Queens

Unlike more populous Brooklyn, Queens (population 2.2M) has never been a separate city - or, rather, has never been one city. In fact, the part of Queens closest to Manhattan has - that's why it's still called "Long Island City". That is why, in contrast to the other boroughs (and notably Brooklyn), Queens mailing addresses are made up of an assorted collection of town names, essentially corresponding to the names of the borough's neighborhoods.

WESTERN QUEENS

The parts closest to Manhattan are:

• Astoria,
• Long Island City, and
• Sunnyside

Long Island City is now defined more narrowly than in the past (since Astoria is rightfully considered a separate neighborhood) - specifically, as just the part between the Pulaski Bridge and the 59th Street Bridge (aka the Queensboro Bridge). This neighborhood is known for the P.S.1. contemporary arts museum, Silvercup Studios (the largest film production facility on the East Coast) and vast amounts of industrial space. Astoria is one the largest Greek-speaking communities outside of Greece.

CENTRAL & EASTERN QUEENS

Further out along the path of the 7 train are Jackson Heights (an Indian and Hispanic community) and Flushing (Queens's own version of Chinatown). More "suburban" in feel are the communities of Forest Hills and Kew Gardens. Other neighborhoods in Queens include Jamaica, Belmont Park, Floral Park, Douglaston, College Point, Corona, Elmhurst, Hollis, Rego Park, Ridgewood, Flushing Meadows and a bunch of others. Finally, there is the Rockaways, but it is so far it might as well be in another state.