Hollis, Queens, NY

Hollis Neighborhood Overview

Hollis is a quiet, predominantly residential neighborhood in central Queens, nestled between the more bustling hubs of Jamaica to the west and Queens Village to the east. Its boundaries are loosely defined by Hillside Avenue to the north, Francis Lewis Boulevard to the east, the Grand Central Parkway to the south, and roughly 205th Street to the west. Developed largely in the early-to-mid 20th century, Hollis retains a classic suburban feel within the city, characterized by tree-lined streets, detached single-family homes, and a strong sense of community.

The neighborhood's history is deeply tied to its development along the Long Island Rail Road, with the Hollis station established in the 1880s. It transitioned from farmland to a streetcar suburb and later became a notable hub for Black middle-class homeownership in the mid-20th century, attracting many professionals, artists, and musicians. This legacy contributes to its enduring identity as a stable, family-oriented enclave with a rich cultural history, offering a slower-paced alternative to Manhattan while maintaining excellent transit access via the LIRR and multiple bus lines.

Housing & Real Estate

Hollis is defined by its stock of detached and semi-detached single-family homes, many featuring Tudor, Colonial, or Cape Cod architectural styles from the 1920s-1950s. These homes often sit on generous lots with front and back yards, a rarity in New York City. There are also some smaller multi-family homes, low-rise apartment buildings, and co-ops, particularly along major thoroughfares like Hillside Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard.

The housing market in Hollis is primarily owner-occupied, contributing to the neighborhood's stable and invested community vibe. While historically more affordable than many NYC neighborhoods, prices have risen with the broader Queens market. Homes typically range from the high $600,000s for fixer-uppers or smaller properties to over $1.2 million for larger, fully renovated houses. The area remains a relative value for those seeking standalone homeownership with space, though inventory is often limited.

Schools & Education

Hollis is served by New York City's School District 29, which includes a mix of public, charter, and private options. Local elementary schools include PS 35, PS 118, and PS 134. The neighborhood is zoned for IS 192 for middle school. High school options involve citywide choice, with nearby campuses like Queens High School for Teaching and the Humanities located in the area.

While District 29 has faced challenges, there are well-regarded individual schools, and many families actively engage in the school choice process. Private and parochial options, such as St. Gabriel's School, provide alternatives. The proximity to several higher education institutions, including York College and St. John's University, adds to the educational landscape, though they are technically in adjacent neighborhoods.

Parks & Recreation

Hollis offers several green spaces for recreation and leisure. The centerpiece is Hollis Playground, located adjacent to the Hollis Long Island Rail Road station, featuring basketball courts, handball courts, play equipment, and open areas. To the south, the sprawling Cunningham Park—one of Queens' largest parks—is easily accessible, offering miles of walking and biking trails, sports fields, tennis courts, and a renowned mountain bike trail system.

For golf enthusiasts, the Clearview Park Golf Course sits on the neighborhood's eastern border. Residents also enjoy the quieter, neighborhood-pocket parks like Captain Tilly Park, which provides a shaded, grassy retreat. The lack of a massive, centrally-located park is offset by the prevalence of private backyard space and the easy access to major recreational facilities just beyond Hollis's borders.

Local Dining & Shopping

Commercial life in Hollis is centered along its main arteries: Hillside Avenue and Francis Lewis Boulevard. The dining scene is unpretentious and reflects the diverse community, featuring a solid selection of Caribbean restaurants, West Indian bakeries, and soul food spots. Local favorites include iconic establishments like the historic, family-owned Guy's Barbecue and a variety of Jamaican eateries serving authentic jerk chicken and patties.

For shopping, residents rely on a mix of local businesses and national chains. Hillside Avenue hosts several supermarkets, including a Key Food and a Bravo Supermarket catering to Caribbean tastes, alongside discount stores, salons, and pharmacies. The Hollis Avenue commercial strip offers more neighborhood-serving shops. For larger retail needs, residents often travel to nearby Jamaica Center, the Queens Center Mall in Elmhurst, or the big-box stores along Union Turnpike.

Who Lives Here

Hollis is home to a largely Black and Caribbean-American community, with many families having deep, multi-generational roots in the neighborhood. It is known for its strong middle-class base, homeownership pride, and tight-knit, neighborly atmosphere. The demographic is predominantly families and long-term residents who value the quiet, residential character and the sense of safety and community.

The neighborhood attracts those seeking the space and feel of a suburb—front porches, driveways, and block associations—without leaving New York City. It is particularly appealing to municipal workers, teachers, and professionals who commute via the LIRR. While not a major destination for young singles or the nightlife-seeking crowd, Hollis offers a stable, affordable, and family-centric lifestyle that is increasingly hard to find in the five boroughs.

Hollis Market Data

Top Real Estate Agents in Hollis, Queens

Nearby Neighborhoods in Queens, NY

← Back to all Queens, NY real estate agents

← Back to all New York real estate agents

Verification & Transparency

• Transparency
• Crawl Stats
• Methodology
• Ranking Methodology