The views of Manhattan from Astoria may be heavenly, but for those who’ve decamped to this northwestern part of Queens, even without them the neighborhood is divine enough. Just twenty minutes to Manhattan by subway, Astoria has long attracted renters — there are more apartments for lease here than for sale — looking for deals. (For families, the public schools are a big draw.) And it’s come a long way since Archie Bunker raised hell here. The rowhouses are still around, as are the nineteenth-century mansions and brick prewars, but pricey luxury condos have infiltrated, too. Trendy clothing boutiques are opening shop next to diners and butchers. Hipsters jostle for sidewalk space against old-timers, many of whom came from Greece and Eastern Europe. To see how veterans and newcomers alike get fiercely passionate about the neighborhood, check out blogs like Joey in Astoria or Astorians.com. Or, better yet, spend a few hours at open houses there this weekend to see — literally — how the locals live. Here are a few picks for viewing this weekend. —S. Jhoanna Robledo
One-Bedroom
Call listing agent Elena Negru (646-319-3710) for information
$365,000
Two-Bedroom
33-43 14th St., nr. 34th Ave.
By appointment: Lisa Lee (646-240-0560) or Daniel (917-699-7193)
Sunday, 2 p.m.–4 p.m.
$310,000
2475 38th St., nr. Astoria Blvd., Apt. 11D
Sunday, 5 p.m.–6 p.m.
$350,000
House
35th St. at 23rd Ave.
Saturday, noon–3 p.m.
By appointment: George Halvatzis at Halvatzis Realty (718-545-8300 or 917-923-0204)
$549,000
