I miss it. I lived here for a couple of years, off 75th and Queens Blvd. I rented the master room…read morein a 3 bedroom apartment with a couple of other revolving roommates. Even though it had its drawbacks, it was an overwhelmingly positive experience. I was able to live and breathe life in NY. And, yes, lots of eating and drinking was had.
Things to do: 4/5
Safety: 4/5
Cleanliness: 3/5
SUMMARY -- It's mostly filled with residential neighborhoods. Queens Blvd is the main drag. The commercial heart of Forest Hills is a mile-long stretch of Austin Street between Yellowstone Boulevard and Ascan Avenue. It's served by the E, F, M, and R trains. The local 75th Avenue stop (with E and F trains), was the stop I most used. Mostly in the news until 1978 with Forest Hills Stadium having hosted the U.S. Open (then closed and moved to Flushing Meadows, 3 miles to the north).
CLOSE BY -- Manhattan (40 mins by train, longer due to traffic by car); Citi Field in Flushing (where the Mets play; 10 mins by car, 30 mins by train); Jones Beach (35 mins by car).
PEOPLE -- Where I lived, a lot of Russians and Jews, but a great mix of all ethnicities...one of the best things about NY.
RESTAURANTS -- Most of the better one's are on either Queens Blvd Austin. I fancied Cabana (Cuban), Portofino (Italian), The Family (Italian, closed 2016), Mardi Gras (Cajun, closed 2011), Just Like Mother's (Polish, closed 2014). But there's tons of others worth Yelp mentioning: Forest Hills Station House, Nick's, Bareburger, Deasura, Jack & Nellie's, Memories of Shanghai, Mito Asian Fusion, and Xin Taste Hand Pull Noodle to name a few.
MARKETS -- Everyone's talking about Sakura Ya & Cipollina Gourmet, and I'm certain I'd love them too. But, my local place was a Key Food with a great selection of meats, dairy, breads, and jar/can goods.
BAGELS -- There's many bagel places, and generally, there all good. But my favorite, a flat bagel from Hot Bialys & Bagels on Queens. Basically, a larger thinner bagel, yes, smushed. That means, better toasted and more schmear.