Sunnyside

I lived there for 15.5 years, 1985-2001. Parking is more difficult north of Qns Blvd, but tough everywhere. It went downhill during the '90s. It had started gentrifying; then the post-1988 recession reversed that. Drug dealing was going on openly. A man was mugged in the laundry room of my coop around 1999 or 2000. Only one more negative: the #7 train was the best line in the city in the '70s and early '80s. Then there was one "renovation" or "reconstruction" project after another. They were still happening in the last few years, I think. The #7 was hard to board at peak rush hours, too packed. There were mornings it didn't show up at all, or didn't make it across the East River. If the #7 has a problem, there is no option, because everyone else in the area is competing for the (packed) busses and cabs.

With the negatives over with: if the #7 truly gets fixed, it's quick and frequent. If the #7 is running smoothly, it's easy to get cabs to Manhattan, just hail on Qns Blvd. Getting home to Sside late at nite is easy -- just go to 59th & 2nd where cabs line up to get a fare going home. Sunnyside has lots of restaurants, Rumanian, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Irish, Argentine, Colombian, Ecuadorian. There are a few supermarkets, i.e. Greenpoint & 42nd, and plenty of small greengrocers. It is as "safe" as any neighborhood in NYC. The blatant drug dealing is history, I think. I only go there once every year or two, and I have noticed almost no changes since 2001. Ooops, except for one major change: real estate is three times as expensive and rents are 50% higher. When I had a car I would park in the warehouse/industrial area west of 39th St. If you drive home late at night you will not find parking. There are no commercial parking garages that I know of. When the price was lower, it was NYC's best-kept secret. It was a magnet for immigrants in the '90s. Now that rents are so much higher it will change.

I lived in Sunnyside once for about a year ~2001. I just purchased a place in Sunnyside a month ago. Here are my thoughts. Overall, I love this neighborhood and am really happy that I bought here. For me it came down to LIC, Astoria or Sunnyside. In the end, Sunnyside gave me alot more value for my money and the neighborhood has been established for years (unlike LIC).

Demographics - Its a good mix of white and hispanic. Alot more young professionals than my first stint in 2001. It doesnt quite have that trendy vibe but it feels like it could be heading that way. I think the makeup of people in this neighborhood is great and really feels like NY.

Schools - Cant comment as Im too young to have kids so didnt look into the schools at all in my decision.

Safety - It is just as safe as any other comparable neighborhoods if not more. North or south, I feel completely at ease walking around at almost any hour. As with most other places in Queens/BK, be aware of your surroundings and you'll be fine. I felt the same way in 2001 and dont see any change. I feel like its always been safe. There is a good police presence too.

Commerical vs Residential - Most commercial lies on Queens Blvd stretch. North and south are mainly residential with a good amount of commercial on Greenpoint Ave as well.

Architecture - Most buildings are nice and well kept. The area and building are also incredibly clean.

Restaurants + Stores - I have everything I could want within 6 blocks. I absolutely love all of the ethnic restaurants and bars around the area. The food is fantastic and well priced. I just moved from UES which had alot of very expensive, average food so I am a bit jaded. Supermarkets are plentiful. Smaller markets are plentiful and really good (Butcher Block is great!!). Lots of hidden secrets for eating. Lots of fast food if thats your thing.

Transportation - Personally, I work in Grand Central and the commute is 20 mins door to door. #7 is reliable in my recent experience. Easy transfer to N/R. Cabs are abundant. Parking sucks!! Not alot of car garages. My building has one so I cant complain. I feel the pain when I have visitors or just want to pull up in front of my building. Meter maids are out in full force at all hours too writing tickets.

Overall, I think Sunnyside is a great place to live. Not too hyped which has kept prices somewhat reasonable. I feel like its been stable for the last decade so I wouldnt expect too many dramatic changes within the next decade either.

Are you looking to buy something in particular there?

Sunnyside is a great neighborhood. It has tons of restaurants and stores. The best part is that you actually don't need a car. It's a great walking area. I find it to be very safe and a much better bargain then LIC. Also check out Woodside. They are similar neighborhoods. Good luck.

Oh the north side of QB- Sunnyside Gardens and Skillman is the best area in Sunnyside.