Jackson Heights finds itself in Highbrow Magazine and possibly eclectic

Image source: Highbrow Magazine / Photographer: Yolian Cerquera

We noticed a recent article on Jackson Heights in the online Highbrow Magazine, musing on the idea that the neighborhood is “eclectic,” if not the “most eclectic” in NYC. The article doesn’t outright state that Jax Heights is eclectic, but does highlight a number of disparate elements that could lead you to that conclusion.

So what are those elements? Well, start with the two major immigrant populations – South Asians (Indians and Bangladeshis) and Colombians that have made their mark on the area. These groups bring strong food and cultural elements to Jackson Heights – you can enjoy a samosa and mango lassi, and then a few streets later enjoy an empanada with a cholado. Saris and jeans are both available for sale, as well as gold and other jewelry.

And then you can also get yourself a cappuccino and sandwich at Espresso 77, and shop for yoga pants a few blocks away.

Jackson Heights is home to a large historic district that is landmarked. Some of the oldest streets in Queens also flow through the neighborhood, like Northern Boulevard, known in the 19th century as Jackson Avenue. We’ve written before about the garden apartments and their lure in the early part of the 20th century, the subway and Queensboro bridge making it easier to get out to “the country.”

And then there were changes that happened that altered the makeup of the population in this part of Queens (and many other parts – Astoria comes to mind). One of those changes would be the 1965 Immigration Reform Act, which adjusted immigration quotas and allowed people who were working here to bring over their families from the old country.

All these elements really do add up to an eclectic neighborhood, though we believe we could say that about a lot of neighborhoods in Queens.

Is Jackson Heights New York’s Most Eclectic Neighborhood? [Highbrow Magazine]
Today in history – Jackson Heights garden apartments advertised on the radio in 1922 [QNYC]
Sunnyside and Jackson Heights – 2 of 8 hidden gems when it comes to looking for new dig [QNYC]