Kew Gardens, NY

First settled by Europeans in the early 17th century and later playing a small part in the American Revolution, Kew Gardens has become a vibrant community with neo-Tudor architecture reminiscent of Old World English style.

Kew Gardens takes part in many annual events planned by the county of Queens and holds its own events such as a Back to School Party for the children of the community. Held in Forest Park, kids and their parents come to enjoy games and entertainment while eating food prepared by local restaurants. Kew Gardens also hosts an event called Restaurant Week in September allowing local restaurants to flaunt their dishes and attract new patrons.

The King Manor Museum in Rufus King Park sits about 20 blocks away from the center of Kew Gardens in the neighborhood of Jamaica. The museum pays tribute to the anti-slavery movement; children under 16 enter free and adults pay $5.

While Kew Gardens may not be very large, residents love food and it shows in the array of restaurants housed in the neighborhood. Austin's Steak and Ale House has been voted the number one favorite by residents of Kew Gardens. A beautiful patio provides a great dining experience for those looking to enjoy the vast greenery of the neighborhood. Touting the best prime rib around, the restaurant also caters to all tastes with a full menu. With specials such as New Zealand mussels in garlic sauce and chicken valdostana, this place makes for a great spot to take a date. It also provides gluten-free and vegetarian menu options.

Those looking to satisfy an appetite for authentic Peruvian cuisine can head over to Tu Casa Restaurant in the heart of Kew Gardens. With a menu full of very reasonably priced options, locals and visitors alike frequent this restaurant often. A half rotisserie-chicken with a side option and a steak dish with homemade Peruvian-style rice and beans are two favorites. Salads and children's options are also available.

The Kew Club, located in the center of the neighborhood, provides hours of entertainment and drink specials. The bar-club stays open until 2am as does the kitchen, so food can be ordered all night long. Featuring karaoke night every Tuesday and wing night on Thursdays, the bar attracts many locals and visitors to the area. Every Friday, the bar serves free house shots from 9 pm to midnight making this the hottest night spot in the small neighborhood.

Kew Gardens houses many limo and car services for those traveling outside the neighborhood to the nearby JFK airport. Some can be expensive, so local residents tend to hail taxis, which can be very easy to get. Cab companies are also very plentiful in and around Kew Gardens and provide a main mode of transportation.

Bikers are plentiful in the neighborhood as biking provides an excellent and quick mode of transportation, and the vast greenery of lawns and gardens provides beautiful scenery to enjoy. Bike lanes make it safe for bikers living and commuting inside the neighborhood. Many people in the neighborhood also walk because there are plenty of amenities scattered throughout and easily accessible.

Uber is available in the area. Many residents also chose to drive or take the train when moving around the neighborhood or going to one of the other boroughs of the city. The Long Island Railroad Company rail lines run directly through the center of the neighborhood, making it very easy for residents to hop on a train and take a quick ride to surrounding boroughs.

Public parking can be found scattered throughout the neighborhood with parking meters on most streets and several parking garages in the area starting at $10 and going up to $20 for the whole day.

Kew Gardens is surrounded by major highways, providing easy and quick access to destinations outside of New York City. Grand Central Parkway and Jackie Robinson Parkway both surround the neighborhood. Access points to Queens Boulevard and the Van Wyck Expressway are also easy to reach on the east side of the neighborhood.

Maple Grove Park, located on the northeast side of Kew Gardens, actually makes up almost half of the community. Inside the park, families and children enjoy the Hoover-Manton Playground and other features such as basketball and handball courts as well as fitness equipment and public bathrooms for added convenience.

The park's playground has modern and clean play equipment safe for children of all ages. There are also spray showers for cooling off during the hot summer months. The park does not cost anything to use and dogs are allowed as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after.

The cost of living in Kew Gardens is equivalent to those in surrounding neighborhoods. A typical one-bedroom apartment in the neighborhood rents for an average of $2,017 per month. The homes and apartments in the neighborhood are neo-Tudor style, providing ample space for families. The style and sense of community as well as the affordable housing and proximity to Manhattan draw in more residents each year.

Transportation costs seem to be comparable to neighboring areas of Queens. Using Uber will start at $20 and can go as high as $64 for the Uber SUV service. A cab ride going one block starts at $3.50, and going outside the neighborhood to neighboring JFK airport can cost $40. Metro tickets to ride the train cost $2.50. Biking and walking are very popular methods of travel in Kew Gardens as well.

The cost of a beer at the local bar or pub varies. A domestic can or bottle can be purchased for around $3, and specialty or craft brews can run from $8 and up, depending on the beer and the establishment.

Gas prices in Kew Gardens tend to be comparable to those in other areas of New York City at about 10 percent higher than the national average. Prices are also about 5 percent above the New York State average.

Dana's Flower Shop on Queens Boulevard contains seasonal blooms, color-coordinated bouquets and flowers for any occasion. Bring some of the outdoors to your indoors with roses, tulips and centerpieces for holidays, family gatherings and special events.

Just outside of Kew Gardens, you'll find a great clothing boutique in Chic's Place on Queens Boulevard. Chic's Place sells bridal gowns and suits for weddings, as well as upscale fashion for men and women alike. This high-end boutique has been providing unique fashion and one-of-a-kind accessories for residents since 2012.

Jacklyn's Boutique provides another great shopping experience, selling fashionable and trendy clothing for women and men. Here you'll find unique jewelry and other accessories at affordable prices.

Many grocery stores service the area, including C-Town, Key Food and Rosenblum's. If you're looking for local produce, head over to Jamaica Market, the closest farmers market to the area. It's open on Fridays and Saturdays during the summer and fall months.