Holliswood - Jamaica, NY Area Guide

Holliswood is a fairly new name for a long-standing community located in Hollis. It used to be called Terrace Heights, and building in the area began around WWII and continued until the 1950s. Holliswood isn't as well-known as some of its neighbors like Queens Village, Bellerose, and Jamaica Estates, but that's fine with residents. With its tree-lined streets and large, manicured lawns, this neighborhood doesn't resemble other neighborhoods in Queens, but feels more like a suburban oasis.

The Hollis World War Memorial, a neighborhood landmark, was built in 1920. This monument lists Hollis residents killed during WWI. Some major recording artists and producers come from the Hollis area, including Russell Simmons, Chairman and CEO of Rush Communications and co-founder of Def Jam Recordings. Other famous residents include LL Cool J, Run DMC, Reverend Al Sharpton, and Pulitzer Prize winning political humorist Art Buchwald.

The Grill Point restaurant sells great Middle Eastern favorites, such as shawarma and babaganoush. A free salad bar and kofta kebab round out the menu. A hot chocolate or traditional baklava perfectly tops a meal at this pleasant restaurant.

Queens is the home of Violet's Bake Shop, featured on the TLC show "Cake Boss." A local kosher favorite, Violet's makes the best challah in Queens, according to locals. The bake shop specializes in fondant cakes, pastries, and other baked goods. Everything at Violet's is baked on the premises by Violet and her son, Michael.

Or-Yehuda is a kosher restaurant that makes the best kebabs in the area. Although pricey, the skirt steak kebab cannot be missed. Or-Yehuda also make a chicken and lamb kebab.

Thirty-seven percent of the population commute at least one hour per day. Most commuters prefer the Long Island Railroad over the MTA F line, although it is a viable choice. Buses run from Holliswood and charge $2.50 for passage. A MetroCard is an easy and quick way to get to the city and throughout Queens.

Commuters driving to the city take the Van Wyck to the Long Island Expressway to the Triborough Bridge. This straight route takes less than half an hour, which is why locals prefer driving to work over the other ways to get to the city.

Residents can use Uber or stand on Union Turnpike and hail a cab; both are great ways to get around Holliswood and surrounding communities. Public parking is not problematic. Free parking on the busy turnpike makes shopping hassle-free.

Shoppers who choose to walk or bike the area can do so without a problem. The area and surrounding communities take safety very seriously. Organized neighborhood associations, as well as private security guards, ensure that Holliswood remains safe and tranquil.

Just north of the neighborhood, you'll discover one of the largest parks in Queens: Cunningham Park. This park dates back to 1928 and features a paved, car-free parkway for jogging and bicycling, picnic areas, basketball courts, hiking trails, tennis courts, ball fields, bocce courts, two food trucks, fitness equipment, and dog-friendly areas.

Holliswood shares the Midland Malls park with Jamaica Estates, where residents can take advantage of a number of New York City-sponsored events. Children can explore the nature library and join teen and sports programs. Exercise-minded adults can participate in WALK NYC and Shape UP NYC programs. Annual events include a 5K run/walk that began in 2010 as a fundraising event. In its fourth year, it continues in popularity and brings out more than 1,000 dignitaries each year.

Residents in this upscale neighborhood enjoy an income level that ranks among top 15 percent in the United States. They pay 15 percent more for gas and a one-bedroom apartment in Holliswood starts at $1,200. Although most Holliswood residents drive or carpool to work, buying a monthly train ticket costs just over $200.

Holliswood offers a variety of shopping destinations. For antique furniture, residents head to Ark Antiques. For flowers, they visit Nature's Petal. For everything in between, head to the shopping plazas along Hillside Avenue.

Grocery shopping gets a makeover at A to Z Kosher Supermarket in Fresh Meadows. First, a personal shopper can do all of the legwork for you. Next, the store's lucrative rewards program shaves about $600 off the annual bills of regular shoppers. Finally, the supermarket is willing to deliver your groceries to your home, separating meat and cheese for those with dietary restrictions. Additionally, the market sells a huge selection of kosher fish and fresh meats.

The Farmers Fresh Depot in Fresh Meadows offers a little more than the traditional farmers market. In addition to fresh produce from farmers in the Tri-State area, it offers a hot buffet and tons of kosher goodies.