Whitestone
Quick Facts
Borough: Queens, New York City
County: Queens County
Zip Code: 11357
Approximate Population: ~30,800 (2010 Census)
Community District: Queens Community District 7
Distance to Midtown Manhattan: ~12 miles
Transit: No subway; express buses (QM2, QM20, QM32) to Midtown; local buses to Flushing (7 train)
Nearest Major Roadways: Whitestone Expressway (I-678), Cross Island Parkway, Francis Lewis Boulevard, Northern Boulevard
Bridge Access: Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (I-678 to Bronx/Westchester/I-95)
Community Overview
Whitestone is a residential neighborhood in the northernmost section of Queens, bordered by the East River to the north, College Point and the Whitestone Expressway to the west, Flushing and 25th Avenue to the south, and Bayside and Francis Lewis Boulevard to the east. It is often described as the "Gateway to Queens" because the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge connects it directly to the Bronx and the interstate highway system beyond.
The neighborhood's name comes from the white limestone rocks that once lined the river shore. Dutch settlers in the 1600s referred to "the white stone" as a local landmark and survey reference point. Before the area developed residentially, a large portion of the land was owned by Francis Lewis, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.
Whitestone is one of the most suburban-feeling neighborhoods in New York City. Tree-lined streets are set back from traffic, single-family detached homes have driveways and backyards, and the pace feels more like Long Island than the outer boroughs. The neighborhood includes the sub-section of Malba, which occupies the waterfront area along the East River between the Whitestone Expressway and 138th Street. Malba has been cited by The New York Times as one of the few "elite enclaves" of Queens, with large homes on manicured lots and waterfront access.
There is no subway service in Whitestone. Residents rely on express buses (QM2, QM20, QM32) for direct service to Midtown Manhattan, local bus routes that connect to the 7 train at Flushing-Main Street, and car access via the Whitestone Expressway and Cross Island Parkway. The Long Island Rail Road's Whitestone Branch once served the neighborhood, but service ended during the Great Depression. Parts of the old rail right-of-way were later used to construct the Whitestone Expressway.
Things to Do / Lifestyle & Amenities
Whitestone's commercial activity is concentrated in small clusters rather than a single downtown strip. The area around 150th Street and 14th Avenue includes local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Villaggio serves wood-fired pizza. Tutto Calcio is a go-to for casual Italian. Taco Azul handles the Mexican side. Ginger and Lemongrass draws locals for Vietnamese pho and steamed buns. Sergimmo Salumeria, an Italian deli, is a neighborhood staple.
Whitestone Plaza and the Whitestone Shopping Center provide retail options including North Shore Farms (an upscale supermarket), Key Food, pharmacies, and salons. Larger-format retailers including Target and T.J. Maxx are accessible nearby along the Cross Island Parkway corridor.
The Queens Borough Public Library operates a branch at 151-10 14th Road. Holy Trinity Catholic Academy and St. Luke's School are private school options within the neighborhood.
Flushing, a short drive or bus ride south, provides one of the most diverse dining and shopping districts in the country, along with the 7 train for subway access to Manhattan.
Outdoor Recreation
Whitestone's waterfront location along the East River provides outdoor access that distinguishes it from most Queens neighborhoods.
Francis Lewis Park
A waterfront park on the East River offering green space, walking paths, and views of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge and the East River. Named for Francis Lewis, the Declaration of Independence signer who owned land in the area.
Powell's Cove Park
A waterfront park and environmental preserve along the East River with walking paths, shoreline views, and wetland habitat. Shoreline preservation projects are ongoing.
MacNeil Park
Located in the College Point/Whitestone border area, this waterfront park provides athletic fields, playgrounds, and river views.
Malba Field and Marine Club
A private waterfront club within the Malba section, offering bay access and social programming for members.
Nearby Parks
Crocheron Park and Fort Totten Park in neighboring Bayside provide additional green space, athletic fields, and waterfront access. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, one of the largest parks in the city, is accessible to the south.
Nearby Communities
Bayside borders Whitestone to the east and offers its own LIRR station, Bell Boulevard dining scene, and Fort Totten waterfront access. College Point is to the west. Flushing is to the south, with the 7 train, Citi Field, and one of the most diverse commercial districts in the country. Across the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, the Bronx provides access to I-95, Westchester County, and points north.
Many buyers who consider Whitestone also explore Nassau County communities along the LIRR's Port Washington Branch, including Port Washington, Manhasset, and Great Neck. The transition from northeast Queens to the North Shore is a path the Eric Berman Team works with buyers on regularly.
