THERE is a small world out there in Queens, literally. It has the distinction of being the most ethnically diverse county in the United States.
As the biggest of the five boroughs in New York City, Queens sports a decidedly different face from the rest of its counterparts.
Facts from the US Census Bureau confirmed its diversity. Asians formed a staggering 21% of its 2.2 million inhabitants although they are just about 7% of the overall New York population.
Which is why the No 7 subway train is nicknamed the Orient Express; its last stop is Flushing, the neighbourhood that has the second biggest Chinatown in the city. A Korean community thrives there as well.
Its ever-bustling public library located in Flushing is further proof of the mixed bag that is Queens.
Besides setting a national record last year for the 20 million items loaned, the Queens Library has collections available in 70 languages.
Overall, the Empire State has a population that is about 74% white but in Queens, the number drops to 55%.
IT specialist Michael Swamy, who has lived in the borough for the past decade, loved the community feeling in Queens.
“I feel comfortable here. The Indian community is here. We share common values, lifestyle and culture,” said Swamy, who is originally from Barbados.
Indeed, there is a Little India in Jackson Heights, the neighbourhood where he lives with his Malaysian wife.
Jackson Heights is also well known for its eclectic choice of eateries; Ecuadorean, Mexican and Colombian fare are all available here.
Another neighbourhood, Astoria, has carved its name as home to a huge Greek population.
As for the people of Latino origin, they form about 26%, which is also much higher than the 16% recorded at state level.
The range of cuisine available is mind-boggling. An Afghan restaurant sits next to an Indian food outlet. There are also Argentinean steakhouses, Mexican diners, and Uruguayan bakeries; indeed, one New York Times writer said he moved to Queens for the food.
But for Swamy, 43, he has more than one reason for being in Queens.
Besides the convenience of transportation (a mere 15-minute subway ride to midtown Manhattan), the reasonable rent is a huge draw for him unlike the exorbitant rates in pricey Manhattan.
He pays US$1,200 (RM4,179) monthly for his one-bedroom apartment although, admittedly, the price has spiralled compared to his earlier years here where such a dwelling would only cost him US$700 (RM2,437) .
“There is also easy access to supermarkets and groceries. Cost of food is cheaper, too,” he said, citing that a slice of pizza is just a little over US$1 (RM3.48), with a Coke thrown in. Canned food such as condensed milk is priced at two for US$1(RM3.48).
Consumers would need to pay double or even triple of those prices in Manhattan.
Maureen E. Walthers, publisher and editor of the Times Newsweekly, is someone who knows Queens inside-out. She has worked for the 99-year-old local newspaper for three decades.
“There is a very strong sense of community here,” she said. Perhaps not coincidentally, the borough has 55 community newspapers that are sold on a weekly basis.
Walthers speaks of Queens affectionately, saying that people here tend to stay in areas that reflected their ethnicity but that did not stop them from being involved in a bigger, more public level in their neighbourhood.
“This place is nice, the people are very good. Rent is affordable and there are good schools. The shops are marvellous shops. You can find anything you want,” she said.
Queens, to put it simply, is great for the family.
Walthers does not think that Queens is being overshadowed by Manhattan.
“No, not at all. The people here are very strong-minded. They made their views known very clearly,” she said. Queens is very much in control, apparently.
Still unfamiliar with Queens? Think the US Open where Roger Federer emerged king again last week. Tennis players battled it out here annually for the final Grand Slam of the year.
This is also the location of New York’s two main airports.
So, New York City isn’t just about Manhattan. Queens reigns the day, too.
