Astoria

Astoria is a neighborhood located in the northwestern corner of the borough of Queens in New York City. Known for its diverse community, Astoria is home to a large number of immigrants, with a significant population of Greeks, Italians, and people from the Middle East. The neighborhood is bounded by the East River and is adjacent to three other Queens neighborhoods: Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside.

History

Astoria was originally called Hallet's Cove, after its first landowner William Hallet, who settled there in 1652 with his wife, Elizabeth Fones. The area was renamed for John Jacob Astor, then the wealthiest man in America with a net worth of over $40 million, in a bid to persuade him to invest in the area. He only invested $500, but the name stayed nonetheless.

Culture

Astoria is known for its vibrant cultural scene. The neighborhood is home to several cultural institutions, including the Museum of the Moving Image, which is dedicated to the art, history, and technology of film and television. The Noguchi Museum and the Socrates Sculpture Park are also located in Astoria.

Cuisine

Astoria's diverse population has contributed to a wide variety of dining options in the neighborhood. The area is particularly known for its Greek food, but also offers a range of other cuisines, including Italian, Middle Eastern, and Asian.

Transportation

Astoria is served by the New York City Subway's N and W trains, which run along the neighborhood's western edge. Several bus lines also serve the neighborhood, and the RFK Bridge (formerly known as the Triborough Bridge) connects Astoria to Manhattan, The Bronx, and Randall's Island.

Notable people

Many notable people have lived in Astoria, including actors Tony Bennett, Christopher Walken, and Tina Fey, as well as musicians like Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel.

See also

• List of Queens neighborhoods
• History of New York City
• Culture of New York City