Association
Encompasses all national chain stores and local family owned shops located on Steinway Street from 28th Avenue to 35th Avenue.