Nancy A. Ruhling

Mill Basin could be considered Brooklyn's version of Long Island. Houses here, some of which are on the waterfront, are defined by detached single-family houses with grassy lawns, flower gardens, swimming pools, and, in some cases, boats docked in the backyard.

The Queens neighborhood of Rego Park has the perks of city living and the friendliness of a little town with great shopping and a diverse array of ethnic restaurants.

The northeast Queens community of Bayside is a waterfront locale that fuses suburban serenity with city amenities. The subway system doesn’t reach here so you need a car and several major roadways connect here. 

The multicultural western Queens neighborhood of Sunnyside combines big-city living with a small-town sense of community. Here's what you need to know about housing and living there.

Prices for single-family homes in Forest Hills, Queens start at $1 million to $1.1 million for a 1,700-square-foot house with a basement, backyard, garage, and parking space.

Buyers can stretch their dollars in Astoria, Queens, where there's new condo development and a diverse array of restaurants and nightlife options.