41-02 161st Street

Quick Profile

Known for its ethnic diversity that includes a large Asian population, Flushing Queens has much to offer. For starters, it’s a foodies paradise. It has several world-class sporting venues, fantastic tourist attractions and of course shopping. For some folks, the nabe is off the beaten path, which makes it a great place to explore, eat and wander.

Flushing is one of the biggest neighborhoods in Queens. It includes the pocket neighborhoods of East Flushing, Downtown Flushing, Auburndale, Waldheim, and Broadway-Flushing. Its boundaries are Whitestone Expressway and Flushing Creek to the west, Utopia Parkway to the east, 25th and Bayside Avenues to the north, Golden Street, and Horace Harding Expressway to the south.   

The earliest inhabitants of Flushing were the Matinecock Indians. In 1628 the Dutch settled on the banks of Flushing Creek and called their new home Vlissingen. When the British took over in 1645, the neighborhood name became anglicized and it was referred to as Flushing.

The mid-1600s was a notable point in Flushing’s history. Local Dutch Governor Peter Stuyvesant jailed or banished anyone practicing Quakerism and other religions within the municipality.

Flushing residents joined together and fought the rule imposed by the Dutch. In 1657, the group drafted the Flushing Remonstrance, which petitioned Governor Stuyvesant to allow the freedom to practice religion. The original authors of the petition were jailed but eventually, the small population of Flushing settlers were given an exemption and could practice Quakerism. Scholars say it was the birthplace of freedom of religion and paved the way for the U.S. Constitution’s provision on freedom of religion in the U.S. Bill of Rights.

The World’s Fair is Flushing's biggest claim to fame. In 1939, the World’s Fair opened at Flushing-Meadows Park in Queens. 63 nations took part in the event that included scientific, cultural, and industrial exhibits. The second World's Fair took place in 1964. Both World Fairs played significant role in the development of Flushing Meadows-Corona Park

Main Street is one of many business districts within Flushing. The 7 train gives direct access to the area which has a high concentration of Asian-owned restaurants and businesses. Downtown Flushing is another commercial area with malls and mom-and-pop stores scattered throughout.

Flushing is more urban than suburban compared to other areas of Queens. The housing stock consists of a mixture of one and two-family homes, mid-rise apartment buildings, and high-density apartment buildings. The pocket neighborhoods of Auburndale, Waldheim, and Broadway-Flushing have a little more of a suburban feel with single-family homes and notable architecture. Broadway-Flushing has its own historic district that includes classic Revival styles from the Eclectic Period, Tudors, Colonials, and other styles.