Astoria, Queens

Astoria is a neighborhood in the western portion of the New York Cityborough of Queens. Astoria is bounded by the East River to the west and north and is adjacent to four other Queens neighborhoods: Long Island City to the southwest, Sunnyside to the southeast, and Woodside and East Elmhurst to the east. As of 2024, Astoria has an estimated population of 198,608.

The Astoria area was originally inhabited by Native Americans known to Europeans as the Mespat or Maspeth tribe.  European settlement began in the seventeenth century, notably by Englishman William Hallett and his wife Elizabeth Fones, leading to its original name of Hallett’s Cove.  Stephen Halsey, known as the father of Astoria, expanded and improved the settlement in the 1830s.  The village was incorporated in 1839 and named after fur tycoon John Jacob Astor.

During the second half of the 19th century, economic and commercial growth brought increased immigration. Astoria and several other surrounding villages were incorporated into Long Island City in 1870, which in turn was incorporated into the City of Greater New York in 1898. Commercial activity continued through the 20th century, with the area being a center for filmmaking and industry. Astoria is one of the most ethnically diverse neighborhoods in Queens.

Astoria is colloquially referred to by several nicknames: "Actoria," highlighting the neighborhood's significant population of actors, drawn by its proximity to the Kaufman Astoria Studios, Silvercup Studios, and the Theater District; "The People's Republic of Astoria", referencing the neighborhood's reputation as a progressive political hub that by 2023 had become the only district in the United States to elect Democratic Socialists of America representatives at municipal, state, and federal levels; and "The Big Apple's Fruit Basket," due to the thousands of fruit trees, particularly fig trees, cultivated in local yards.

Astoria is located in Queens Community District 1, and is patrolled by the New York City Police Department's 114th Precinct. Politically, Astoria is represented by the New York City Council's 22nd, 25th, and 26th districts.