For a broader look at all the communities we cover, visit our communities hub.
Commute to Manhattan
Whitestone does not have subway service. Commuters use a combination of express buses, local buses to the 7 train in Flushing, and driving.
Express Bus: QM2, QM20, and QM32 provide direct service to Midtown Manhattan. Typical travel time is 40 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and route.
Local Bus to 7 Train: Routes Q15, Q15A, Q16, Q44 SBS, and others connect Whitestone to the Flushing-Main Street subway station (7 train). From Flushing, the 7 train reaches Times Square in approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
LIRR Alternative: The LIRR stations in Bayside (Port Washington Branch) and Flushing (Main Street, Port Washington Branch) are accessible by car or bus, providing direct service to Penn Station in 20 to 30 minutes.
Driving to Midtown Manhattan: Approximately 10 to 13 miles. Without traffic, the drive takes roughly 20 to 30 minutes via the Whitestone Expressway (I-678) south to the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to the Midtown Tunnel, or via the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge to the Cross Bronx Expressway to the George Washington Bridge or Triboro Bridge. During peak commute hours, expect 45 to 75 minutes depending on route and conditions.
Bridge Access: The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge (I-678) connects directly to the Bronx, I-95, and the Hutchinson River Parkway for Westchester and Connecticut access. The Throgs Neck Bridge is also accessible via the Cross Island Parkway.
History
Dutch settlers derived the neighborhood's name from the white limestone that lined the river shore in the 17th century. Wills and deeds from the era reference "the white stone" as a local landmark. A large portion of the land was owned by Francis Lewis, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. For a period, the area was known as Clintonville, named after Governor DeWitt Clinton — a name still visible in Clintonville Street.
Through the 19th century, Whitestone was a farming and summer resort community. In 1883, railroad service was extended on the Whitestone and Westchester Railroad (later the LIRR's Whitestone Branch), with the terminus at Whitestone Landing on 154th Street. William Ziegler, president of the Royal Baking Powder Company, purchased large tracts of land in the 1880s, and his holdings became the foundation of what is now Malba. The name "Malba" is an acronym formed from the surnames of the five founders of the Malba Land Company: Maycock, Alling, Lewis, Bishop, and Avis.
Rapid residential development came in the 1920s as trolley and LIRR service expanded. The completion of the Bronx-Whitestone Bridge in 1939 — designed by engineer Othmar Ammann, with a 2,300-foot center span making it the fourth-longest bridge in the world at the time — accelerated growth further. LIRR service to Whitestone ended during the Great Depression, and parts of the old rail right-of-way were repurposed by Robert Moses for the Whitestone Expressway.
By mid-century, Whitestone had developed into a stable residential neighborhood of Irish, Italian, German, and Jewish households, many relocated from Brooklyn and Manhattan. Greek, Chinese, and Korean residents have joined the community in subsequent decades.
Real Estate Overview
Whitestone's housing stock is predominantly single-family detached homes, making it one of the most owner-occupied neighborhoods in Queens with a homeownership rate of approximately 78%. Architectural styles include colonials, Tudors, Cape Cods, ranches, split-levels, and newer Mediterranean and contemporary construction. Most homes were built between the 1920s and 1960s, with a wave of newer construction in the 2000s and 2010s, particularly along the waterfront.
Single-family detached homes in Whitestone generally range from $900,000 to $2.5 million, depending on size, lot, condition, and proximity to the waterfront. Homes in the Malba section — with larger lots, waterfront access, and a gated-community feel — can exceed $2 million to $3 million and above. Garden co-ops and smaller attached homes in the central and southeastern sections of the neighborhood are available in the $400,000 to $700,000 range. Two-family homes typically fall between $1 million and $1.8 million.
The market moves at a moderate pace, with homes averaging approximately 60 to 90 days on market. Whitestone's combination of single-family housing, waterfront access, and proximity to the Whitestone Bridge makes it one of the more desirable residential neighborhoods in Queens.
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Schools
Whitestone falls within New York City Department of Education District 25. Elementary schools in the neighborhood include PS 79 Francis Lewis, PS 193 Alfred J. Kennedy, PS 209 Clearview Garden, and PS 169 Bay Terrace. IS 25 Adrien Block serves as a middle school option.
High schools in the broader area include Bayside High School and Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. Flushing High School for Language Studies offers specialized programming.
