Rego Park, NY

Rego Park was once land owned by Dutch and German famers who sold their produce in Manhattan. Over time, Chinese farmers bought into the area and sold their produce in Chinatown. Development began in the mid 1920s when 525 eight-room homes were built. At a bargain price of $8,000, these homes provided opportunities for working-class families to put down roots.

During the early part of the 20th century, many persecuted Russian Jews settled in Rego Park. Immigrants from other war-torn areas soon joined them, seeing this neighborhood as a way to be close to jobs in New York while enjoying better schools and safer streets.

Rego Park doesn’t have any museums, but nearby Flushing Meadows has the Queens Museum with art exhibitions and educational programming enriching the lives of locals. Rego Park also has no annual events. However, Flushing Meadows hosts tennis’ US Open in late summer.

Most of Rego Park's restaurants can be found along Queens Boulevard. Here, you can find almost any kind of cuisine you can think of – Mediterranean, Turkish, kosher, Russian, Uzbek, Chinese, Japanese, vegetarian, French, American and Peruvian.

Black Sea Fish & Grill has plenty of healthy fish dishes but also cold appetizers, soups, salads, chicken and lamb prepared with Mediterranean spices. Locals love the fried mussels and lentil soup as well as the grilled octopus and lamb kebabs. A casual, friendly ambiance makes this the perfect choice for lunch or dinner.

If you've always wanted to try Uzbeki food, Cheburechnaya makes it easy and inexpensive. Baked pastries known as samcy are filled with a variety of fillings, from pumpkin to potatoes, or you can try a hearty pelmein soup with tiny dumplings and ground beef. With prices this low, you're free to try lots of new dishes to share with friend in a laid-back atmosphere.

Valle's Cafe does American right with traditional egg and bacon breakfasts, pancakes, waffles, muffins and bagels. It also serves salads, sandwiches, clubs, burgers and wraps. This place is perennially crowded, thanks to the good food and friendly atmosphere. It squeezes its own juices, inviting visitors to create their own healthy mixes.

In Rego Park, nightlife is pretty spread out and centered around the bar scene. Since much of this neighborhood is residential, things get going on the weekends. Tropix Bar & Lounge attracts locals with its spicy Buffalo wings and tropical fare served alongside colorful umbrella drinks. Events like ladies night and salsa Saturday ensure this place is happy and crowded most nights.

If you prefer family-friendly fun, a large selection of domestic and craft beers and watching the latest sporting events on high-definition, flat-screen televisions, make your way to Bridie's Bar and Grill on Woodhaven Boulevard. Broadcasting every NHL, NFL, NBA and MLB game in the United States, Bridie's has earned a reputation for being one of the best sports bars in Rego Park, all while maintaining a laid-back, casual pub vibe.

When you want to sit back and relax with good company and conversation, try Havana Dreams Cigar Lounge, also located on Woodhaven Boulevard. Enjoy a premium cigar in the moonlight on the outdoor gazebo or in one of the plush chairs located inside. As the only full-service cigar lounge in the area, you can be sure your first visit won't be your last.

Though some people drive in Rego Park, the majority of locals prefer to take public transportation because there are many options. The M, Q and 7 subways stop in this neighborhood or nearby as well as the R and V trains.

MTA bus lines also run through this area as well as Trans-Bridge Lines buses and the Long Island Rail Road. It’s fairly easy to hail a cab on the street, depending on where you are and what time of day it is, and very easy to arrange an Uber pickup.

Public parking is available in many areas, but it’s often tough to find and somewhat expensive (not as much as New York, but still costly). Nearby highways include the 497, 678 and Grand Central Parkway.

This neighborhood encourages walkers, especially around Queens Blvd. where most of the area’s businesses are clustered. With some bike lanes, the area is safe for cyclists, but with Queens traffic, it’s best to wear a helmet and be extra mindful.

Though Rego Park has the word park in its name, only Russell Sage Playground falls under this category. A well-equipped playground attracts kids from all around, while basketball courts, fitness equipment, handball courts and showers bring in fitness buffs and neighborhood exercisers.

Other parks in the area include Elmhurst Park, which also has a great playground and space for doggies to run around and play. Flushing Meadows Corona Park has a zoo, a playground and access to an art museum, science museum, botanical garden and baseball stadium. Since it was also the site of the New York State Pavilion at two World’s Fairs, there’s also a little history to be learned. Parks are free, but parking is sometimes limited, so it’s best to get there early or prepare to pay and park farther away.

The cost of living in Rego Park is higher than the national average but lower than the New York City average. A typical one-bedroom residence rents for $1,704.77.

It costs $3 to get from Rego Park to Manhattan by subway. A beer at a local pub runs around $5-6, and gas prices hover around 19 percent higher than the national average in Rego Park.

Like its local restaurants, most of Rego Park's shopping can be found along Queens Blvd. Here you can find several large shopping centers with chain stores such as CVS, Marshalls, Target and Costco. You won't find much in the way of high-end or luxury shopping here, but several smaller boutiques offer the chance to experience the neighborhood.

If you mean to improve your sporting game, Format offers the athletic shoes, cycling gear and electronics you need to get fit. Nearby Forest Hills also houses Jacklyn's Boutique, which offers accessories, women's clothing and shoes for purchase, while Sylvia's Boutique caters to Chinese brides with fancy dresses and alterations. Locals have a choice to shop at chain stores such as Key Food for groceries, or they can stick to smaller places such as J and B Fresh Seafood Market, Fresh Value Marketplace and Net Cost Market. Each one offers fresh produce, flowers, baked goods and friendly neighborhood service that keep locals coming back. Rego Park doesn't have a farmers market of its own, but neighboring Jackson Heights and Forest Hills both have outdoor markets on Sundays.