BELLEROSE, LONG ISLAND

Yoga classes at a Jewish Center

Life in Bellerose is enriched by authentic creation of many ethnic milieus and most enlightened combinations of different streams of human experience. The seemingly unending lunch buffet, private room for evening functions and handfuls of candies as parting gifts are delightful parts of a meal at the Mogul Palace on Union Turnpike, but what is most remarkable is how the owners manage to create a piece of India in Bellerose. The décor and furnishings make one forget that this is still the United States! Bellerose is not all about India though- the Calla Larga on Jericho Turnpike brings Northern Italy to the neighborhood in delicious fashion! It serves high grade Italian fare. Excellent service and a cozy atmosphere go with a varied and innovative menu that has creative appetizers, enormous entrees and diet-defying desserts.

The liberal embrace of Bellerose extends to the field of religion, which in lesser places divides people. The Hollis Hills Jewish Center has Yoga and Meditation classes imported from the Indian sub-continent. The Unitarian Universal Church School follows a secular and multi-lateral approach to its non-denominational teaching.

The North Bellerose Civic Association plays an active role in zoning and allocation of land for various public purposes. It has a voice in ensuring that Bellerose retains its best elements to remain a pleasant place in which to live. The Bellerose Theater, closed after a devastating fire broke out in 1980, is now a carpet store with a broad selection of styles now operates from the site. It is an example of how Bellerose responds to changing lifestyles and uses every opportunity to promote culture from all over the world. The North Bellerose Civic Association meets every month. It is a part of the Queens Civic Congress. Rail Road services and school organization are other important community issues in which the Association is beneficially engaged. It could also be a driving force for the admirable cohesion displayed by the international community of Bellerose. Bellerose residents are well-off financially as well, with a median income over $ 60 thousand.

Bellerose is on the eastern border of Queens where it touches Nassau. The Long Island Rail Road can take credit for making this area habitable and continues to this day. A Helen Marsh was the first person to build a home in Bellerose. It was then a part of Floral Park and the land was used for gladiola cultivation.

The Child's Psychiatric Center on Commonwealth Boulevard is an important medical institution for all of Queens. It is the largest institution of its kind in the country. The Queens County Farm Museum is an important and unusual attraction of Bellerose. Agriculture was at the heart of much of the eastern United States until the second half of the 19th century, and there are many aspects of farming art and technology that were developed in this region. It is a rare organization for farm museums are not common anywhere.

Bellerose has beautiful homes and the realty market is studded with some magnificent properties. Modern touches have been added to many classic homes that represent excellent value. Most homes are in the range of $ 600 to 700 thousand. Rents are around $ 1500 for homes with 2-bedrooms. Studios are relatively expensive and can cost up to $ one thousand a month. Property taxes are lower than in Nassau.