Private and parochial options include Holy Trinity Catholic Academy and St. Luke's School.
For additional details, visit the NYC Department of Education website or review school information on GreatSchools.org.
Who Considers Whitestone?
Buyers consider Whitestone for its combination of single-family housing, waterfront proximity, and a suburban feel within New York City limits.
The availability of detached homes with driveways, backyards, and actual lots is a primary draw. Whitestone has one of the highest homeownership rates in Queens, and the streetscape feels more like a Long Island suburb than a city neighborhood. Buyers looking for space, privacy, and a residential setting without leaving New York City frequently focus on Whitestone.
The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge provides direct access to the Bronx, Westchester, and I-95 — a commuter advantage for buyers who work north of the city or need airport access (LaGuardia Airport is approximately 6 miles away). The Cross Island Parkway connects south to the Long Island Expressway and the southern Queens/Nassau corridor.
Malba, the waterfront sub-section, attracts buyers looking for larger homes on premium lots with East River views and a gated, enclave-like setting.
Whitestone is also a frequent starting point for buyers who eventually move east into Nassau County. Many people who end up purchasing in Port Washington, Manhasset, or Great Neck start in Whitestone or Bayside and move east as their priorities evolve. The Eric Berman Team works with buyers on both sides of that line.
Buying or Selling in Whitestone?
Eric Berman and The Eric Berman Team at Compass serve buyers and sellers across Northeast Queens and the Queens-to-Nassau corridor. The team understands the dynamics of the Whitestone market — from Malba waterfront properties to two-family homes near the expressway — and the transition many buyers make from Queens to Long Island's North Shore. Whether you're selling a colonial on a tree-lined street or exploring your first single-family purchase, the team brings local knowledge and real transaction experience.
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Why list with The Eric Berman Team
Call Eric Berman directly: 917-225-8596
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitestone
Q: How far is Whitestone from Manhattan?
A: Whitestone is approximately 12 miles from Midtown Manhattan. Express buses (QM2, QM20, QM32) provide direct service to Midtown in 40 to 60 minutes. Local buses connect to the 7 train at Flushing-Main Street, which reaches Times Square in about 30 to 40 minutes. By car, the drive takes 20 to 30 minutes without traffic and 45 to 75 minutes during peak hours.
Q: Is there a subway in Whitestone?
A: No. There is no subway service in Whitestone. Residents use express buses for direct Midtown service or take local buses to the 7 train at Flushing-Main Street. The LIRR stations in Bayside and Flushing are also accessible by car or bus, providing direct service to Penn Station in 20 to 30 minutes.
Q: What types of homes are available in Whitestone?
A: Whitestone is predominantly single-family detached homes, with a homeownership rate of approximately 78%. Styles include colonials, Tudors, Cape Cods, ranches, and newer construction. Single-family homes generally range from $900,000 to $2.5 million. Malba waterfront homes can exceed $3 million. Garden co-ops are available in the $400,000 to $700,000 range, and two-family homes typically fall between $1 million and $1.8 million.
Q: What is Malba?
A: Malba is a waterfront sub-section of Whitestone, located along the East River between the Whitestone Expressway and 138th Street. It is one of the most affluent areas in Queens, with large homes on manicured lots and river views. The name is an acronym formed from the surnames of the five founders of the Malba Land Company: Maycock, Alling, Lewis, Bishop, and Avis. Development began in 1908.
Q: What is there to do in Whitestone?
A: Whitestone offers local restaurants (Villaggio, Sergimmo Salumeria, Ginger and Lemongrass), shopping at Whitestone Plaza and the Whitestone Shopping Center, and waterfront parks including Francis Lewis Park and Powell's Cove Park. Flushing, a short drive south, provides one of the most diverse dining and shopping districts in the country. Crocheron Park and Fort Totten in Bayside are also nearby.
Q: Where did the name Whitestone come from?
A: The name comes from the white limestone rocks that once lined the East River shore. Dutch settlers in the 1600s referred to "the white stone" as a local landmark and survey reference point. The area was also briefly known as Clintonville, named after Governor DeWitt Clinton, which is still reflected in the street name Clintonville Street.
Q: What neighborhoods are near Whitestone?
A: Whitestone borders Bayside to the east, College Point to the west, and Flushing to the south. The Bronx-Whitestone Bridge connects directly to the Bronx. Many Whitestone buyers also explore Nassau County communities along the LIRR's Port Washington Branch, including Port Washington, Manhasset, and Great Neck.
