Living in Whitestone, New York: A Hidden Gem in Queens

Looking to Live in Whitestone?
This gem, nestled in the northeastern corner of Queens, New York, remains one of the city’s most charming, small feel and scenic neighborhoods. Known for its suburban feel, tree-lined streets, and rich community spirit, Whitestone offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle of city life while maintaining easy access to Manhattan and the other boroughs (this is one of the main reasons people choose to live here). Whether you're raising a family, buying your first home or simply seeking a quieter urban lifestyle, Whitestone offers something for everyone. Growing up here was truly magical and despite the many changes over the years, Whitestone still has the charm I experienced growing up here as a child and that of which home buyers are still looking for today. Sounds cliche but it really does exist here!
Francis Lewis Park: A Natural Beauty
One of the jewels of Whitestone is beautiful Francis Lewis Park also referred to as Whitestone Park (by locals). It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the East River and the Whitestone Bridge. This park is a go-to destination for locals of all ages as well as residents from the surrounding towns of Bayside and Flushing. With wide open lawns, a children's playground (with summer sprinklers), basketball and handball courts, bocce courts, picnic areas, and walking paths, it’s the perfect spot for weekend relaxation or a quiet meditation during the week. And... for all you pickle ball players a new court has been added to the park this past year as well.
What truly sets Francis Lewis Park apart is the location. The fact that it is on the water and has a small beach is unique. The park is a destination for profeessioal photographers as well as bridal parties who come here to take wedding photos both in the park and on the waterfront beach. You cannot beat the view! It has also been host to both movie & televison shoots. Whether you're enjoying an early morning jog or catching a sunset picnic, the backdrop of the bridge over the river is magnificent.
The park is also home to many community events throughout the year, many hosted by our local community group “Friends of Francis Lewis Park” and include seasonal festivals, family movie nights, live bands and cultural celebrations. This group brings the community together not just for the fun and festive times but they also organize small groups who volunteer and work dilligently to keep the park clean, plant flowers and stay on top of the overall maintenance. They truly love the park and our neighborhood and it shows. New residents can easily join the group and get involved volunteering and make new friends as well.. https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/francis-lewis-park/
“The Village” & Community Events
Locals often refer to the heart of Whitestone as "The Village". Loocated along 150th St and 14th Avenue it is the central hub of Whitestone and a place where the community comes together to support the small "Mom and Pop Shops" and local restaurants. There are many towns in Queens that do not have a town center or village hub and this is an added benefit to residents. Very convenient.
The village is host to a post office, several banks and restaurants as well as many other small shops including an old school hardware store that has been here for 40 years, bagel store, variety stores, hair salons and small diners. Despite the towns small size it packs a punch. Whitestone Village offers everything you can possibly need and may save you a trip to the big box stores or the mall. Think local!
Throughout the year, the village hosts various community events that add vibrancy to everyday life. From the Whitestone Memorial Day Parade to holiday light displays, outdoor concerts, street fairs, and Halloween trick-or-treat walks, there’s something happening for all ages. A great new addition to our town events is the “Italian Heritage Street Festival” organized by local council woman Vickie Paladino of New York City’s https://council.nyc.gov/district-19/ in early fall. Vickie is a strong advocate for Whitestone residents and businesses and has gotten much accomplished here. She is a voice that is heard and respected and she has very strong ties with the 109th Precinct which provides safety to our community. Through her advocacy we have additional patrol cars designated solely for Whitestone giving our community added peace of mind. Vickie is very involved and works closely our local advocacy group who have strong ties to our community. They are our local watchdogs and are on top of what's happening in our community.
Dining in Whitestone: Culinary Diversity
Despite its suburban feel, Whitestone offers a surprisingly diverse culinary scene. The area is home to a wide array of dining options that reflect its multicultural makeup. Here are just a few you may want to check out:
• Il Nocello – Old school Italian restaurant best known for its traditional classic Italian comfort food. May remind you of home. Quaint!
