Here at Beam Living we’re lucky to have communities in four totally unique areas of New York City. Completely unlike one another, these neighborhoods boast some of the best restaurants, green spaces, and destinations in the city. So how does one choose? Honestly, we don’t know, but we wanted to share some of our favorite insights into each neighborhood to help you make your decision.
Forest Hills, Queens
First up is Forest Hills. This neighborhood, bordering Rego Park, Middle Village, and Kew Gardens, is known for its Tudor homes, tulip trees, and somewhat throwback feel. Forest Hills is the only neighborhood of the four that is located outside of Manhattan, and that has its perks. With its Queens address, Forest Hills offers space, amazing parks, and proximity to Forest Hills Stadium (for concert-lovers that is a huge pro). Not to mention incredible restaurants (just stroll up and down Austin St.) and amazing architecture. The area is also home to the iconic Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, boasting 897 acres and two lakes - Willow Lake, which sits along Forest Hills’ northern border and is one of the last freshwater wetlands left in all of NYC, and Meadow Lake, which is home to the famous Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival. With food, music, and green space at your fingertips, Forest Hills is really one of the coolest areas in the city.
(aged.) is a local steakhouse in the heart of Forest Hills.
Kips Bay, Manhattan
Kips Bay, although sometimes confused for Murray Hill, is a fun, convenient, and thriving neighborhood in and of itself. Situated between the East River and Lexington, and 23rd and 34th Street, you will find Kips Bay. Some choose this area for its easy commute to Midtown, others enjoy the close proximity to hospitals and schools, while others love the young vibe of the neighborhood. With tons of amazing restaurants and bars, this area is enticing to a variety of ages. Kips Bay is also home to an (almost) suburban sized AMC Theater, a Target, and the relaxing East River walk.
Bustling Kips Bay has a plethora of restaurants to offer.
East Village, Manhattan
Although a far cry from the East Village of years past, the heart of the neighborhood still remains. Filled to the brim with incredible restaurants, bars, nightlife, and history, this neighborhood will keep you busy all night - if you want it to. Spend your days coffee shop hopping, walking the East River, checking out vintage shops or maybe just hanging out at Tompkins Square Park. Whatever you are looking for, you will probably be able to find it in the East Village.
Financial District (FiDi), Manhattan
Last, but certainly not least, we have the Financial District, aka FiDi. Sitting at the bottom of Manhattan, this historic neighborhood is home to so much more than just the financial markets. It offers waterfront views, scenic walks, beautiful architecture - both historic and new, popular restaurants and bars, the incredible 9/11 Memorial, and not to mention The Battery– the 25-acre green space at the tip of the island. This area brings together old and new with cobblestone streets, historic landmark buildings, and new highrise buildings all living side by side. From the Financial district you can easily catch a ferry to Staten Island, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or Queens. Or, if you want a different kind of boat ride, you can take a tour of the Statue of Liberty. There is so much to see and do in FiDi, making it a really unique place to live.
And those are our neighborhoods! Which speaks the most to you? If you’d like to experience the neighborhood and our communities in person, we’d love to give you a tour and let you experience their personalities first-hand.
Written by Kate Roth