Beechhurst, Queens

Beechhurst is a neighborhood in the northeastern section of the New York City borough of Queens. It is a part of Queens Community Board 7 and is located between the neighborhoods of Whitestone and Bay Terrace.

Geography

Beechhurst is surrounded by the East River to the north, the Whitestone Expressway to the west, and 166th Street to the east. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a mix of one-family homes, condominiums, and cooperative apartments.

History

Beechhurst's history dates back to the 17th century when it was settled by the Dutch. The area was originally known as "Little Bay" due to its location on the East River. In the late 19th century, the neighborhood was renamed "Beechhurst" which means "beech woods," in reference to the many beech trees in the area.

Demographics

Beechhurst is a diverse neighborhood with a significant number of Italian, Greek, and Asian residents. According to the United States Census Bureau, the neighborhood has a population of approximately 20,000 people.

Education

Beechhurst is served by the New York City Department of Education. The neighborhood is home to several public and private schools, including P.S. 193 Alfred J. Kennedy and J.H.S. 194 William Carr.

Transportation

Public transportation in Beechhurst is provided by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The neighborhood is served by the Q15 and Q15A bus routes, which connect to the Flushing – Main Street subway station.

Notable people

Several notable people have lived in Beechhurst, including former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and actress Ethel Merman.

See also

• List of Queens neighborhoods
• History of New York City