• To Steki – A beloved Greek eatery serving up fresh seafood and traditional fare like Grilled Octopus and Moussaka. Great daily lunch specials.
• Jägerhaus Biergarten – A modern twist on traditional German and Austrian cuisine, with excellent beer pairings.
• Riviera Restaurant – A family-owned staple serving great Italian food in the most warm, welcoming environment.
• Legend of Taste – Offers a wide array of Szechuan dishes at good prices. Good local place.
Neighborhoods Within Whitestone
Whitestone is unique as it offers a patchwork of micro-neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, styles and home prices. Here’s a closer look at notable areas:
Malba
Malba is an exclusive enclave nestled in the northern section of Whitestone. Surrounded by the east river with picturesque views of the Whitestone Bridge. Malba has a wide array of homes, many custom-built on large waterfront lots with unobstructed views of the East River. Many waterfront properties have their own docks and boat lifts however there is also the Malba Yacht Club which offers easily accessible private boat slips and is also the famous Malba Jetty landmark. Home styles vary from traditional to ultra-modern and everywhere in between. Malba offers privacy, luxury, and tranquility just a few short miles from New York City making it sought after for executives and business owners. It's hard to imagine that New York City is a few short miles from here because it feels like you are light years away. Affordability is a factor living here as the median home price in 2025 is $1.7 million.
Beechhurst
Beechhurst is another desirable waterfront neighborhood, located near the Whitestone Bridge with stunning views of the bridge and East River. The Whitestone Bridge is the center dividing line between the Malba and Beechhurst neighborhoods. It is known for its quiet tree lined streets, manicured lawns and lush gardens. Beechhurst offers a wide array of housing options and prices. There are huge, beautiful homes located directly on the water with private docks and picturesque yards however there are also modest single-family homes and luxury co-ops here. In the early 20th century Beechhurst was a summer vacation spot for celebrities and artists, most notably Charlie Chaplin and the Vanderbilt Family. Summer getaway for the rich and famous! What's really cool about Beechhurst is that depending upon where your home is you may actually have a view of both the Whitestone and Throgs Neck Bridges. Pretty awesome!
Robinwood
Unless you are a local many people aren’t aware of this section and history. Marked by 12th Ave, the Cross Island Pkwy and 160th St., this section dates back to the 1920’s. when Robinwood Estates Inc. started developing the waterfront property once owned by Francis Lewis who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence (hence Francis Lewis Park). Imagine this, in 1938 lots here were being sold starting at $1,400! A wealthy audience, of course, who would in turn hire an architect to build their custom home. The vibe is still "custom home" in this neighborhood noted by the scale and diverse architecture of homes here. No "cookie cutter" or mass produced homes and pretty much no two are the same. There are still several custom homes in Robinwood that are historic landmarks and recognized by the Queens Historical Society thus reminding us of what once was. Although many years have passed since the original development of this area, it still holds the feel of custom and uniqueness not found in other areas of Queens. Many homes here have views of both Throgs Neck and Whitestone Bridges as well as the East River. Truly magnificent!
Lifestyle & Housing Options
Whitestone is very distinct in that it offers a wide variety of housing options, from luxury waterfront estates to modest starter homes and co-op apartments. Whether you're searching for a single family home, a multi-family colonial, a brick ranch, or a sleek high-rise unit with river and bridge views, you can find it here. From first time homebuyers to luxury buyers, there are many opportunities.
The housing diversity in Whitestone supports all populations—young families, retirees, professionals, and long-time residents who have watched the neighborhood grow. The lifestyle here is family-friendly and community-oriented. In many ways it still feels small townish.
One of the top reasons people choose Whitestone is for its peaceful, suburban setting and short drive to New York City. Many appreciate living in a quieter environment with options for good schools without giving up career opportunities and cultural perks of the city however that said, homes here are not inexpensive with price ranges from $250k for a coop to several millions for a luxury water front home. Check out homes for sale in Whitestone https://www.sellwithacquaviva.com/area-properties to get an idea of current home prices.
