Queens is the eastern most of the 5 boroughs, the largest in area and second largest in population.  It is an extremely diverse county comprised of over 2.3 million people.  Three of the most popular neighborhoods in western Queens for those commuting to Manhattan are Astoria, Long Island City (LIC), and Jackson Heights. They are all a short subway ride to Midtown. Astoria and LIC are just across the East River from Midtown and the Upper East Side. As people are priced out of Manhattan, western Queens has gained in popularity, especially for folks in their 20s and 30s. There is no shortage of neighborhoods and attractions as the New York Mets reside in Flushing along with the annual U.S. Open at the Flushing Meadow Park Grounds.