21st St, Astoria / Long Island City

21st Street is a major thruway in Astoria that can get you from east to west in a matter of minutes. The stop lights are timed especially for traffic so for drivers, this means you won't be waiting too long. It gets you to the entrance of the 59th Street bridge to Manhattan rather quickly and that is a blessing, however you must allot yourself extra time in the morning when others have the same idea as you.

Residents, however, would be best to avoid living directly on the avenue do to the constant noise from cars. There are businesses all along the street, like Riccardo's catering hall on 24th avenue, and many auto shops further down. Avoid the housing projects that neighbor it when you go into Long Island City.

A long nasty street that starts in an industrial wasteland, then goes through the projects, then through blahness, and ends in pretty area with a beautiful park. If you have a heart condition don't drive on this street, even if your in perfect health it's not a good idea. 2 lanes in each direction with parking on both sides and about an inch of clearance between lanes. I have been driving in NY since I got my license and this street scares me, kind of fun because it's like your in a bond film sometimes with all the neccesary lane swerving for turning and double parked cars. If you are not comfortable driving in Manhattan you should stay away as this street makes 3rd ave look like nothing. Also it's freaking loud and dirty.

I had friends who lived on 21st Street for years but I wouldn't advise it. It's noisy and very industrial. It's a bit far from the subway although there are buses that run. After dark it gets a bit scary and I wouldn't want to walk alone.