Schools, Sports & Civic Programs
Whitestone is in School District 25 which is home to several well-regarded public elementary, middle and high schools. There are private school options as well making it especially appealing to families and some terrific free "Early Learning Centers" for nursey school through pre-k offering great alternatives to the hefty pricetag of private childcare. There are several to choose from in the area.
There are several sports organizations including our local DG (Dwarf-Giraffe) which was formed in 1955 (offering baseball, basketball and volleyball to our youths) and has a physical location on 15th Rd. as well as CYO (Catholic Youth Organization) which has also been around for decades offering many sports and recreational leagues to both boys and girls of all ages and religious denominations.
One of the most active civic groups in Whitestone is the “We Love Whitestone Civic Association" https://www.welovewhitestone.com/ They hold monthly meetings and have been extremely vocal in the fight against crime, local issues and any other matters involdving our community. Many local politicians, police officials and fire officials attend meetings briefing residents on changing laws, community outreach programs, crime management and many other topics. This group has also built a strong relationship with the 109th Precinct and our local police officers who have a strong presence here offering residents peace of mind.
Transportation and Commute
While Whitestone doesn’t have its own subway line, it is still well-connected via local city bus as well as express bus connecting nearby neighborhoods, transit hubs and New York City. Besides bus travel the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is just a few minutes away.
The following list includes local and express bus lines serving the Whitestone community:
• Q15 & Q15A: These routes run along 150th Street and 154th Street, providing service between Beechhurst and Flushing.
• Q16: Operates between Fort Totten and Flushing, passing through Whitestone.
• Q20B: Connects Jamaica to College Point, with stops in Whitestone
• Q25: Runs from College Point through Whitestone to Jamaica, primarily along Parsons Boulevard.
• Q34: Serves Whitestone to Jamaica via Kissena Boulevard; note that this route is scheduled to be discontinued on June 29, 2025.
• Q44-SBS (Select Bus Service): Provides rapid service between Jamaica and the Bronx, with stops in Flushing near Whitestone.
• Q76: Connects Jamaica to College Point, traveling through Whitestone via Francis Lewis Boulevard.
• QM2: Offers service between Whitestone and Midtown Manhattan, with stops along the Whitestone Expressway and East 59th Street.
• QM32: Provides additional express service options between Whitestone and Manhattan.
See all Queens local and Express Bus lines here: https://www.mta.info/schedules/bus/queens
Major highways including the Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Expressway, and Clearview Expressway all run nearby, making it easy for drivers to navigate the borough and head East to Long Island and connection points to other boroughs.
Proximity to the Whitestone Bridge and Throgs Neck Bridge also provide quick access to the Bronx and points north including Connecticut, Westchester and upstate New York. Both JFK and LaGuardia airports are easily accessible however LaGuardia is closest at a ten minute drive. Super convenient! In terms of location you cannot beat living here. Whitestone offers the best access to both land and air travel.
A Community That Feels Like Home
What truly sets Whitestone apart isn’t just its beauty or convenience—it’s the sense of community. Long-time residents often stay for generations. It is not unusual for a home to be sold for the first time after 50+ years by original owners. People come here and stay giving the community a solid and stable foundation. People take pride in their homes, participate in local activities, and support small local businesses. It’s a place where neighbors still find time to chat, where holiday decorations line the blocks, and where the pace of life feels just a little more relaxed. It is a “gem” in Queens and a place I call home. I may be biased growing up in Whitestone but I still feel that it is one of the rarest neighborhoods in New York because it manages to feel like a secret escape within the city (especially in Malba and Beechhurst on the water). It offers a lifestyle that feels suburban but has strong urban influences. Whitestone is more than just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you're looking to raise a family, start a new chapter, or looking for convenience Whitestone may be the perfect place to call home.
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