Sunnyside Queens, NY

Originally settled and owned by the French, Sunnyside was named after Sunnyside Hill Farms from the area. Since then, the neighborhood has transformed into middle-class residential and semi-commercial area. Sunnyside doesn't house any art galleries or museums, so residents and visitors venture to surrounding neighborhoods. The Museum of the Moving Image is relatively close to Sunnyside, residing just a few blocks north. On Wednesday through Sunday, patrons enjoy the history of film and theater. Tickets cost just $12 for adults and $6 for children, with students and seniors paying $9. Materials for the Arts takes place every third Thursday of the month alternating between Sunnyside, Astoria and Long Island City. Artist Linda Puerta hosts a free workshop on how to turn extra materials into sculptures and installations.

Locals rave about Salt and Fat located on Queens Boulevard. The restaurant remains on the small side with seating for around 30 to 35 people, so patrons should expect to wait in line, especially on the weekend. Amazingly unique dishes like the Fuji apple salad satisfy vegetarians, while the Long Island roast duck appeases the meat eaters. The prices are fair for the type of food and the atmosphere provides a cozy dinner experience. De Mole on 48th Avenue serves authentic Mexican cuisine for very affordable prices. Classic dishes like chicken or beef enchiladas and sizzling fajitas with fried vegetables can be found on the menu. The portions can be quite large, so sharing may be a good option for some. The Blu Orchid Asian Bistro on Queens Boulevard in the center of Sunnyside serves delectable dishes like chicken satay and seafood ceviche. Beautifully plated dishes like the papaya salad and pad thai are favored by the locals. The restaurant has average prices for the type of cuisine and casual atmosphere. The Courtyard Ale House provides a prime location in Sunnyside to have a beer with friends while enjoying live music. The tiny pub rocks out on the weekends and Tuesdays and Thursdays with some of the hottest local bands or DJs playing. The pub has a whopping 24 beers on tap with another 33 varieties in bottle form. Patrons enjoy specialty craft brews and imported ales as well as regular domestic brews.

Getting around the Sunnyside neighborhood proves to be quite easy with several major roadways are located around it. On the south end of the neighborhood, residents take advantage of interstate 278 and 495 running east and west. Running directly through the center of Sunnyside is the 7 train that rides directly into Manhattan. Tickets start at $2.75, making it a very affordable method of transport. There are no public parking lots or garages in the small residential neighborhood of Sunnyside, so residents utilize street parking. Meters can be found along some of the streets with rates of $1 per hour of parking. Walking and biking are safe in Sunnyside, and biking especially proves to be quite popular here. Bikes are allowed on the trains as well as the East River Ferry, making it a convenient way to get around. Designated bike lanes can be found on Skillman Avenue and 43rd Avenue. Cabs can be relatively easy to hail and rates start at around $8 to go a few blocks and upwards of $50 for a ride to the airport. Some residents choose to utilize Uber ride-sharing service. Rates start at $22 for the regular service and go up to $67 for the SUV service for a ride from the center of Sunnyside to Central Park in Manhattan.

Sunnyside Gardens Park provides a main recreation area for residents and visitors. The park features 3.5 acres of greenery and fun everyone. Enjoy the basketball and tennis courts, and let your kids play in the sandboxes and on the swings, or watch as they splash and wade in the kiddie pool. Several picnic areas in the park give you space to enjoy a meal in the great outdoors during park hours from 10 a.m. to sunset every day. Admittance is free, but dogs aren't allowed in the park, so leave your pooch at home. The park hosts many events throughout the year, including an Easter egg hunt in April, Shakespeare in the Park in August and movies at Flicks in the Garden in September. Two main events include Oktoberfest, which is held on the second weekend in October, and the Memorial Day Fair on Memorial Day weekend. Admittance to the events never costs a thing.

The cost of living in Sunnyside runs average compared to surrounding neighborhoods in Queens. An average one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,700 per month to rent. Beer at a local pub or bar can cost anywhere from $3 for a domestic can during happy hour to $7 or $8 and up for a specialty craft brew or imported ale. Public transportation remains quite cheap, with most people taking the train at a low cost of $2.75 for a one-way trip. Gas prices in Sunnyside average about 4 percent below the New York City average and 16 percent above the national average.

Since Sunnyside doesn't have many specialty boutique shops in the neighborhood, residents go to surrounding areas to find what they need. Places like Lockwood on 33rd Street provide the ultimate boutique shopping experience. Customers find unique home decor along with gifts and items for children. Marbren Tire & Auto Repair remains your neighborhood car repair shop for tires, alignments, balancing and brakes. When your car needs work, count on Marbren Tire & Auto Repair. Sunnyside houses several grocery stores, including Associated Supermarket on Greenpoint Avenue, which sells quality meat and produce. Green Point Farm, also on Greenpoint Avenue, sells fresh fruits and vegetables in a semi-indoor shop. Key Food on Queens Boulevard serves the northeast section of the Sunnyside neighborhood. Sunnyside hosts the Queens County Market several times per year, acting as the local farmers market. Patrons purchase homemade jellies and jams along with fresh baked goods and handmade soaps.