Neighborhood Choice: Glendale

Not many residents can truthfully say that there are more deceased in their town than there are living, except for the residents of Glendale. An area usually clumped in with neighboring Ridgewood, even by some of its own residents; Glendale has a rich history of German immigrants who flocked to this area in the late 1800’s. Originally a farming community, Glendale became the home to textile factories after World War One, which once again brought another influx of German immigrants to the area. Though it still has the largest German-American population of the five boroughs, Glendale is now becoming the new haven to Eastern European immigrants, mainly Polish and Albanian families. Just walk down Fresh Pond Road and you will see four Polish delis within a three block span. The new wave of immigrants is slowly driving out life long residents, but at the same time it is also adding to the character of the neighborhood.
With only one subway stop, and a handful of bus lines, Glendale is as isolated as it gets. Yet there are many hidden gems nestled in this quiet area of western Queens, including the house used as the exterior shot for the 1970’s hit show All in the Family. It also holds the dubious distinction of being the home of the 104th Precinct of the New York Police Department, one of the largest, and worst, precincts in the city.
All of this is why I love living in Glendale. The isolation from the city, the German restaurants, the fact that Jackie Robinson and Harry Houdini are buried here, and because of the rich history associated with the only place I have ever called home.