Forest Hills is a diverse family-oriented neighborhood in the center of Queens. On Austin Street, you’ll find restaurants serving a variety of cuisines, boutiques and chain stores. Families and shoppers stroll along this retail strip all day and into the evening. Forest Hills Gardens occupies the area south of Austin Street. Unlike any other residential zone in the city, its Tudor and Georgian homes look much the same as when they were built in the early 20th century. Continue south to Forest Park for hiking and sport facilities. The E, F, M and R trains stop at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue subway station, which puts you one block away from the middle of Austin Street.
At a Glance
- Super star: Comic hero Peter Parker (a.k.a. Spider-Man) lived with his Aunt May and Uncle Ben at 20 Ingram Street.
- Punk past: Members of The Ramones grew up in the neighborhood and formed the band here in 1974.
- Screen time: Forest Hills Gardens’ old-time looks make it a popular filming location. It served as the setting for the award-winning HBO miniseries Mildred Pierce.